The Global South’s Cybersecurity Gap: A Geopolitical Risk Ignored?

Atharv PatilAtharv Patil
14 min read

Cybersecurity isn’t just a nerdy tech topic – it’s now a front-line issue for economies and societies all round the globe. When power grids, banks or hospitals go digital, a hack can shut off whole cities or crash markets. The World Bank even warns that cyber incidents (from simple website defacements to crippling ransomware) can have “significant economic and social consequences” as vital services like energy, banking, water and healthcare all rely on the internet. Yet many developing (As the West Calls it) nations (often called the “Global South”) are racing ahead with internet access without the same defenses as developed countries. In fact, recent studies show that developing regions now lead the world in attack rates: Latin America has the highest number of cyberattacks per internet user, and Africa leads in attacks per organization. As one tech commentator bluntly put it: “Cyber criminals are coming for the Global South”. Even tiny nations like Vanuatu (population ~300,000) recently had all government services knocked offline by ransomware. In short: the developing countries are no longer “off the grid” – and their weak cyber shields make them attractive targets.

What do we mean by the Global South?

Roughly, it’s the developing world – parts of Africa, Latin America, Asia and elsewhere with lower per capita GDP and less tech infrastructure. There’s no strict boundary, but it includes most countries outside Europe/North America that lack big budgets or strong institutions. These nations now have a growing share of the world’s internet users, but they often lack money and skilled staff to protect their networks. That gap – in people, technology and funding – is huge. For example, a new World Bank report notes that the global shortage of cybersecurity talent is over 4 million professionals, and developing countries are especially exposed. Imagine trying to guard critical systems when nearly all the experts are in wealthy countries!

  • Few expert blue team professionals: Almost no developing country has the workforce it needs. One global survey found the cyber workforce shortfall grew by 26% in 2022, even as demand surged. Countries like India, Brazil or Nigeria are hiring thousands of techies, but still can’t fill all their security jobs. This means many networks end up with no trained engineers to install firewalls or analyze threats.

  • Thin infrastructure: Many places don’t even have basic cyber-defense teams. For instance, in West & Central Africa only 5 of 22 nations have a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CSIRT) or similar cyber police. In East/Southern Africa it’s just 10 out of 26. Without a dedicated incident-response team, attacks can go unreported or uninvestigated.

  • Low budgets & awareness: Governments often see cybersecurity as a “nice to have” instead of a must. Budgets are tiny. For example, schools might not teach cyber hygiene, and officials might not know how to handle an attack. This fuels a cycle of ignorance: people click suspicious links, and law enforcement has little cybercrime training.

  • Cheaper, outdated tech (corruption): Some agencies cut corners by running pirated or old software, because paying for licenses or updates costs money (or because of corrupt procurement).

    The result? Systems with no updates that hackers can easily exploit. In fact, one analysis found networks built on pirated software become easy targets – even decade-old viruses like “WannaCry” (2017!) still work wonders in such places. In short, when you run Windows 7 or pirated systems, a 6-year-old ransomware can still hold you hostage.

Devices seized from a West African scam ring in 2025. Interpol busted a network where criminals ran high-tech bank scams using piles of mobile phones. These devices show how even common gadgets fuel big fraud.

Why the Global South Is a Digital Battleground?

Weak cyber defenses make these countries prime real estate for bad actors:

  • Easy pickings for criminals: Cyber thieves and fraudsters naturally prey on the low-hanging fruit. They scan for countries with few security-measures, then unleash malware or phishing. Reports note that hackers are now choosing targets “based first on vulnerability,” which has translated into more attacks on institutions in the Global South. For instance, if a Western firm spends millions on security, attackers may ignore it and hit a smaller bank in Asia or Africa instead, since it’s easier.

  • Testing ground for malware: Major hacking groups often test new tools in environments where defenses are lax. In fact, back in 2017 The New York Times reported that attackers saw developing nations as the “ideal testing ground” for cyberattacks. They could try out new ransomware or data-stealing schemes on these networks, refine them, and then use the proven weapons globally.

  • Abuse by powerful states: The Global South can become a proxy battleground for state-sponsored activities. Some nation-states (or their agents) run espionage or sabotage campaigns from or against vulnerable countries. For example, foreign actors have been linked to hacking critical infrastructure in developing countries – like spreading blackouts or tampering with ports – because it may be harder to detect and easier to justify as “local unrest.”

  • Botnets and scams: Criminal networks also exploit cheap services and naïve users. Africa has seen growth in fake call centers and SIM-card frauds (where scammers reroute calls cheaply to avoid tracing). Latin America has become a hotbed for banking trojans and phishing, partly because millions now bank online with little security education.

So, weak defenses attract attacks. It’s no coincidence that ransomware gangs and phishing rings have been very active in the Global South. As digitalization expands, so do opportunities for abuse. Every vulnerability – from an unpatched server to an uninformed employee – is like a red carpet for hackers.

Case Studies: Cyber Attacks in Developing Nations

  • Nigeria: Africa’s largest economy and tech hub has seen booming internet use – and booming cybercrime. Last year Nigeria’s banks and fintech firms reported a 45% jump in fraud, costing about ₦150 billion (US$180 million). In one high-profile hack, fintech firm Flutterwave lost roughly ₦11 billion ($7M) in unauthorized transfers in 2024. The government’s own sites aren’t safe either: Nigeria’s statistics bureau (NBS) was defaced by hackers in late 2024. As a recent Interpol raid (“Operation Red Card”) showed, organized scam rings are rampant. Nigerian police alone arrested 130 people (many foreigners) running online casino and investment fraud schemes. These cases highlight how quickly cybercriminals exploit gaps in even Africa’s leading tech economy.

  • India (Healthcare sector): India has surged online rapidly, but healthcare systems lag in security. In Oct 2024, Fortis Healthcare – one of India’s largest private hospital chains – suffered a massive data breach. Hackers claiming the group “Kill Security” exfiltrated huge piles of patient data (names, contacts, medical records, etc.). That same year, Star Health Insurance saw millions of policyholders’ data leaked. And this follows India’s biggest ever hospital hack: in Nov 2022 ransomware crippled the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for about two weeks, forcing staff to revert to pen and paper. These breaches show that even vital services like hospitals and insurers are targets, with sensitive personal data at risk.

  • Latin America: Across Latin America, cyberattacks are rising faster than legal defenses can keep up. In Costa Rica (2022) and Colombia (2024), government institutions were hit by crippling ransomware – in one case locking 3,000 backup servers and demanding an $8 million ransom. Business and consumer data are also prime targets. In Brazil (2021), hackers leaked personal records of over 220 million Brazilians – basically the whole country’s population. Yet many countries still lack strong cybersecurity laws or enforcement. Experts note that most Latin American nations have “weak” cybercrime legislation and very limited capacity to investigate digital crimes. In short, attacks are real and costly, while punishments and protection are often weak.

Geopolitical Risks and Global Fallout

Cyber weaknesses in the Global South aren’t just a local problem – they have global ripple effects:

  • Foreign influence & disinformation: Many developing democracies face waves of online disinformation, often sponsored by foreign states. A recent Africa Center study found hundreds of disinfo campaigns across Africa, targeting issues from elections to public health. Shockingly, nearly 60% of those campaigns were traced to foreign governments (mainly Russia, China, UAE, etc.). These campaigns have even helped fuel violence and coups in some regions. In other words, if social media in a country is flooded with fake news by outsiders, it can undermine trust in institutions and destabilize governments. And because misinformation spreads rapidly across borders, it poses a geopolitical headache for everyone, not just the local victims.

  • Critical infrastructure & supply chains: Vulnerabilities can also threaten regional and global infrastructure. Ports, telecom networks, and energy grids in developing regions are increasingly connected – but often weakly protected. A cyberattack on a major African port or Indian power grid could disrupt global shipping or energy markets. Even relatively small incidents have big impacts: for example, Venezuelan authorities confirmed a cyberattack in 2019 that caused wide blackouts nationwide. Imagine similar attacks on larger economies’ supply chains or telecoms – the fall-out could be felt far beyond one country.

  • Election security: Weak cyber defenses make electoral systems and campaigns easy targets. Hackers can breach voter registration databases or hack electronic voting gear in developing countries with little oversight. Even just flooding a nation’s social media with fake news (as noted) can influence elections. Any blow to the legitimacy of an election in one country can feed regional instability. As global power rivals (like the U.S., China, Russia) compete, they often probe how much they can influence “far-off” elections. Inadequate cybersecurity and media literacy mean these tactics work better in places where defenses and regulations are weak.

In sum, cyber risk is a geopolitical risk. A major digital hit in one part of the world (or the weaponization of social media) can have international consequences. Attacks can cascade through trade and finance. So leaving any country unprotected is like leaving a crack in a global dam.

Challenges to Building Cyber Resilience

Why is it so hard for Global South countries to beef up security?

  • Talent drought: As noted, there simply aren’t enough trained people. Schools and universities often don’t teach cybersecurity fundamentals, and governments may not have the budget or know-how to train police or judges. Without experts to install and manage security, even a fast internet connection won’t help.

  • Tiny budgets and low priority: Many governments treat cybersecurity budgets as optional. Police forces, for example, may have no cyber-unit or just a handful of officers. Officials often prioritize obvious needs (roads, hospitals) over abstract “tech” problems. This means things like public awareness campaigns, regular software updates, or national monitoring centers never get funded.

  • Foreign dependence (“digital colonialism”): A big worry is over-reliance on outside technology. For instance, if a country uses software and hardware made by a foreign tech giant or government, it may unknowingly cede control. Experts have warned of “digital colonialism,” where powerful nations set the rules and reap the data of developing countries. This can happen through “free” apps that harvest data, or telecom deals that come with hidden risks. Without building local tech capacity, developing nations risk having their digital destiny shaped by others.

  • Lack of awareness & enforcement: Low cyber awareness is a huge barrier. Many citizens and officials simply don’t recognize cyber threats until it’s too late. In corporate offices, workers still use weak passwords or click on phishing links. Governments might have anti-hacking laws on paper but no one to enforce them. Training, public education and strong legal systems are often the last things to get attention.

What Needs to Change: Policy, Partnerships, and Investment

Fixing this gap will take action on many fronts:

  • International cooperation: No country can handle cyber threats alone. Developed nations and organizations are starting to help, but more is needed. For example, the World Bank reports that between 2014–2024 it helped 64 developing countries set up cyber defenses like CSIRT teams. The Bank also co-hosted a global cyber capacity conference in Ghana (Nov 2023) with 700 officials from many nations. UN and regional bodies have created frameworks (like the new UN cybercrime convention in 2024) to share best practices. Alliances like the QUAD (U.S., India, Japan, Australia) and the EU often include cyber-dialogues to help partner countries. Supporting cybersecurity should become part of foreign aid and development programs, just like roads and schools.

  • Building local skills: Countries need to grow their own talent pipeline. The World Bank suggests long-term strategies, from adding cyber safety to school curricula to creating vocational cyber-training. Governments and businesses can team up (Public-Private Partnerships) to run hackathons, internships, and “cyber academies.” For example, India’s government partnered with Mastercard to jointly run training workshops and share threat intel for banks. Programs like this – combining government experts with private cybersecurity firms – can spread knowledge quickly. Scholarships and “train-the-trainer” schemes can also expand expertise even in remote areas.

  • Invest in frameworks & infrastructure: Just like building roads or power plants, countries must invest in cyber infrastructure. This means funding national incident response centers, emergency hotlines, and threat monitoring centers. It also means enacting and enforcing laws against hacking. Latin America’s example shows how bad the gap can be when “the legal framework is weak and enforcement is weak”. Strengthening laws, setting minimum security standards for critical sectors (banks, energy, health), and allocating budgets for cyber are key steps.

  • Encourage homegrown solutions: Technology developed locally can be more affordable and better suited to each country’s context. Governments should back local startups and research in cybersecurity – for example, by offering grants or tax breaks. Regional collaboration (Africa-wide, ASEAN-wide, etc.) can help too, so nations share tools and knowledge rather than each going it alone. Indigenous solutions also reduce dependence on foreign firms, countering the “digital colonialism” risk.

  • South-South partnerships: Developing countries can help each other by sharing lessons and technology. India is a case in point (see below). The African Union, Latin American forums (like Mercosur), and Asian groups (like ASEAN/SAARC) can all include cyber-exchange programs. Multilateral institutions – ITU, World Bank, UNDP – can fund joint projects. For example, India’s ITEC program provides cybersecurity training to dozens of African, Asian and Latin American countries, a model that others could emulate.

India’s world-leading fintech (UPI) and digital ID (India Stack) systems are now being shared with other developing nations as a model. India has rolled out major cyber programs (like its national CERT, cyber laws and training) and is actively helping neighbors through agreements and workshops.

India’s Role as a Cybersecurity Leader in the Global South

India offers an example of how a developing country can step up. As the world’s second-largest internet population, India has invested heavily in cyber policy and outreach:

  • Policy and agencies: India has had a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) since 2004, and an updated national cyber policy in 2013. (A new cybersecurity strategy is reportedly under development.) The government also passed comprehensive privacy and data protection bills, signaling that digital security matters. All this created at least a basic institutional setup for cyber defense.

  • Capacity-building export: India is actively training other Global South countries. Through its ITEC program, India has provided cybersecurity training and education to roughly 160 partner countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. It even exports digital tech: India’s mobile payments platform (UPI) and “India Stack” digital ID tools have been adopted by nations like Singapore, Sri Lanka and Caribbean states. These aren’t just donations – they’re ways to help neighbors leapfrog into secure digital finance and e-government, using lessons India learned itself.

  • Regional cooperation: India shares expertise via dialogues and drills. Its CERT-In hosts regular “Cyber Storm” and “Synergy” exercises with SAARC and ASEAN countries. For example, in 2022 India hosted an India-ASEAN cyber threat-hunting webinar. It has signed security MoUs with countries from Vietnam to Nigeria for info-sharing and joint response. And India has even set up training centers in neighboring countries (e.g. Software Development centers in Cambodia, Myanmar, etc.) and helped them harden election and banking systems.

  • Setting an example: By prosecuting big cases (like the 2021 action against Chinese malware in Indian networks) and releasing regular threat reports, India signals that cybercrime won’t be ignored. Its collaboration with global firms (like the CERT-Mastercard deal) also shows how public and private sectors can team up. Other developing nations often watch India’s experience closely.

In short, India is striving to bridge the digital divide, not just for itself but for the region. It shows that a growing economy in the Global South can become a cyber leader by investing in policy, skill-building, and international outreach.

Conclusion: Cybersecurity Is a Development Issue

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury – it’s an essential part of development. Every country that plugs into the global internet shares responsibility for its safety. Weak links anywhere create vulnerabilities for everyone. As the World Bank notes, cyber risks are a “major impediment” to achieving development goals. A single ransomware outbreak in a water utility or a viral disinformation campaign can undo years of progress.

The takeaway is clear: investing in cybersecurity capacity should be as fundamental as building roads or schools in the Global South. More training, more funding, and stronger laws are needed now. Otherwise, cybercriminals and hostile actors will continue to treat these countries as easy targets – and the fallout will spill over borders. In the interconnected world, leaving any nation exposed really is a risk for all of us. It’s time for a global push – through diplomacy, aid, and private partnerships – to help under-developed and developing countries lock down their networks before the next big crisis strikes.

Heads Up: All statements are cited to reliable research, reports and media accounts as noted.

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Atharv Patil
Atharv Patil

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