Rising Digital Threats and the AUEU SummitCEFR B1
10 Dec 2025
Adapted from Cecilia Maundu, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Storyzangu Hub, Unsplash
Digital threats are now a central topic in talks between the African Union and the European Union. Reporters Without Borders warns that digital surveillance and harassment are increasing, and investigative journalists face spyware and online attacks that can expose sensitive information. Kenya recorded more than 4.5 billion cyber-attacks in three months, a sign of how immediate the danger is for people and institutions.
Interpol's Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025 and a 2025 Kaspersky review report rising malware infections, data breaches and system-wide attacks. Attackers often exploit weak systems and uneven readiness, which makes recovery slow and costly for many states. Fewer than 25,000 certified cybersecurity professionals serve a population of over one billion, limiting response capacity.
The recent AUEU Summit in Luanda brought leaders together to discuss peace, security, data protection, connectivity, innovation and training. European officials described work under the Global Gateway agenda. Speakers also raised online violence against women during the sixteen days of activism and said financial aid alone will not close the gap; shared planning and long-term investment are needed.
Difficult words
- surveillance — Watching people or systems to collect information.digital surveillance
- harassment — Repeated hostile or threatening behaviour online.
- spyware — Software that secretly collects private information.
- cyber-attack — Deliberate digital action to harm systems.cyber-attacks
- malware — Harmful software that damages computers or data.malware infections
- data breach — Event when private data is exposed to others.data breaches
- cybersecurity — Protection of computer systems and digital information.certified cybersecurity professionals
- connectivity — Ability to connect devices or people online.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could shared planning between countries improve cyber safety in your area?
- What steps can journalists take to protect sensitive information online?
- Do you think training and long-term investment are more important than short-term financial aid? Why?
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