Cyber threats targeting government digital services hit 1.7 billion – ICT Ministry
By Lucy Mumbi |
Cyber Security Director Yunis Omar emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide digital transformation despite the escalating cybersecurity threats.
The Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy has disclosed that cyber-attacks targeting digital government services have surged to 1.7 billion, as the country’s push for digitisation accelerates.
Despite the rise in threats, the government says it has broadened its digital offerings to more than 17,000 services and plans to double this number in the coming years.
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This was revealed at the ongoing Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) conference on governance, risk, and compliance, where officials addressed both the strides made and the challenges posed by cybersecurity concerns.
Speaking during the ISACA conference, the Director of Cyber Security at the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy Yunis Omar, emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide digital transformation despite the escalating cybersecurity threats.
Yunis noted that the ministry has already laid over 80,000 kilometres of the targeted 100,000-kilometer fibre-optic network, a foundational part of the digitisation strategy.
As part of a broad digital literacy initiative, Yunis said the government plans to train over 20 million Kenyans, preparing them to engage with online services as internet connectivity expands nationwide.
Additionally, he highlighted the identification of 25,000 digital hotspots and a target of constructing 1,450 digital hubs by 2027.
Data security
“We are working with partners in achieving this and also addressing the issue of data security in the wake of increased cases of cyber threats,” he said, underscoring the collaborative approach to both digitisation and data protection.
ISACA President Mercy Omollo pointed to global and regional instabilities, including technological challenges and the current Middle Eastern conflict, as complicating factors for the digital sector.
She urged stakeholders to respond with innovative solutions amid rising disruptions.
“These disruptors have seen levels of regulations rise, and we are urging our members to think of innovation in this era of digital transformation,” Omollo said, noting that adapting to change is critical for progress.
Preston Odero, the chairperson of ISACA Kenya, reported that the association has expanded its certification programs from one to nine to meet the growing demands around cybersecurity.
“As cases of cyber threats continue to rise, there is a need to address data protection, which we are doing as our membership grows to over 1,800 members,” Odero said.
He stressed the importance of a skilled workforce to counter cyber risks effectively.
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