58
Ransomware Incidents Reported
Number of ransomware attacks reported in Sierra Leone in 2026
14%
Percentage of Organizations Infected
Proportion of Sierra Leonean organizations experiencing ransomware infections
12,300
Average Ransom Paid (USD)
Average ransom amount paid by victims in Sierra Leone
2.1
Cybersecurity Budget (USD millions)
Total cybersecurity budget allocated by the government in Sierra Leone
1,245,000
Phishing Attempts Blocked
Number of phishing attempts detected and blocked in Sierra Leone in 2026
Sierra Leone saw a rise in ransomware attacks in 2026, with 58 incidents reported, reflecting growing cyber threats despite limited cybersecurity infrastructure. The increase highlights urgent needs for enhanced digital defenses and awareness among organizations and individuals. The average ransom paid has increased slightly, indicating more targeted and costly attacks.
Government and private sector efforts are expanding, with a cybersecurity budget of USD 2.1 million. While this investment aims to improve defenses, the high volume of phishing attempts suggests cybercriminals are actively exploiting vulnerabilities. Strengthening policies and promoting cybersecurity training are essential to mitigate future risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main cybersecurity challenges in Sierra Leone?
Limited cybersecurity infrastructure, low awareness, and evolving cyber threats make Sierra Leone vulnerable to attacks like ransomware and phishing.
How can Sierra Leone improve its cybersecurity resilience?
Investing in infrastructure, training personnel, and adopting international cybersecurity standards are crucial steps for Sierra Leone to enhance resilience.
Disclaimer: All statistics presented are 2026 estimates and projections based on industry trend analysis, historical data, and publicly available research. Individual data points may vary from actual figures.