- Nearly 40% of public sector organisations use cloud storage services while at least 68% of private sector organisations have embraced the cloud.
- Kenya recorded 32.8 million ransomware attacks in the first half of 2022
Huawei Technologies has launched its latest cyber security service targeting the Kenyan private and public sectors deepening the use of cloud storage and artificial intelligence amid escalating cyberattacks.
Known as Ransomware Protection 2.0 the new service has been designed to address emerging technologies including the cloud, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) that are spreading rapidly.
Huawei Kenya CEO Gao Fei say that for the country to benefit from the expansionary economic impact of ICT, maintaining a secure ICT environment is key.
“The ICT sector is growing rapidly, it is important to ensure that every business’ systems are working well without facing malicious threats, such as ransomware, that disrupt day-to-day operations and bring real financial costs,” said Gao.
Nearly 40 per cent of public sector organisations use cloud storage services while at least 68 per cent of private sector organisations have embraced the cloud.
"Technology is now everywhere, with all businesses thinking how to collect data and make the most out of it; indeed, data is now a critical input propelling our economy and society,''.
Kenya still faces a significant threat from ransomware attacks, which have increased dramatically in recent years.
Ransomware attacks, by a type of malicious software that encrypts the victim's data and demands a ransom for its decryption, are especially on the rise.
Speaking at the event, Andrew Opiyo, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, said that with the acceleration of digital transformation and rapid data growth in Kenya, the country faces a significant threat from ransomware attacks.
He added that the need for robust cyber security protection is now more crucial as a result of the recent move to roll out 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and digitise government services amongst others.
“We need to pay more attention to ransomware and other cyber-attack mechanisms and adopt necessary solutions to prevent additional attacks,” he said.
According to a recent report by Kaspersky, Kenya recorded 32.8 million ransomware attacks in the first half of 2022, making it one of the most targeted countries in Africa.