As African countries struggle to combat a rising malware crisis, the manufacturing sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Prasanna Kumar Burri, Group Chief Information Officer of Dangote Group, highlighted the pressing cybersecurity challenges facing Africa's manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Phishing attacks and SQL injection attacks are among the most significant threats, with Burri emphasizing that firms will inevitably be hacked due to the vast exposure to malicious actors and threats from around the world. He stressed the importance of building cyber resilience, preparing teams and infrastructure for potential attacks, and having adequate backups and quick restore processes in place.

Emerging technologies like AI also play a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies, but Burri warned that AI can be a double-edged sword, as it can be leveraged by both defenders and attackers.

To enhance cybersecurity, Burri advocated for governments to invest more resources into cybersecurity, raise awareness, and train people to recognize threats. He also emphasized the need for African countries to align skill development with the demands of the growing tech and cyber industries to boost employment.