US news website, Business Insider has released a technical report that brings to light the escalating concern of cybersecurity breaches that threaten corporations in Africa.
The report emphasized that cybercriminals are resorting to tactics like ransomware attacks and data leaks, affecting institutions and stakeholders.
According to the report, Libya is the most exposed to substantial cybersecurity threats in 2023, ranking 90th globally. This high risk is attributed to the “inadequate provision of safeguards against cybercrimes, making them highly susceptible to attacks.”
The report concluded by noting that “these countries have weak or non-existent legislation against cybersecurity threats, putting sensitive transactions at substantial risk.”
Earlier today, Libyan Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Holding Company (LPTIC) announced that their data center has been under constant cyber-attacks since Friday.
According to the company’s media office, these relentless attacks have caused disruptions to services. Nevertheless, the cyber security team is working collaboratively with Libyan Telecommunications and Technology (LTT) and the International Telecommunications Company to respond effectively to these attacks.
The source of these cyber-attacks remains undisclosed, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The ongoing attacks underscore the increasing importance of strong cyber security measures, in maintaining the integrity and stability of telecommunications services.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role of cyber security in preserving the health of a nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in a world increasingly threatened by digital disruption.
The LPTIC is the main telecommunications company in Libya. It oversees the activities of state-owned companies in the telecommunications sector, including LTT.
LTT is a leading internet service provider in Libya, serving a broad consumer base with a wide range of services, including broadband, and mobile internet access. It operates a significant data center that supports these services, and as such, it’s a critical infrastructure within the country’s telecommunications landscape.
However, as with many such infrastructures around the world, it has come under the threat of cyber-attacks. These can disrupt the provision of internet services, and potentially compromise the data held within the center. This situation is a part of a global trend, as state-sponsored or rogue actors often target critical infrastructures to achieve their political, economic, or social objectives.
In response to these threats, companies like LPTIC and LTT work together with cybersecurity teams, and international partners to thwart these attacks, and secure their systems. The exact nature of the attacks and the perpetrators often remain unclear, owing to the complex and often covert nature of cyber warfare. Nevertheless, these threats highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, and international cooperation in securing critical infrastructures.
