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Kaspersky and VDC Research reveal over $18B in potential losses from ransomware attacks on the global manufacturing industry in 2025

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Kaspersky

When ransomware hits, production lines halt, triggering immediate revenue losses from an idle workforce and longer-term shortfalls from reduced output

Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) in collaboration with VDC Research announced that in the first three quarters of 2025 ransomware attacks on manufacturing organisations could have generated over $18 billion in losses. This figure reflects just the direct cost of an idle workforce during downtime, with overall operational and financial impacts far exceeding this amount. Estimations were made across APAC, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, CIS and LATAM based on the share of manufacturing organisations where ransomware attempts were detected and prevented, the total number of manufacturing organisations in each region, average downtime hours after real attacks, average number of employees per organisation and average hourly pay.

According to Kaspersky Security Network from January to September 2025, the Middle East (7%) and Latin America (6.5%) led the regional rankings in terms of ransomware detections in manufacturing organisations. APAC (6.3%), Africa (5.8%), CIS (5.2%) and Europe (3.8%) followed. All of these attacks were blocked by Kaspersky solutions. The estimation of potential losses (below) shows the financial impact if these attacks succeeded.

When ransomware hits, production lines halt, triggering immediate revenue losses from an idle workforce and longer-term shortfalls from reduced output. The average attack lasts 13 days (based on the Kaspersky Incident Response Report) (https://apo-opa.co/4pA9PUK). As a result, idle labour costs from ransomware in the first three quarters of 2025 could have reached:

  • $11.5 billion in APAC
  • $4.4 billion in Europe
  • $711 million in LATAM
  • $685 million in the Middle East
  • $507 million in CIS
  • $446 million in Africa

Partnering with proven cybersecurity vendors is paramount for effective IT, OT and IIoT protection

Actual business losses could have been significantly higher when factoring in supply-chain disruptions, reputational damage, and recovery expenses.

“Our research provides an estimation of the financial impact that ransomware may have had on manufacturing worldwide. The growing complexity of manufacturing environments, along with widening expertise gaps and ongoing labour challenges, makes it difficult for most organisations to manage cybersecurity effectively, but failure to do so may result in financial losses – followed by reputational blows as well. Partnering with proven cybersecurity vendors is paramount for effective IT, OT and IIoT protection,” comments Jared Weiner, Research Director, Industrial Automation & Sensors at VDC Research.

“No region is exempt from ransomware – whether it’s the Middle East, LATAM, APAC, CIS, Africa or Europe, every manufacturing hub is constantly being targeted. Mid-tier manufacturers that could have been overlooked by threat actors in the past are also among the targets because their security budgets are smaller and their supply chain disruption effects can be larger than most realise. The manufacturing sector and all other organisations need reliable, proven defence systems and continuous user education,” comments Dmitry Galov, Head of Research Center for Russia and CIS at Kaspersky’s GReAT.

More information about ransomware in different regions is available in Kaspersky’s 2025 State of Ransomware Report (https://apo-opa.co/43LYE2H).

Kaspersky encourages organisations to follow these best practices to safeguard from ransomware:

  • Enable ransomware protection for all endpoints. There is a free Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool for Business (https://apo-opa.co/48fN4xZ) that shields computers and servers from ransomware and other types of malware, prevents exploits and is compatible with already installed security solutions.
  • For comprehensive protection of industrial and critical sectors, Kaspersky offers a distinctive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates dedicated OT-grade technologies, expert knowledge and invaluable expertise. At the core of this ecosystem is Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (KICS) (https://apo-opa.co/3K8S27W), a native Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform designed for critical infrastructure protection. It provides robust network traffic analysis, along with endpoint protection, detection and response capabilities. This comprehensive solution integrates traditional IT security measures with purpose-built industrial security technologies, ensuring that your company is well-equipped to face any threat.
  • Companies from non-industrial sectors can protect themselves by installing anti-APT and EDR solutions that enable capabilities for advanced threat discovery and detection, investigation and timely remediation of incidents. Organisations can also provide their SOC teams with access to the latest threat intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/4oZWhSr) and regularly upskill them with professional training. All of the above is available within Kaspersky Next Expert (https://apo-opa.co/4rpBklE).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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Ghana’s Print Sector Expands as Retail Growth and Advertising Demand Drive Investment in Advanced Production Technologies

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Ghana’s retail market was estimated at approximately US$32 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$54 billion by 2031, reflecting strong commercial expansion and consumer spending

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Ghana’s visual communications and printing industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by expanding retail activity, urban development, and rising demand for high-impact branding and advertising solutions.

 

Ghana’s retail market  was  estimated at approximately US$32 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$54 billion by 2031 (https://apo-opa.co/4uK1j95), reflecting strong commercial expansion and consumer spending.

Outdoor advertising — a key driver of large-format printing — generates around US$60 million annually, accounting for more than 20% of total advertising expenditure (https://apo-opa.co/3P5PERC).

As brands compete for visibility across storefronts, malls, events, and public spaces, print service providers are investing in advanced production systems that enable faster turnaround, greater versatility, and durable output suited to West Africa’s climate.

Accra-based Chroma Digital Solutions is among the companies leading this transformation. The business has enhanced its capabilities with the installation of the Canon Colorado M5W wide-format printer, expanding its ability to deliver premium retail displays, interior décor, and high-durability outdoor signage.

As retail, infrastructure, and advertising sectors expand, print businesses are investing in technologies that allow them to diversify offerings

This installation marks one of the earliest deployments of the Colorado M5W technology in Africa, positioning Chroma Digital Solutions to meet emerging demand for specialised and high-value print applications.“In today’s market, clients expect speed, consistency, and the ability to handle everything from décor to large outdoor graphics,” said a Kwame Owusu-Kwarteng , Operation Manger from Chroma Digital Solutions. “Investing in the Canon Colorado M5W enables us to deliver all of this on one platform. Its UVgel technology produces prints that withstand heat and sunlight, while features like white ink, matte-and-gloss finishes in a single job, and texture printing open new premium applications previously difficult to produce locally.” The system’s high productivity and efficient ink usage also support cost control — a critical factor in Ghana’s price-sensitive business environment.

According to Canon, Ghana’s evolving economy is prompting print providers to move beyond basic production towards value-added services that support branding, retail experiences, and architectural design.

“Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic visual communications markets,” said Tushar Vashnavi, Business Unit Director, B2B, at Canon Central & North Africa. “As retail, infrastructure, and advertising sectors expand, print businesses are investing in technologies that allow them to diversify offerings, respond faster to customers, and operate more profitably. Solutions like the Colorado M-series are designed to support this transition by combining productivity, application versatility, and durability.”

CCNA adds that reliable local technical support and strategic business guidance remain essential for successful technology adoption and sustainable growth in emerging markets such as Ghana.For Chroma Digital Solutions, upgrading to advanced production capabilities has opened new business opportunities and strengthened  reliability.

“Having dependable support behind the technology gives us confidence to grow and take on more complex projects,” the spokesperson added. “It allows us to focus on delivering real value to our customers.”

As Ghana’s economy continues to diversify, demand for high-quality visual communication is expected to increase across retail, real estate, events, and corporate sectors — positioning technologically advanced print providers at the centre of this growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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“Always On”: 83% of employees stay connected to work during time off, fuelling digital anxiety

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Kaspersky

A new Kaspersky (http://Kaspersky.co.za) survey undertaken in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region reveals that digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture, as employees don’t disconnect even during their free time and vacations.

According to the findings, 83% of respondents keep an eye on work tasks outside working hours. An overwhelming 85% reply to all work-related messages in instant messaging apps, while the same share (85%) check work emails during their time off – and 81% admit they are responding to work emails while on vacation or in their personal time.

 

The pressure to remain constantly available is contributing to heightened stress levels in the workplace. Other sources of stress include work issues, for example, 43% experience anxiety after accidentally sending a random message to a work chat. Interestingly, not all digital mishaps are perceived equally: 40% report that they take it calmly when they send an unfinished email, proving that some mistakes are considered less damaging than others.

 

Digital anxiety doesn’t just affect employee well-being – it can also increase cybersecurity risks for organisations

Blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, combined with instant communication tools, are intensifying feelings of constant monitoring and fear of making digital errors. More than a third (36%) of respondents say they feel extremely uncomfortable or even scared if their boss notices them scrolling through social media at work instead of working. The “always-on” culture may undermine employee well-being, increase burnout risks, and reduce overall productivity in the long term.

 

“Digital anxiety doesn’t just affect employee well-being – it can also increase cybersecurity risks for organisations. When people feel constant pressure to respond immediately to messages and emails, they are more likely to act impulsively, without carefully verifying links, attachments, or sender identities. This urgency can make employees more vulnerable to phishing, and other scams using social engineering techniques,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.

 

Kaspersky recommends employees to follow the below tips to avoid digital anxiety and associated cyber risks:

  • Slow down before clicking or replying. Digital anxiety can trigger automatic reactions. A short pause to check sender details, URLs, or attachments can prevent security breaches.
  • Treat urgency as a red flag. Cybercriminals often exploit pressure and fear. Always verify unexpected or urgent requests before responding.
  • Avoid handling sensitive information on unsecured networks. Public Wi-Fi, often used when working outside regular hours, increases exposure to cyber threats. Mobile network and VPN should be applied in such cases.
  • Use technologies that will help reduce risks. For example, Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/4cRPM0P) offers AI-powered anti-phishing features designed to help warn of potential threats.

 

Businesses can reduce cybersecurity risks related to employees’ digital anxiety by providing regular cybersecurity training that helps staff recognise threats and respond correctly even under stress. At the same time, organisations should use robust cybersecurity solutions to minimise the impact of human error. Kaspersky Next’s adaptable and robust cloud-native protection, underpinned by an unequalled cybersecurity track record, is one of such products. Protection solutions for mail servers, such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, with anti-phishing capabilities, help to additionally decrease the chance of infection through a phishing email.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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Binance Earn Offers Users a Simple Way to Put Idle Crypto to Work

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Binance

As interest in passive crypto strategies continues to grow, Binance Earn is becoming an increasingly important part of how users engage with digital assets

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 19, 2026/APO Group/ –As the cryptocurrency market (www.Binance.com) matures, more users are looking for ways to make their digital assets more productive. Rather than leaving crypto idle in wallets, many are exploring ways to generate rewards without actively trading or constantly monitoring the market.

 

Binance is addressing this demand through Binance Earn, a feature designed to help users generate rewards on the crypto they already hold. By enabling users to allocate supported assets to reward-generating products, Binance Earn (https://apo-opa.co/4sl8sLm) offers a simple, accessible way to put idle crypto to work.

For many users, the appeal lies in simplicity. Binance Earn is built around a straightforward experience: users select their assets, choose a product, and once set up, their holdings begin generating rewards automatically. This “set-and-forget” approach allows users to remain invested while their assets work in the background.

The feature is particularly relevant for long-term crypto holders who are not actively trading but still want to derive value from their portfolios. Instead of waiting for market movements, users can explore ways to make their holdings more productive over time.

Simple, ‘set-and-forget’ solutions are becoming increasingly relevant as more users take a longer-term approach to digital assets

Binance Earn offers a range of products to suit different user needs. Flexible options allow users to access their funds at any time, providing liquidity when needed. At the same time, fixed-term products are designed for users who are comfortable committing assets for a defined period. This flexibility allows users to choose options that align with their individual strategies and financial goals.

“We’re seeing growing interest across Africa in ways to make crypto holdings more productive without active trading,” said Larry Cooke, Africa Head of Legal at Binance. “Simple, ‘set-and-forget’ solutions are becoming increasingly relevant as more users take a longer-term approach to digital assets.”

As interest in passive crypto strategies continues to grow, Binance Earn is becoming an increasingly important part of how users engage with digital assets. The feature provides a practical alternative to active trading, allowing users to participate in the crypto ecosystem in a more hands-off way.

This trend reflects a broader shift in user behaviour. While active trading remains a key part of the market, more users are exploring approaches that focus on holding and gradually growing their assets over time.

At the same time, users should be aware that cryptocurrency markets remain volatile, and reward rates may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and product structures. As with any financial product, users need to understand how Binance Earn works and assess whether it aligns with their individual risk tolerance and financial objectives.

As digital asset adoption continues to expand across Africa, tools like Binance Earn are helping to shape how users interact with their crypto holdings. For many, the ability to put idle assets to work—simply and without constant involvement—is becoming an increasingly important part of their overall strategy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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