The telecommunications sector continues to be a major target for cybercriminals in 2024. With distributed denial of service [DDoS] attacks increasing significantly across wired and wireless carriers, particularly among African Telcos. These attacks exploit sector-specific vulnerabilities, targeting the unique characteristics of telecommunications infrastructure. This is as highlighted in NETSCOUT’s 1H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report.
Two primary subsectors of the industry, wired and wireless telecommunications carriers face distinct yet interconnected challenges. Wired carriers use physical mediums like fibre-optic cables, while wireless carriers rely on electromagnetic energy via radio spectra. Both have undergone significant technological advancements, including fibre-optic services and the global rollout of 5G.
“Telecommunications carriers play a critical role in the digital ecosystem, making them prime targets for cyberattacks,” explains Bryan Hamman, Regional Director for Africa at NETSCOUT. “DDoS attacks on wireless carriers surged globally by 79% in the second half of 2022, and this trend has continued into 2024.”
Alarming Growth in Attack Volumes
The NETSCOUT report notes a 34% increase in DDoS attacks on wireless telecommunications carriers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa [EMEA], rising from 344,401 in the first half of 2023 to 525,386 in 2024. Wired carriers saw a similar uptick, with attacks increasing from 658,881 to 787,714 during the same period. Factors driving this include the expansion of 5G networks, the growing reliance on mobile devices, and the use of wireless hotspots.
Africa’s Telecommunications Sector in Focus
The report highlights that the global trend of rising DDoS attacks is mirrored across African nations. Wireless carriers were the most targeted in several countries, with South Africa experiencing 54,455 attacks, followed by Mauritius [30,039] and Morocco [16,461]. Wired carriers faced the highest number of attacks in Egypt [28,536], Kenya [19,542], and Tunisia [3,529].
Why the Industry is a Target
Telecommunications infrastructure underpins internet and communication services, making it a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Key factors contributing to these attacks include:
Increased Dependence: The growing reliance on networks for remote work and digital services.
Sophisticated Techniques: Multi-vector DDoS attacks using advanced methods to overwhelm systems.
Data Value: The high volume of personal and business data stored by carriers attracts ransomware and data breaches.
Proactive Defense is Critical
“Education and proactive defense are vital for combating these threats,” says Hamman. “Organizations must detect anomalous network behavior in real time to protect against emerging vulnerabilities.”
NETSCOUT’s findings emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the resilience of African telcos against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
