By Shamim Kambi /Nice wambui (KNA)
CyberSOC Africa, a leading Pan African cybersecurity firm, has formally set up its offices in the country with the intention of offering cybersecurity solutions to the citizens.
The pioneering cybersecurity firm, established in Nigeria in 2015, has settled on Kenya as the launch pad for its pan-African cybersecurity expansion.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy John Tanui said that they recognize the notable achievements made in the digital transformation landscape.
He however observed that Kenya faces escalating cybersecurity challenges and risks that jeopardize national security and the digital transformation agenda.
“The heightened digital connectedness renders Kenya more susceptible to cyber-criminal activities globally,” stated Tanui in a speech read on his behalf by the Department’s Assistant Director of ICT (Cybersecurity) Juma Modie.
Speaking during the launch, CyberSOC Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shai Nuni highlighted the biggest cyber threats in Africa including digital extortion, ransomware, online scams such as phishing, and business email compromise.
“The lack of cybersecurity standards exposes online services to major risks,” cautioned Nuni.
He added that African countries were moving to incorporate digital infrastructure into all aspects of society including Government, Business, and Banking.
“It is vital to promote a strong cybersecurity framework. The Kenyan office will also serve Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia by bolstering local cybersecurity capabilities,” the CEO announced.
At the same time, Vice President CyberSOC Africa Jon Hamlet divulged that CyberSOC provides threat detection and response, threat Intelligence, security awareness training, and compliance assistance, helping businesses achieve compliance with relevant and up-to-date cybersecurity regulations and standards.
“As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is more important than ever that we work together to stay cyber-safe. This new office will be a key part of our efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness and education and to provide the resources and tools needed to continue transacting online,” he remarked.
Making his remarks, CyberSOC Chairman Nir Kunik emphasized that the organization is committed to helping businesses and government agencies protect themselves from the growing threat of cyber attacks.
He added that this strategic move seeks to empower Kenyan organizations to thrive within a secure digital environment, making significant strides towards realizing the country’s ambitious digital transformation goals and e-commerce.
“We are excited to open this new cybersecurity office and to continue our work to keep the African continent safe online,” expressed Kunik, adding that the Kenyan office would strengthen Regional Governments and the Private sector’s capacity to respond to cyber threats as more services and transactions moved online.
Further, the Chairman noted that the CyberSOC office would also serve as the East African headquarters and would be dedicated to promoting cybersecurity awareness and education, as well as providing resources and tools to keep government agencies, businesses, and organizations safe from cyber-attacks.
Echoing Hamlet’s sentiments, Regional Sales Manager Brian Mang’oli stressed that the imperatives of addressing rising cyber threats, risks, and exploits, compounded by a global shortage of cybersecurity experts, underscored the pressing need for a tailored cybersecurity solution in the African market.