Companies in Kenya are more and more involved about cyber threats, notably ransomware assaults, that are rising in frequency and class, with devastating results on organizations. In response to a report by Liquid C2, Kenyan companies reported an 82% improve in cyberattacks in 2022, with 90% of the nation’s massive enterprises struggling a profitable breach final yr.
In a notable incident in July, the federal government’s eCitizen portal was attacked, disrupting key on-line authorities providers for days. One other ransomware assault focused the Kenya Airports Authority in March, with cybercriminals demanding KSh67.6 million (USD 466,206.89) to return 514 GB of information.
Pricey and damaging
Ransomware denies entry to information by encrypting information and demanding a ransom fee for decryption, typically leaving organizations with no selection however to pay. Nevertheless, paying the ransom doesn’t assure information restoration, and hackers might demand more cash afterward.
Such assaults are notably regarding for Kenya and the East African area, the place SMEs make up 90% of companies in line with Oxfam. Ransomware assaults can bankrupt small companies, inflicting revenue loss, reputational harm, and extra prices like regulator fines and technical assist charges.
Layered method
To guard in opposition to ransomware, organizations ought to undertake a layered safety method, together with worker coaching, sturdy cybersecurity options, sturdy passwords, and common software program updates. Common information backups are essential, enabling companies to get better shortly with out paying a ransom. Participating a knowledge administration options supplier can even improve protection in opposition to ransomware by enabling ubiquitous information restoration and early risk detection.
Whereas ransomware assaults are a rising risk, sturdy options can be found to guard in opposition to them. With the appropriate method and options, companies can mitigate the dangers posed by ransomware and safeguard their operations.
By David Mugo, Senior Answer Engineer at Commvault
