Regional Forum Trains Experts on Emerging Cyber Security Issues

More than 100 participants drawn from various sectors in Kenya and from the continent recently benefited from capacity building on emerging issues in cyber security at the 2024 Africa Regional Cyber Sector Collaboration Symposium in Nairobi.

The event was the key highlight of this October Cybersecurity and Awareness Month (OCSAM) observed by both the public and private sectors to raise awareness of cyber safety and cybersecurity through various activities designed to equip consumers with the necessary knowledge to safeguard themselves online.

The event, organized by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the United States, in collaboration with the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) was designed to engender information-sharing frameworks between cybersecurity incident response teams for a more resilient cyberspace in Africa.

In her speech delivered by the Principal Secretary, of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani during the event, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u noted that Cybersecurity remains a major global concern fuelled by increased ransomware, breaches affecting core industries and privacy concerns.

“By fostering an environment of trust and security, we can empower individuals to embrace the digital space with confidence, knowing that their data and other transactions are safeguarded,” she said.

CA Board Chairperson Ms. Mary Mungai noted that a secure cyber environment was critical to efficient service delivery as Kenya transitions towards a digital economy.

‘‘At the Authority, we remain committed to protecting our cyberspace, and work with various actors within and outside the country for a secure online ecosystem,’’ she said.

According to the CA Director General Mr. David Mugonyi, the symposium provided an excellent opportunity for capacity-building, closing the skills gap in cybersecurity and raising awareness of online safety.

“As more people get connected and go online, there is a greater need for teamwork and innovative approaches to cyberspace management. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and dynamic in their scope and sophistication, especially as digital transformation gathers steam. From previously unheard-of malware and phishing techniques to brute force attacks and spoofing, to the most unsettling "zero-day attack" at the moment, we are up for daily surprises in this space,” he said.

Like any other country across the globe, Kenya continues to witness a barrage of cyber-attacks directed at critical infrastructure. Trends show that in 2018, a year before Kenya unveiled its Digital Economy Blueprint, cyber-attacks directed at Kenya stood at 7.7 million, skyrocketing to an all-time high of 1.1 billion as at June 2024.

The Authority, the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy of the U.S. Department of State, and facilitators from Carnegie Mellon University conducted a series of training sessions and panel discussions aimed at strengthening cybersecurity practices across the continent.

The symposium, consisted of a three-day technical training, a three-day managerial training, a cyber drill and simulation/tabletop exercise, and culminating in a one-day conference and gala dinner, promises. insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

The training included Incident Management and Infrastructure Management, Cyber Drill Exercises and Information Sharing, and Threat Intelligence. In addition to the hands-on training, there were panel discussions addressing pressing issues in Africa’s cybersecurity landscape.

The symposium facilitated discussions and practical training aimed at enhancing cybersecurity collaboration and capacity-building in Africa, equipping participants with actionable insights and skills to address growing cyber threats.