Côte d’Ivoire ramps up its cybersecurity game as threats grow more sophisticated 🔐

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Côte d’Ivoire is taking a tougher stance on cybercrime, rolling out a more coordinated and centralized response as digital threats become more diverse and advanced. According to the 2024 report from the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI-CI), cyber-related offenses are rising—but so is the government’s capacity to fight back.

Scams and hacks: 2024 cases show the new face of cybercrime 💻

This past year has been marked by several high-profile cases showcasing just how cunning cybercriminals have become. In one example, an Ivorian entrepreneur was lured into a fake investment deal by someone posing as a Dubai-based financier. After weeks of online exchanges and a fake contract, the victim sent money to cover supposed processing fees—losing around 42 million CFA francs (roughly $68,000). A joint investigation by the Cybercrime Response Platform (PLCC) and CI-CERT uncovered a structured criminal network operating across multiple African countries.

In another case, a university student became a victim of cyberharassment after her WhatsApp account was hacked. Sensitive messages were leaked, followed by a ransom demand. Thanks to swift action by the National Center for Information Warfare and the Data Fusion and Analysis Center, her account was recovered and the perpetrator arrested—all within three days.

Complaints surge as digital risks become more common 📈

The ANSSI-CI logged over 12,100 cybercrime complaints in 2024—up from 8,132 the previous year. That’s an 84% increase in just two years. The rise is driven by a combination of factors: the growing reliance on digital services, cybercriminals leveraging tools like AI, and traditional crimes shifting into the digital realm.

Among the most frequent offenses:

• Crimes against personal dignity (2,822 cases, up 23%)
• Online scams (2,326 cases)
• Identity theft, image-based abuse, and social media account hacking

Financial losses decline despite more attacks 💸

Interestingly, while attacks have increased, financial losses are actually down. Total damages dropped from 9.2 billion CFA francs in 2023 to 6.9 billion in 2024. One of the biggest improvements came in the area of IT system intrusions, which fell from 3.3 billion to just 151.8 million CFA francs. Analysts credit this to better coordination between the government and banks, who are now quicker to spot suspicious activity.

A streamlined cybersecurity structure is yielding results 🧩

Since October 2024, ANSSI-CI has taken the lead as the national cybersecurity authority, consolidating efforts previously spread across several agencies, including the IT and Tech Traces Department, ARTCI, and the national CERT. Under the leadership of Colonel Major Guelpetchin Ouattara, the agency now oversees prevention, detection, investigation, and public awareness.

The PLCC handled all complaints in 2024 and resolved 68% of them. It also plays a key role in international legal cooperation—a growing necessity given the cross-border nature of many cyber threats.

Several other agencies complement this structure:

• The national Security Operations Center (SOC) monitors critical infrastructure.
• The Information Warfare Center tackles disinformation and manipulation campaigns.
• The Data Fusion and Analysis Center handles complex investigations, having supported over 2,700 cases in 2024.

2025 elections raise the stakes for cybersecurity 🗳️

With a presidential election slated for late 2025, digital security is more crucial than ever. Authorities are preparing for possible disinformation campaigns, electoral database breaches, and ransomware attacks targeting public institutions.

To prepare, ANSSI-CI is expanding real-time monitoring, stepping up civil servant training, and launching new public awareness campaigns. International partnerships are also in play, with agreements in progress or active with Interpol and cybersecurity agencies in other African nations.

Fighting cybercrime is everyone’s job 🧠

The government is urging citizens to play their part in defending the country’s digital space—by verifying information, staying alert to online scams, and quickly reporting any suspicious activity. A national alert number, 100, is available for the public.

Despite the growing complexity of cybercrime, Côte d’Ivoire is putting the right pieces in place to respond. In the lead-up to a pivotal election year, the goal is clear: build a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem for everyone.

What do you think !?
Are everyday citizens equipped to face the rising tide of digital threats?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re listening. 🙂‍↔️