Cyber ​​threats pose a major threat to national security – PS Omollo

Principal Secretary for Home Affairs and National Administration Raymond Omollo said cyber threats pose a serious threat to Kenya’s national security.

Speaking on Tuesday, Omollo, who opened the Cyber ​​Week Africa 2024 Conference and Exhibition at the University of Nairobi, said these threats also pose a risk to all sectors as well as critical information infrastructure.

The PS stressed that this is particularly worrying for the government and the private sector, which rely heavily on information, communications and technology to deliver services.

“Cybersecurity threats come from many sources, including state-sponsored actors, hackers, intruders and individuals who use their skills for malicious purposes,” Omollo said.

“The threat they pose is real, and cyberattacks on our critical information infrastructure have the potential to threaten our national security, public safety, and economic stability.”

He added that the vision of the country’s cyber security strategy is clear and aims to create a cyberspace that is safe for all.

Omollo said that to achieve this, stakeholders and the state must ensure that critical information infrastructure is protected and remain resilient even in the event of cyberattacks.

“As we become more dependent on technology, the threats we face become more sophisticated. It is therefore critical that we build strong cybersecurity capabilities and remain prepared to address these challenges. Our success and prosperity in the digital economy depend on it.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs, who also chairs the National Commission for the Coordination of Computer Crime and Cybercrime (NC4), noted that the Cyber ​​Week conference is a key initiative aimed at increasing user awareness, building capacity and deepening understanding of threats in cyberspace.

Omollo said that conferences like this are what help cybersecurity advance because the right people can share information, perspectives and best practices.

He added that the future depends on strengthening the cyber education system and expanding the staff of the national cybersecurity sector.

“No technical solutions will be effective if we do not have qualified specialists to implement them,” Omollo added.

“As NC4, we are committed to continuing our efforts to build cyber capacity and capability across government and the private sector. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and we will continue to provide our partners and those in need with timely, effective support in times of crisis.”

He noted that the Kenyan government has taken steps to strengthen cybersecurity through the enactment of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations, 2024.

The PS said the state is also investing in long-term capacity-building initiatives, such as creating cybersecurity centers of excellence.

“These centers will strengthen our workforce, unify our efforts to protect our cyberspace, and foster collaboration between government, the private sector, and international partners.”