Statistics from global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, revealed that phishing attacks in Rwanda are increasing, with new tricks such as human resource dismissal and bank services. Detected attacks increased in five African countries; Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria within the last three months.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals used more believable excuses to ask for personal information, which are then used in phishing attacks. Vulnerabilities exploited include delivery services, postal services, financial services, and human resources services which were greatly affected by the pandemic.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) disclosed that the rate of cybercrimes during the three month lockdown increased by 72% in the amount of money involved.