Ransomware attacks are escalating globally, with massive financial and societal impacts. In 2024, a Fortune 50 company paid a record $75 million ransom, while South African organisations face rising threats, including the June breach of the National Health Laboratory Service, which exposed 1.2 terabytes of sensitive data.
Avinash Singh, a computer science lecturer at the University of Pretoria, is tackling this crisis with artificial intelligence. Singh developed MalFE, a tool that streamlines the collection and analysis of ransomware samples to support AI-based detection systems.
“AI needs data to detect malware, but datasets are scarce,” Singh said. MalFE helps researchers build machine learning datasets, compare malware reports, and collaborate openly. It reflects a shift toward shared knowledge in cybersecurity, countering the often siloed approach of conventional projects.
South Africa’s average ransom payout in 2024 reached R17.9 million, with recovery costs averaging R19.44 million, according to Sophos. Singh warns that the broader stakes are high: ransomware targeting critical infrastructure can destabilize economies and disrupt essential services.
By bridging technical and societal perspectives, Singh’s work offers practical solutions for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. His goal: to foster resilience and create a more secure digital future.
