Pakistan recorded the second lowest share of users attacked by web-borne threats in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region during the first quarter of 2025. This is according to a new report released by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The findings were published by Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team.
They highlight key cybersecurity trends observed globally and in the META region. These include ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), supply chain attacks, mobile vulnerabilities, and developments in AI and IoT-related threats. The report notes that Türkiye and Kenya reported the highest number of users affected by online threats during Q1 2025.
They were followed by Qatar, Nigeria, and South Africa. Saudi Arabia had the lowest share, while Pakistan followed with the second lowest number of users impacted by web-based attacks. Kaspersky analysts are currently monitoring 25 active APT groups in the META region.
Among them are SideWinder, Origami Elephant, and MuddyWater.
Cybersecurity trends and defenses
These groups are known for targeted attacks with evolving techniques.
This includes mobile exploits and detection evasion methods. Ransomware continues to be a significant threat worldwide. Globally, the share of users affected by ransomware rose by 0.02 percentage points to 0.44% between 2023 and 2024.
In the META region, ransomware infections grew by 0.07 points to 0.72% in the Middle East. In Africa, they grew by 0.01 points to 0.41%. In Türkiye, they grew by 0.06 points to 0.46%.
Kaspersky notes that while ransomware is not typically distributed on a mass scale, attackers are increasingly targeting high-value entities. “Ransomware is one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats facing organizations today,” said Sergey Lozhkin, Head of the META and APAC regions at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team. “To stay secure, organizations need a layered defense.
This includes up-to-date systems, network segmentation, real-time monitoring, robust backups, and continuous user education.”
The report underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies across both public and private sectors in the face of evolving digital threats.
Deanna Ritchie is a managing editor at DevX. She has a degree in English Literature. She has written 2000+ articles on getting out of debt and mastering your finances. She has edited over 60,000 articles in her life. She has a passion for helping writers inspire others through their words. Deanna has also been an editor at Entrepreneur Magazine and ReadWrite.
