Stakeholders in Kenya have recommended installing surveillance cameras in cybercafes as part of measures to curb cybercrime and hate speech.
Yesterday’s forum on national cyber security brought together government and private sector stakeholders to discuss the rising instances of cybercrime, fraud and hate speech on social media.
“With internet penetration now hitting 16.2 million, applications such as e-government and e-commerce have become enablers of Kenya’s development,” said Francis Wangusi, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) director general.
“The same broadened communication superhighway that Kenyans are enjoying in business and social sphere is also providing cyber criminals with a versatile platform from where to conduct their illicit business with enhanced speeds.”
The Forum found the biggest victims of cybercrime were commercial banks, though the same banks were criticised for making it difficult for investigators to prosecute cyber criminals by refusing to reveal information.
HumanIPO reported last week Kenyan banks had lost approximately US$17.5 million to fraud, mainly from tech savvy employees. Kenya’s banks lost money from cybercrime through ATM phishing, virtual identity fraud and hacking.
In spite of criticism, the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) insisted commercial banks are doing their part in mitigating cybercrime and that some of the measures being put in place will take some time to yield fruit.
“Last year we launched the Kaa Chonjo campaign which is meant to sensitise bank customers on the various ways to safeguard their money against ATM fraud,” said Nuru Mugambi, a communications officer at KBA.
