How to secure identity against cyber criminals

Patrick Rono, Security Technical Professional- IBM East Africa

NAIROBI, KENYA: With major cybersecurity incidents dominating headlines for the past several years, consumers are well aware of the threats they are facing and the basic tips to stay safe online. 

In Kenya, banks have become the leading target of cybercrime as people increasingly adopt the use of financial technology (FinTech). According to Serianu’s Cybersecurity Report, African countries lost at least $2 billion in cyber-attacks in 2016.  In East Africa, Kenya recorded the highest losses — $171 million — to cyber criminals. Tanzania lost $85 million while Ugandan companies lost $35 million. Over one-third of organisations that experienced a breach in 2016 reported substantial customer, opportunity and revenue loss of more than 20 percent, this according to Cisco 2017 Annual Cybersecurity Report.