PNN – With the dramatic increase in cyber-attacks globally, BRICS countries have initiated extensive cooperation to strengthen cyber-security to protect against common threats in the digital world.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, citing TV BRICS, the 80% annual growth in cyber-attacks worldwide has put organizations and critical infrastructures at serious risk. Every day, government institutions, industries, energy networks, transportation, banks, and even stores are targeted by these attacks, and almost no organization is safe.
Experts are concerned about a trend in which cybercriminals do not recognize borders, use advanced technologies, and cause more damage than in the past, while remaining undetected for longer periods of time.
According to open source data, Latin American and African countries experienced the highest number of cyber-attacks in the first quarter of 2025. This further highlights the importance of collective cooperation and global convergence in combating digital threats, and experts consider the cooperation of the BRICS countries as a global model in this area. The key role of this group in shaping the intergovernmental cyberspace based on the principles of virtual governance is prominent.
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Diverse dimensions of cybercrime in BRICS member countries
The BRICS National Research Committee reported that:
In Brazil, scammers often seek to steal users’ login information by impersonating e-commerce platforms and telecommunications operators.
In Russia, criminals deceive victims by posing as employees of public service organizations.
In South Africa, internet scammers commonly target investors.
India is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of spam distribution.
The UAE is in the top three countries in the world in terms of data breach costs. The losses from these cybercrimes run into billions of dollars and mainly target access to trade, technology and government secrets.
However, no specific type of cyber threat is specific to a country, and different countries, depending on their geographical location, territorial size, level of economic development, or population, are all seeking to develop common and applicable solutions.
Russia’s efforts to combat cybercrime
At the 2024 BRICS summit, Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov announced the development of software that will prevent the illegal circulation of crypto currencies and be used in criminal investigations and financial monitoring. Russian law enforcement agencies have access to extensive domestic intelligence sources, which allows them to quickly gather data and respond to threats, including blocking the transfer of assets abroad or preventing hostile takeovers of companies.
In an interview with BRICS TV, economist and researcher Liliya Aliyeva stated that Russia has established multilateral cooperation in the digital sphere with other BRICS members at various levels. She added that this cooperation provides new opportunities for the use of Russian information and communication technologies, especially in the training of cyber security specialists.
Iran’s experience in using artificial intelligence to combat cybercrime
Before joining BRICS, Iran was trying to use advanced technologies to combat international hacking groups. Today, artificial intelligence systems can identify suspects’ faces, collect and analyze social media data, and detect overt and covert cybercriminal communications hundreds of times better than human analysts.
Iran’s National Intelligence Network and the “Shakar” (meaning “masterpiece” in Persian), developed over more than a decade, are key projects in combating cybercrime. However, malware remains the primary method of digital attacks on organizations and individuals in Iran and other parts of the Middle East.
In an interview with BRICS TV, Iranian political analyst Ruhollah Modaber emphasized that after joining BRICS, the Iranian government should make cooperation in the field of cyber security a national priority in order to strengthen its digital sovereignty with the support of BRICS partners.
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South Africa: A successful experience in digital security
South Africa has undergone significant changes in its society, economy and governance structures as digital technologies have advanced, requiring a robust legal framework. Key measures include laws related to the protection of personal data and combating cybercrime.
Mikhail Khachaturian, a Russian economic researcher, stated in an interview with BRICS TV that South Africa is seeking to maintain the security of computer systems and prevent cybercrime by using advanced technologies and international cooperation.
The country has plans to deploy SIEM systems with XDR and NTA solutions, implement vulnerability discovery programs, and train public and private sector personnel. South Africa is also engaged in cyber-diplomacy and joint exercises within the framework of BRICS South-South cooperation.
BRICS supports UN Convention on Combating Cybercrime
At the 17th BRICS summit, BRICS leaders supported the adoption of the UN Convention on Cybercrime, the first global treaty on information security. Five years in the making, the document aims to combat unauthorized access, data fraud and theft, money laundering, child abuse and victim protection.
The summit statement called on all countries to sign and ratify the convention as soon as possible and stressed the importance of the Additional Protocol, which covers crimes related to terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.