Kenya has drawn attention in the cybersecurity space, being ranked 11th out of 112 countries in the Global Threat Index. This ranking, established by Check Point Software Technologies, sheds light on the nation’s increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks.
An assessment of a nation’s cybersecurity status in relation to its risk or vulnerability level is based on the Normalised Risk Index (NRI). Kenya’s placement highlights the growing number of cyber threats it faces, with a remarkable 855 million cyber threats detected from July 2022 to June 2023.
The surge in cyber risk for Kenya can be attributed to the growing number of sophisticated malware, particularly ransomware, which frequently targets essential infrastructure, and prevalent online scams. Kenya ranks the third among most targeted country for cybercriminals in Africa, following Nigeria and South Africa.
These challenges highlight the critical and urgent need for Kenya to fortify its cybersecurity measures. Experts recommend the adoption of robust endpoint protection, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive user education to effectively combat the evolving threat landscape.
Enhancing cybersecurity efforts is key to safeguarding Kenya’s crucial information infrastructure and ensuring the security of its digital ecosystem.
Efforts to Enhance Cybersecurity in Kenya
A collaborative initiative between the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) and Cyber Shujaa aims to elevate the cybersecurity expertise within the Kenyan tech sector. This partnership aims to bridge the significant gap in skilled cybersecurity professionals by providing intensive training to 100 Kenyan students.
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The three-month programme targets a carefully selected group of 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate students with less than two years of work experience, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the cybersecurity field through a comprehensive curriculum.
A Hybrid Learning Approach for Enhanced Skill Development
Leveraging a hybrid learning model, the programme combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience and dedicated mentorship.
Industry experts will deliver eight modules covering network security, cloud security, incident response, and more, ensuring participants gain a solid theoretical foundation along with practical skills applicable in the workplace.
In April, Cisco, a global technology corporation,also unveiled its first cybersecurity technology experience centre in Africa, located at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus.
This pioneering initiative brings together the Kenyan government, the expertise of tech giant Cisco, and the academic excellence of the University of Nairobi.
The establishment of the centre, in partnership with the ICT Authority and the University of Nairobi, is part of Cisco’s global programme, Country Digital Acceleration (CDA).
Cisco aims to work with government and private sector officials to create sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities using ethical and innovative technology solutions.
Riara University and the Development of Acyberschool Hubs
Riara University stands among a growing list of universities with a cyber school, known as Acyberschool Hubs. These hubs, situated within higher education and industry training institutions, serve as centres of excellence for cybersecurity.
They promote collaboration among industry professionals, students, governments, and researchers to tackle industry challenges, innovate, and develop cutting-edge solutions using AI and big data.
The ultimate goal is to prepare 1,000,000 skilled professionals by 2030 who are equipped to address real-time cybersecurity threats and advancements.
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These hubs feature a cybersecurity operation centre and a forensics lab, offering support to both businesses and academic institutions, thus building a community committed to enhancing cybersecurity across Africa.
The strides made in enhancing cybersecurity measures in Kenya are crucial steps towards strengthening the nation’s cyber resilience and promoting a safe and secure digital environment for its citizens and businesses.
Through continued collaborative efforts and investments in cybersecurity education and infrastructure, Kenya can aim to mitigate cyber threats and emerge as a leader in cybersecurity on the African continent.