In a bid to address the escalating challenge of cyber threats and bolster the nation's defences against digital dangers, Safaricom hosted an extensive cybersecurity summit today as part of CyberSecurity Awareness Month.

The event, held under the theme "Becoming a Cyber Resilient Organisation," convened approximately 400 cybersecurity leaders and professionals, both in-person and virtually, to explore the latest developments in cybersecurity and the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise networks.

Nicholas Mulila, Chief Corporate Security Officer of Safaricom PLC, shed light on the growing sophistication of cybercrime, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. 

"Cybercrime is becoming increasingly professionalized, leading to a proliferation of numerous subtle and sophisticated threats. Attackers are constantly working on designing, building, and evolving solutions to bypass or overcome the most advanced cybersecurity solutions," Mulila stated.

"This has created a landscape in which companies face more significant cyber threats than ever before. As cyber threat actors refine their techniques, attacks will become even more common, and companies will face novel and more dangerous cyber threats."

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Right, Charles Nzioka from Cisco, one of the top sponsors at the Safaricom Cybersecurity Summit 2023, explains the importance of top-notch malware security in an organization to Anthony Mutwiri during the summit. PHOTO/SAFARICOM

Alarming statistics released by the Communications Authority reveal that Kenya faced an alarming surge in cyber threats during the period between July and September 2023, with more than 123 million cyber threat events recorded.

Cynthia Kropac, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, detailed the company's commitment to protecting businesses from cyber attacks, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that encompass network security, online and data security, cyber security operations, and physical security, including a video surveillance system. 

“At Safaricom, we continue to provide a variety of solutions that connect, protect, enable, and transform business, ensuring business continuity even in the face of cyber attacks. We offer security advisory, network security, online/data/web security, cyber security operations and physical security that includes a video surveillance system," Kropac said.

Kropac also highlighted an enhanced cloud solution fortified with cybersecurity measures, in addition to providing reliable connectivity and payment services.

"We also have an enhanced cloud solution that is augmented with cyber security, and reliable connectivity and payment services,” she added.

In light of the rising cyber risks, the Kenyan government took significant steps by introducing the National Cybersecurity Strategy (2022-2027) last year.

This strategy outlines an implementation framework and timeline aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in the digital realm.

Patrick Kilemi, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Cooperatives, underlined the gravity of the situation, stating, "Cybercrimes are increasing due to advances in technology. Cybersecurity is key to everything we do. We have developed an integrated cooperative management system to transform our systems from analogue to digital to improve our efficiency in service delivery, and we are committed to safeguard this platform from cyber threats."

Left, Patrick Kilemi, Principal Secretary State Department of Co-operatives, exchange contact cards while having a conversation at the Safaricom Cyber Security Summit. PHOTO/SAFARICOM

The event also saw the presence of other eminent figures in the field of cybersecurity, including Jackson Makewa, Director of Cybersecurity at the Department for Information Communications, and Colonel James Kimuyu, Director General of the National Computer and Cybercrimes.

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders from across industries must remain vigilant, embracing the latest cybersecurity technologies and best practices to secure sensitive information and critical systems.

Safaricom's initiative in hosting this summit serves as a vital step in fortifying Kenya's defences against the growing tide of cyber threats, further emphasizing the significance of cybersecurity in today's interconnected world.