Upwardly Mobile Podcast
Episode Title: Are Your Financial Apps Safe? Cybersecurity Risks in Africa

Exposed Secrets

• Host: What kinds of secrets are exposed? Researchers found a range of easily accessible items in the apps' code, including:
  • Encryption keys for securing sensitive data.
  • Authentication keys for accessing services.
  • Database credentials.
  • Payment gateway secrets.
  • OAuth client secrets.
  • Push notification keys.
  • Google Cloud API keys, found in 86% of the examined applications.
  • Facebook authentication tokens, found in approximately 15.3% of the apps.
• Host: 18% of the investigated apps revealed high severity secrets, which could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches and compromised user privacy.
• Host: Cryptocurrency apps were the most vulnerable, with 33% exposing high-severity secrets. West Africa is the most exposed region, with 20% of apps having high-severity issues, compared to only 6% in Southern Africa.
  • SEO Keywords: API Security, Encryption Keys, Authentication Tokens, Data Protection, Mobile Security, Crypto Security

The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) and Africa's Progress
A separate report, "Mapping Africa's Cybersecurity Development," using the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, provides some context.

• Host: The GCI measures a country's commitment to cybersecurity across five pillars: legal, technical, organisational, capacity development, and cooperation.
• Host: The report reveals that more than half of African nations remain below the global average in cybersecurity, despite progress in government-led cybersecurity measures.
• Host: However, there are leading countries in Africa, like Egypt, Mauritius, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Morocco, that have achieved "Role-modelling" status in their cybersecurity commitments.
• Host: Most countries are in the "Evolving" or "Establishing" stages of cybersecurity commitment.
• Host: The report also shows that countries that perform well on the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) tend to have higher GCI scores, demonstrating the interconnectedness of digital development and cybersecurity.
  • SEO Keywords: Global Cybersecurity Index, GCI, African Cybersecurity, E-Government Development, Digital Transformation, Cybercrime Legislation, Cybersecurity Strategies

Recommendations and User Advice

• Host: What actions can be taken to improve cybersecurity and protect users in Africa?
• Host: The GCI report highlights the need for countries to strengthen legal frameworks, build cybersecurity capacity, develop a skilled workforce, and increase regional and international collaboration, as well as participate in cybersecurity treaties.
• Host: For users, it's crucial to be vigilant about the apps you use. Check for updates, use strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity.
  • SEO Keywords: Cybersecurity Collaboration, Data Protection Laws, Cybersecurity Education, Incident Response, Cyber Resilience, Digital Literacy

Approov and Mobile App Security

• Host: The Approov report emphasizes the importance of end-to-end security for mobile apps. Approov provides a security solution to protect mobile apps and their APIs from attacks.
• Host: By implementing runtime security (RASP) and dynamically managing API keys, Approov prevents unauthorized access from automated tools and compromised apps.
  • SEO Keywords: Approov, Runtime Application Self-Protection, Mobile API Security

Relevant Links:

• Approov Report: https://approov.io/info/security-challenges-of-financial-mobile-apps-in-africa
• Mapping Africa’s Cybersecurity Development Report: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386985418
• ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI): https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Cybersecurity/Pages/global-cybersecurity-index.aspx
• Approov Website: https://www.approov.io/

Additional SEO Keywords:

• Cybersecurity in Africa
• Fintech vulnerabilities
• Mobile security threats
• Data privacy
• Digital economy
• Cybercrime prevention