Cybersecurity Threats on the Rise in Kenya as Youth and ICT Experts Emerge as Key Culprits
A recent report by the National Crime and Research Centre (NCRC) highlights the increasing cybersecurity threats in Kenya, naming young employees and ICT experts as the top contributors to these crimes. As the country braces itself for a surge in corporate security threats in the coming year, state agencies and private firms are urged to closely monitor the activities of their young employees and ICT experts.
According to the NCRC report titled Information Communication Technology Crimes and Offense in Kenya, the youth are responsible for 50.1 percent of reported cybercrimes, while ICT experts account for 43.9 percent. Surprisingly, inmates and prisoners make up 23.1 percent of the perpetrators. The report also implicates other groups such as students, hackers, and internal staff within various institutions.
The most prevalent cyber offenses identified in the report include identity theft and impersonation, computer fraud, interception of electronic messages or money transfers, and unauthorized access. These crimes have severe consequences, causing financial loss, psychological distress, reputational damage, and, in extreme cases, even loss of life.
The report reveals that the financial sector is the hardest hit, with 68.4 percent of cases involving online banking fraud and phishing attacks. Educational institutions are also targeted significantly, accounting for 27.8 percent of cyber threats, particularly affecting universities and colleges. This emphasizes the need to protect academic data and improve cybersecurity measures within the education sector.
Telecommunication companies are not spared either, facing threats at 27.0 percent and highlighting the critical importance of network security to safeguard both companies and their customers.
Vulnerable individuals, such as the illiterate and elderly, commonly fall victim to identity theft, impersonation, and interception of their electronic messages or money transfers. Digital money transfers, including popular platforms like M-Pesa, are involved in 26.5 percent of these cases, demanding improved verification processes to enhance security.
Businesses, trade, and commerce sectors make up 23.1 percent of cybercrimes in Kenya, impacting the economy from small operations to large-scale trade. Governmental bodies are also at risk, accounting for 14.0 percent of cyber offenses, posing threats to public services and national security.
In addition to financial and institutional targets, cybercrimes are also prevalent on digital and social media platforms. Misinformation and privacy violations are key issues that require increased vigilance and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
The NCRC report concludes by warning about the diversity of sectors affected by cyber threats, emphasizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in Kenya. As the country continues to evolve technologically, stakeholders across various industries must prioritize cybersecurity to protect against financial losses, reputational damage, and other severe consequences.
In light of these findings, it is essential for state agencies, private firms, and educational institutions to invest in cybersecurity awareness and training programs. By empowering the youth and ICT experts with ethical digital skills, Kenya can channel their potential in a positive direction, safeguarding the nation’s security and economic prosperity.
