A recent upsurge of cyber-attacks in the country has led to the establishment of a Cyber Coordination Centre. The initiative by the Kenya Communication Authority is aimed at curbing cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the country. The attacks are also affecting operations and service delivery, in both public and financial services sectors.
The Centre aims to work together with local cyber security agencies and international bodies to mitigate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and respond to threats effectively; through the sharing of information. Today, the country is faced with an unprecedented number of threats, such as online banking fraud, social engineering scams, mobile money fraud etc.
Challenges Cybercrime poses to businesses
Cybercrime refers to any criminal offense that involves the use of a computer system, the internet or computer technology. Patrick Matu, a forensics and cyber-expert stated in an interview “Cyber-security in the region is a very serious problem and needs to be a priority for local business leaders as it’s often seen as an isolated IT problem and not a business issue”.
Many businesses in Kenya are dangerously exposed to cybercrime, due to having limited IT (Information and Technology) safeguards. A key challenge for entrepreneurs is, of course, the lack of adequate resources and security guidelines to combat this menace. They are however steps, local enterprises can take to protect their consumer information and intellectual property.
Steps to Preventing Cybercrime
In light of all these threats, your business should embrace and implement a security policy to minimize your weaknesses. Here are some tips your business can follow:
- Implement strict password regulations
To successfully protect your business, you must first ensure your staff contributes to the security strategy. Train them in using complex, smarter passwords that are vital to improving cyber security. Secondly, they should not use the same password across various platforms as this poses the risk of hackers accessing the different accounts, should a single one be breached. The passwords should be changed after certain period of time, ideally 3 months
- Learn to identify the warning signs
Employees should be trained on noticing the red flags associated with phishing scam or harmful emails. Threats sometimes are disguised as emails from trusted clients, or an email from a reputable brand. However, they have a few telltale signs. For examples emails that request for an immediate action regarding a vague situation, or those that ask for personal or financial details.
- Secure your email traffic
Encrypt your business emails and communications to prevent intrusions from opportunity theft. A hacker will be forced to fight through an extra layer of security, and may eventually decide it’s not worth the hassle and move on to other vulnerable businesses.
- Install the latest firewall, spyware, and malware programs
These are programs are effective in identifying and eliminating threats before they pose a serious challenge. They need to be upgraded regularly to curb the ever evolving nature of threats.
It is important that businesses in Kenya change their mentality from being reactive to becoming proactive when it comes to cyber security. All enterprise are at risk whether irrespective of the size or resources. Businesses now face the risk of losing clients and customer information; hence no effort should be spared in taking steps to protect themselves against cyber-attacks.
What steps are you taking to improve your cyber security? What areas do you struggle with most when managing your information systems security? Please share your thoughts and opinions below.
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