Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has warned Kenyans to be on the look-out for malicious applications that attempt to infiltrate their personal computers and smartphone devices.
The warning comes after cyber criminals hacked into more than 200,000 personal computers in over 150 countries across the world using a ransomware virus called WannaCry.
The malware is designed to encrypt files in the computer or smart device such that the user cannot access them until a ransom amount quoted on a pop-up screen is paid to the hackers.
"The cybercrime threat is real and the Government is concerned about the escalating risk of eventualities within the region.
"The virus disrupted operations at car factories, hospitals, shops and schools. One case has been reported here in Kenya," CS Mucheru confirmed.
Mr Mucheru assured that the government was on high alert and had heightened cyber monitoring and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and eliminate the possibility of a rampant attack in Kenya.
He, however, cautioned that every citizen ought to put up measures to secure their own devices from the cyber attacks.
"Avoid clicking on unsolicited strange and suspicious links or opening attachments and emails from unfamiliar sources. Organizations in financial services sector are particularly vulnerable, as they significantly rely on financial technology to link to each other, financial markets and to other sectors of the economy," he outlined.
The CS was speaking during the ‘Thought Leadership Forum on Cyber Security’ held in Nairobi yesterday.
