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Cyber Security Threats Surge in 2024, New Report Finds
The start of a new year is a critical time to take stock of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. The Acme Cyber Institute has just released its annual Cyber Security Report for January 2025, and the findings are sobering.
In the digital age, cybercrime has become a significant threat, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Kenya, like many other countries, has seen a rise in cyber-related offenses, ranging from online fraud and identity theft to cyberbullying and hacking. Reporting cybercrime is crucial for protecting yourself and others, as well as for aiding law enforcement in combating these crimes. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to report cybercrime in Kenya.
Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities conducted through digital means. Common types of cybercrime in Kenya include:
Before reporting, clearly identify the nature of the cybercrime. Gather all relevant details, including:
Go to the nearest police station and file a report. Provide all the gathered evidence and details of the incident. The police will register your complaint and initiate an investigation.
The DCI has a specialized unit called the Cybercrime Unit, which handles cyber-related offenses. You can directly contact the DCI for cybercrime cases.
Key Takeaways:
- Total cyber attacks increased by 22% in 2024 compared to the previous year
- Ransomware attacks spiked 35%, hitting a new record high
- Remote work vulnerabilities led to a 28% rise in data breaches
- IoT devices were the target of 45% more exploits year-over-year
"The events of 2024 show cybercriminals are becoming increasingly brazen and sophisticated in their tactics," said lead researcher Alex Wang. "Businesses and individuals cannot afford to be complacent - it's time to significantly strengthen cyber defenses."
Ransomware Remains Top Threat
Ransomware attacks continued to plague organizations globally in 2024, accounting for 34% of all cyber incidents - a 35% increase from 2023. High-profile attacks on critical infrastructure, healthcare providers, and financial institutions caused billions in economic damage.
The report found that phishing emails and vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections were the top vectors for ransomware delivery, highlighting the need for robust user training and stringent access controls.
Remote Work Fuels Data Breaches
The mass shift to remote and hybrid work models over the past few years has created a sprawling attack surface that cybercriminals have eagerly exploited. The Cyber Security Report found a 28% increase in successful data breaches targeting remote employees in 2024.
"Secure home networks, insecure personal devices, and sloppy cyber hygiene all contributed to this worrying trend," noted Wang. "Businesses must prioritize implementing comprehensive remote work security policies and technologies to protect against this growing threat."
IoT Devices Remain Low-Hanging Fruit
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes and businesses has dramatically expanded the attack surface for hackers. The report revealed a 45% surge in successful exploits targeting vulnerabilities in routers, security cameras, smart home devices and other IoT endpoints.
"IoT device security continues to be an Achilles heel that cybercriminals ruthlessly exploit," said Wang. "Manufacturers, solution providers and end-users all have a role to play in securing these ubiquitous connected devices."
Recommendations for Strengthening Cyber Resilience
To combat the rising tide of cyber threats, the Cyber Security Report recommends the following key actions:
- Implement robust multi-factor authentication across all user accounts and systems
- Keep all software and systems fully patched and updated
- Conduct regular employee cybersecurity awareness training
- Deploy advanced threat detection and response capabilities
- Back up data regularly and keep offline backup copies
- Partner with a managed security service provider for 24/7 monitoring and support
"Cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought - it must be a top strategic priority for organizations of all sizes," concluded Wang. "The trends outlined in this report are a wakeup call that businesses and individuals need to take decisive action to improve their cyber resilience in 2025 and beyond."
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