Kenya Commits to Collaborate with Telecoms to Combat Cyber Threats
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Synopsis
Kenya has pledged to work alongside both foreign and local telecommunications providers to combat cyber threats. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and safety in the digital space, particularly targeting online fraud and ensuring a secure internet experience for all users.
Key Takeaways
- Kenya partners with telecom firms to enhance cybersecurity.
- Public education on online safety is crucial.
- Safer Internet Day promotes safer digital experiences.
- 3.5 billion cyber threats detected last financial year.
- Collaboration with international firms is essential for cybersecurity.
Nairobi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Kenya has committed to collaborating with both international and local telecom companies to mitigate cyber threats across the nation.
William Kabogo Gitau, the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, stated on Tuesday that every business engaging with online consumers bears the responsibility to educate their customers on how to safeguard themselves.
"We demand a united effort from stakeholders and service providers to equip Kenyans with the knowledge and information necessary to recognize online fraud and report users and numbers involved in such malicious activities," Gitau remarked in a speech delivered on his behalf by Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang'ani.
Kisiang'ani addressed attendees at a forum in Nairobi commemorating Safer Internet Day, observed on February 11, a global initiative aimed at fostering a safer digital environment for everyone, particularly children.
David Mugonyi, the director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya, highlighted that the country is recognized as a tier one nation by the International Telecommunication Union in the Global Cybersecurity Index, which evaluates national commitment to cybersecurity.
Mugonyi noted that the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team-Coordination Center (National KE-CIRT/CC) enables the country to detect and address harmful or fraudulent activities while also promoting collaboration with local and international telecom firms to combat cyber threats, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He further mentioned that in the previous financial year, the National KE-CIRT identified 3.5 billion cyber threats aimed at Kenya’s cyberspace, with 1.5 billion threats detected in just the last six months.
A cyber or cybersecurity threat encompasses malicious actions that aim to damage, steal, or disrupt data and digital operations. Such threats can manifest as computer viruses, data breaches, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and various other attack vectors.
Moreover, cyber threats can originate from trusted users within an organization or unknown entities from remote locations attempting unauthorized access, causing damage, disruption, or theft of sensitive data and IT assets.
