Since more and more systems can today be plugged into the Internet for functions such as file storage and transfer, security has becomes an issue that has to be persistently addressed. This is even more important when governments embrace technology.
The Kenyan government has seen most if its websites being hacked over the past months. This has brought quite a lot of scrutiny on how prepared the government is to counter digital security.
Indeed, more services are gearing to embrace the online world. Ideas such as digitizing land registrations have been in the limelight and automating such a service would reduce the corruption and inconsistencies being witnessed in the Ministry of Lands.
The Kaspersky report of 2012, shows that there will be more threat on online services especially mobile banking. Almost all banking and payment outlets have embraced mobile method of payment.
Kaspersky was in Kenya for the IDC IT in Government Road show 2012 conference held yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi and took the opportunity to discuss the issues that governments across Africa face in terms on e-security.
Vladimir Zapolyansky, Deputy Director, Global Research and Analysis Team, Head of Technology Positioning at Kaspersky Lab addressed the issue of how governments can protect their systems from the recurrent cyber threats.
“To bring more services online, various government departments across the region are overhauling their IT systems,” organizers of the summit said in a statement.
According to the organisers, in the coming year, the implementation of various e-government programs such as these are expected to pick up speed leading to sustained investments into systems, storage, and network infrastructure.
Several software technologies including middleware, virtualization, security, enterprise applications, and portal solutions could also pick up.
Daniel Kiilu, a Network Support Engineer from Isolutions Associates, agrees that little is usually done to maintain security online especially in Africa. He notes that international standards call for prosecution if one infects another organization’s systems with virus. However, users are not aware of such rules.
As much as the government will need to secure their own systems, Kelvin Njora a Kaspersky Presales Engineer urges the government to sensitize the public on e-security issues even as the country embraces IT innovations.
