This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
Kenya's cybersecurity landscape has become increasingly challenging, with a significant rise in cyber threats. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, local organizations faced 11.2 million cyber threats in the first quarter of 2019, a 10.1% increase from the previous quarter.
These threats included malware, web application attacks, system misconfiguration, and online abuse, as reported by the Communications Authority of Kenya's incident response centre. In response, the centre issued 14,078 cyber threat advisories to affected organizations in the past three months, a notable increase from the 12,138 advisories issued in the late quarter of 2018.
A report by Serianu Cyber security tech consultancy revealed that cyber attacks have cost the Kenyan economy Sh29.5 billion. This has led to increased vigilance among firms, particularly in the financial sector, which has been most affected. As a result, businesses have emerged to provide cybersecurity solutions, such as Safaricom's launch of a cybersecurity solution in January.
Microsoft is also set to launch a $100 million technology development centre in Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on cybersecurity. The company's report highlighted ransomware as a popular method used by cyber criminals this year. Microsoft's General Manager for East Africa, Sebuh Haileleul, emphasized the importance of creating awareness about these threats among employees to ensure early detection.
Polish cyber security firm, OnNet tech Services, had warned Barclays Kenya and other financial institutions about the 'SILENTCARDS' group of hackers planning to hack into their ATMs. The firm also published a blog post warning of the ongoing threat from SilentCards malware.
