Provide robust infrastructure to curb rising cybercrime, State told

The government has been urged to provide a robust cyber security infrastructure and facilitate training of students in the universities on data safety and protection to tame rising cases of cybercrime.

The advisory follows research by the global cyber security markets showing that by 2027, half of the Kenyan digital landscape will be affected by cyber-attacks if no measures are taken.

Such an attack occurred recently in Kenya with banking sectors, government platforms like e-Citizen, mobile money platforms and other crucial sectors affected where Kenyans lost their data and money.

Pioneer International University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gideon Maina has called on the government to invest heavily in a robust cyber security infrastructure saying it is a sure way of addressing cybercrime.

This, he says, is necessitated by the proliferation of digital payment methods and the increasing amount of personal data stored online.

"Lack of a comprehensive legal framework for cybercrime prosecution exacerbates the situation. The registration arm of the government needs to seal on the loopholes," Maina said.

He spoke while receiving two students who emerged second in a hackathon competition organized by the National Research Fund.

VC Maina said some of the areas include disruptive technology such as cyber security, artificial intelligence and robotics as areas likely to advance in the future.

He called upon other universities and agencies to prepare young people to be equipped with skills to solve problems and bring solutions in a world evolving every day posing new cybersecurity challenges.

He acknowledged the National Research Fund for bringing together young people to exploit their potential in cyber security and all the emerging digital disruptions.

The most prevalent forms of cybercrime, he said,  include phishing, data breaches and malware attacks.

The National Research Fund is conducting a competition amongst learners to identify some of the loopholes that necessitate cyber-attacks.

John Kariuki, one of the participants in the hackathon competition, pointed out that the challenges were divided into two.

He cites the experience as exciting as they work towards coming up with solutions to solve challenges that come up within the Internet space.

"We call upon the government and other non-government organizations to create a platform whereby the researchers, innovators and programmers could interact in terms of ideas and financing them," Kariuki said.

Teddy Okach the second participant, acknowledged the platform by the national research fund urging the government to more resources and have such forums where the youth can sharpen their skills.

He also urged the youth to utilize the Internet space by engaging in productive activities, not just social media.

Dorothy Mutua the ICT Head of Department at the University, pointed out that cyber security doesn't work on its own, one has to be a good programmer, networking and administration.

"The space where we are as a country needs students to be trained as per the industry needs, emphasizing how the training is being conducted in the university to help students," she said.

Dr. Onyango Odoyo, the director of research and innovation at the University highlighted that they're working to align with the government policy of digital space as the main stakeholders, citing some of the challenges incurred.

The two participants scooped a Sh.400,000 prize from the National Research Fund during the hackathon competition.