• The risk exposure is determined by factors like the number of users connected to a particular network, type of device and how secure it is.
• The June 24 – 25 Nairobi forum will provide platforms to various stakeholders to share ideas and find solutions on cybercrime.
More than 80 per cent of Kenyans are vulnerable to cybercrime due to broadband-based mobile internet, according to a telecommunications expert.
Fraudsters access information from personal computers, mobile phones, laptops and Ipads, African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute director William Baraza said on Wednesday.
Baraza said the risk exposure is determined by factors like the number of users connected to a particular network, type of communication device and level of security.
“The users’ safety as far as cybercrime is concerned also depends on how secure the operators have protected their network,” he said.
Rogue internet users hack the devices to access services like mobile money applications and internet banking.
“Weak operating systems and devices’ security allow hackers to get the identity of users and access their financial details fraudulently. That is where the risk that causes vulnerability to cybercrime responsibility lies between internet providers and communication devices’ manufacturers,” Baraza said.
Baraza, who spoke on the sidelines of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum Advisory Meeting in Nairobi, said that Kenya lost more than Sh18 billion to cybercrime in 2016.
He welcomed the proposed Data Protection Bill as “data protection is the first level of countering cybercrime. Manufacturers shouldn’t release software that is not protected as it is easily affected by malware.”
He advised users to use authentic software not to download just any software on the internet.
Baraza cautioned against common user names and passwords as they are easily exposed to hacking.
He said the June 24-25 continental cyber defence forum in Nairobi will provide platforms to various stakeholders to share ideas, innovations and solutions on cybercrime.
The event is a collaboration of Africa Defence Forum and Africa Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute.
The forum will also discuss among other topics how to develop and mitigate cyber threats. It will enhance collaboration between public and private partners, civil society and academia.
Cyber risks and cyber-attacks are ranked among the top five global risks by the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2019, persistently challenging economics, businesses, national security, international stability, private and employment opportunities.