NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has joined the global community in marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October to promote safe digital practices and protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats.
Now in its 21st year, the international campaign—launched in 2004—is a collaboration between governments and industry players aimed at equipping people with knowledge to combat online risks such as phishing scams, ransomware, and social engineering tactics.
This year’s theme, “Secure Our World”, emphasizes the role of individuals in safeguarding their digital lives and highlights the shared responsibility of building a safer cyberspace.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting unsuspecting users through fraudulent emails, compromised social media accounts, and malicious links.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an option but a necessity. Criminals are exploiting gaps in online safety to steal data, extort money, and compromise personal security. Every Kenyan must take proactive steps to protect themselves,” the statement read.
SECURE OUR WORLD #CyberSecurityMonth #CyberSafely #CyberSecurity #CyberSafety Cybersecurity Awareness Month is celebrated every October, globally. It’s a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and provide
Key activities during the month-long awareness campaign will include:
- Cybersecurity training and workshops to educate employees and the public on best practices.
- Phishing simulations to test the ability to detect suspicious emails.
- Password management awareness, stressing the use of strong passwords, password managers, and multi-factor authentication.
- Social media safety tips, including how to secure accounts, adjust privacy settings, and avoid scams.
- Device and data protection, such as securing smart devices, using reliable backups, and guarding against ransomware.
Kenya has witnessed a sharp rise in cybercrime in recent years. Data from the Communications Authority shows that millions of cyber threat incidents are detected quarterly, ranging from malware infections to data breaches.
Experts warn that increased internet penetration, mobile money transactions, and the popularity of digital platforms have made the country a lucrative target for cybercriminals.
Authorities are urging citizens to treat cybersecurity as a year-round responsibility.
“A single careless click can compromise not just an individual but entire organizations. Let us all embrace a culture of digital vigilance,” the DCI stressed.
