As the world becomes increasingly digital, small businesses in Kenya are facing a growing threat from cybercriminals. Despite the importance of IT security, many entrepreneurs are still unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
According to Kaspersky researchers, the number of Trojan-PSW detections in Kenya increased by 16% in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, with 12,639 detections in 2022 compared to 10,934 in 2021. This malware steals passwords and other account information, allowing attackers to gain access to the corporate network and steal sensitive information.
Another popular attack tool used on small businesses in Kenya is internet attacks, specifically web pages with redirects to exploits, sites containing exploits and other malicious programs, botnet C&C centers, etc. The number of these attacks increased by 47% in the country.
With the shift towards remote working, many companies have introduced the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), a technology that enables computers on the same corporate network to be linked together and accessed remotely. While the overall number of attacks on RDP has decreased slightly in Kenya, globally this threat is still a challenge.
Denis Parinov, a security researcher at Kaspersky, comments, “With the shift to remote working and the introduction of numerous advanced technologies in the daily operations of even small companies, security measures need to evolve to support these sophisticated setups. Cybercriminals are already way ahead of the curve, so much so that virtually every organisation will experience a breach attempt at some point. For small companies today, it’s not a matter of whether a cybersecurity incident will happen but when.”
Fortunately, there are solutions available to help small businesses protect themselves from cyber threats. The updated Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud Pro contains advanced new capabilities, including automated response options and an extended set of security controls in a single solution. The Pro version also includes built-in training for IT workers seeking to boost their cybersecurity skills and make the most out of their specialised security products.
Even small businesses with limited IT resources still need to protect all their working devices, including computers and mobile phones, from cyber threats. The updated Kaspersky Small Office Security is a key tool for startups, small online-stores and local businesses to keep all of their work devices protected, safely transfer any valuable business-related files and avoid falling victim to ransomware.
