Rising Digital Threats and the AUEU SummitCEFR A2
10 Dec 2025
Adapted from Cecilia Maundu, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Storyzangu Hub, Unsplash
Digital threats are now central to talks between the African Union and the European Union. Investigative journalists in Africa face spyware, monitoring and online attacks that can expose sensitive information. Kenya recorded more than 4.5 billion cyber-attacks in three months, showing how large the risk has become.
Reports say attacks target health systems, telecom networks and public administration. A private review and an Interpol assessment note rising malware infections and data breaches. With fewer than 25,000 certified cybersecurity professionals, many countries struggle to respond. At the recent AUEU Summit in Luanda, leaders discussed data protection, connectivity, training and the need to protect women online.
Difficult words
- investigative journalist — a reporter who studies and checks factsInvestigative journalists
- spyware — software that secretly collects information from computers
- cyber-attack — an online action to harm systems or datacyber-attacks
- malware — programs that harm or steal data on computers
- data breach — when private information is taken or exposeddata breaches
- connectivity — the state of being connected to networks or internet
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think training in cybersecurity is important in your country? Why or why not?
- What steps can people take to protect their personal information online?
- How can leaders help protect women from online attacks?
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