Cyber security threats in Namibia increased sharply during the second quarter of 2026, with recorded cyber threat events rising by 57% as the country’s growing reliance on digital services increased exposure to online risks.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said cyber vulnerabilities also increased by 40% during the April-to-June quarter, according to its latest Quarterly Statistics Bulletin.
Data from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) showed that the increase in cyber threats was mainly driven by higher sinkhole-related detections and greater exposure to vulnerable network services.
The rise in cyber security risks comes as Namibia continues to record growth in internet connectivity, mobile data consumption and the use of digital platforms.
Active mobile SIM card subscriptions increased by 2% during the quarter to approximately 2.79 million, while mobile broadband subscriptions also grew by 2%. Fixed broadband subscriptions increased by 1%, supported by continued expansion of fibre connectivity.
“The second quarter statistics underscore Namibia’s continued progress towards greater digital inclusion and connectivity. Growth in broadband subscriptions, mobile data consumption and sector revenue demonstrates increasing reliance on digital services by consumers and businesses alike,” CRAN Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations Mufaro Nesongano said.
Mobile data consumption increased by 11% compared with the first quarter of 2026, driven partly by increased use of social media platforms.
TikTok recorded the strongest growth in usage at 21%, followed by YouTube at 15% and WhatsApp at 5%.
The growth in connectivity was accompanied by improved financial performance across the ICT sector, with total sector revenue increasing by 12% during the quarter, while costs rose by 9%.
Telecommunications operators invested approximately N$243 million in network expansion and infrastructure development during the period.
Employment in the ICT sector increased by 3% to approximately 2,210 employees by the end of June.
Other segments of the communications industry recorded mixed performances.
Pay television subscriptions increased by 6% to more than 147,000 subscribers, while overall broadcasting revenue declined by 6%, largely due to a 57% drop in advertising revenue.
Traditional postal services continued to decline, with occupied post boxes falling by 22% and private bag occupancy decreasing by 29%, although postal operating revenue remained stable.
Nesongano said the expansion of Namibia’s digital economy highlighted the need to strengthen protection against growing cyber risks.
“While the statistics point to encouraging growth across much of the communications sector, they also emphasise the importance of strengthening cyber resilience and adapting to changing consumer behaviour. CRAN remains committed to fostering a secure, innovative and inclusive communications environment that supports Namibia’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.
