In Cameroon, the rise of cybercrime is no longer theoretical but measurable. As the country accelerates its digital transformation—through the expansion of e-government services, electronic payments, and business modernization—cyber risks are increasing in both scale and sophistication.
Against this backdrop, Cameroon’s participation in a joint initiative led by Kaspersky and the African Union’s police agency, Afripol, reflects a strategic response. Between November 2025 and March 2026, Cameroonian law enforcement officers joined counterparts from 22 other African countries in specialized training on security operations and threat hunting.
The program aimed to equip investigators with advanced skills to anticipate, detect, and respond to increasingly complex cyber threats. Training covered areas such as the operation of security operations centers (SOC), behavioral analysis in IT environments, and the identification of cybercriminal tactics.
A sharp rise in vulnerabilities
Data from Kaspersky’s security network show a significant increase in cyberattacks targeting Cameroon in 2024. Attacks exploiting security vulnerabilities rose by 91% year-on-year, from 174,472 to 333,930, largely due to outdated or poorly secured systems.
Another concern is the rise in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks, with more than 163,000 incidents recorded. These attacks target poorly secured remote access systems commonly used by businesses and public institutions, often serving as entry points for more serious breaches, including ransomware.
Backdoor attacks have also increased, with over 139,000 cases reported. These allow unauthorized access to systems, enabling data theft, surveillance, or remote control of IT infrastructure.
As pressure grows, Cameroon faces multiple challenges. These include protecting sensitive data, ensuring the continuity of essential services, and maintaining trust in the digital economy.
Beyond law enforcement training, experts stress the need for a broader approach. This includes strengthening cybersecurity systems, ensuring regular software updates, securing remote access, and raising user awareness—often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Cooperation between public and private actors, such as the Kaspersky–Afripol partnership, is also seen as essential. In a borderless digital environment, information sharing and coordination are key to tackling transnational threats. For Cameroon, the challenge is to advance its digital transformation while managing the associated risks.
Patricia Ngo Ngouem
Click Here For The Original Source.
