Home / Malware / Cyber threats target online learning platforms Cyber threats target online learning platforms By Staff Writer, ITWeb Johannesburg, 06 Nov 2026 Almost 63% of online learners across META were exposed to cyber incidents in the past year. (Image source: iStock) Nearly 63% of online learners across the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region say they faced cyber incidents in the past year, reveals new research. The study, conducted by Kaspersky, surveyed 1 864 respondents aged 18 to 65 who participated in an online or hybrid education format in the past 12 months. The surveyed respondents are from 18 countries, including South Africa. According to the research, the most common digital incidents in online education included suspicious messages or links (27%), fake apps or websites (23%), and scams through online communities or messaging groups (22%). See also Sharp focus on safer online space on world internet day Free cyber crime victim helpline launches Other issues included fake courses or providers (20%), malware in educational files or apps (18%), and personal data exposure (16%). The same proportion encountered unrecognised certificates (16%) and account hacking represented 11%. “We see a growing demand for advanced training courses and university programmes delivered online. This rapid digitalisation, coupled with an evolving threat landscape, creates a clear need for comprehensive digital‑life protection,” comments Marina Titova, vice-president for consumer business at Kaspersky. “Losing a thesis because a ransomware blocks a computer, paying for a fake course or having an account compromised after clicking a malicious chat link are serious risks that anyone studying online can face.” According to Kaspersky experts, they’ve identified several types of spam mailings advertising online education services. One of these tactics is aimed at parents, urging them to switch their children to online schooling by criticising traditional schools and asking recipients to forward the message. In another example, e-mails are aimed at adult working people, suggesting they go back to school without quitting their day job,; however, images in those e-mails were mismatched and links redirected users to unrelated third‑party stores. Additionally, Kaspersky’s experts detected various spam e-mails offering student‑loan deals. The study also highlights that half (51%) of those who experienced an incident in the META region lost time, 44% received unwanted advertising, 38% lost trust in educational platforms, and almost a third (29%) suffered financial loss. SHARE EDUCATION Is your school network safe? We provide specialized, high-security solutions to protect academic institutions against rising cyber threats DIGITAL Experience seamless workflow automation with SigniFlow. Simplify, sign, and secure documents effortlessly. Transform your business. DATA We modernise Data Platforms, optimise Database Performance, and ensure seamless Azure integration for the world’s most data-driven businesses. CO-SPONSOR MESSAGE VIRTUAL PRESS OFFICE