Kenya cybercrime surges 21pc as AI-powered threats escalate

According to the latest sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), cyber threats skyrocketed to 2,5 billion incidents, up from 840,9 million in the previous quarter.

This alarming rise is one of the sharpest in recent years and highlights growing vulnerabilities across critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government systems.

In response, the CA issued 13.2 million cybersecurity advisories, marking a 14,2 percent increase from 11,6 million advisories the previous quarter.

The most significant growth was observed in system vulnerabilities, which surged by 228.3 percent to 2.47 billion threats, compared to 752,4 million previously.

These vulnerabilities include unpatched software, weak passwords, outdated encryption methods, and insecure network configurations, common weaknesses that attackers exploit to gain access.

Web application attacks, targeting vulnerabilities in websites and online platforms, also rose by 11,8 percent, reaching 5,08 million threats.

These attacks often aim to steal data, disrupt services, or gain unauthorised access.

Interestingly, not all threat categories saw an increase. The report notes a decline in several traditional cyberattack methods:

The rise in cyber threats is attributed in part to the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal networks.

A study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that cyberattacks now take less than four days to execute, compared to about 60 days in 2019. –  Bloomberg

Related Posts

Government urges communities to confront the realities of climate change

  Muchaneta Chimuka THE Good Seed and Food Festival has roared to life with several farmers exhibiting indigenous seeds, live music, Gule dance, cooking experiences, inspiring people and reminding them…

Nguluvhe reaches out to 2,077 Grade Seven candidates in Beitbridge East

  Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau Beitbridge East Member of Parliament, who is also the Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Albert Nguluvhe, has extended support to all Grade Seven…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *