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CA reports 19 cases of WannaCry ransomware in Kenya

Through the computer malware, the attackers have been demanding $300 (Sh30,960 ) ransom to unlock devices payable in the global cryptocurrency bitcoin/AFP

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 22 – The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) now says about 16 companies in Kenya have been affected by the global WANNCRYPTOR ransomware attack.

In a statement, the Authority says that it is working with stakeholders to mitigate the effects and urged firms to put preventive measures.

The WannaCry virus attack has affected over 300,000 users globally in more than 150 countries and is expected to worsen.

Through the computer malware, the attackers have been demanding $300 (Sh30,960 ) ransom to unlock devices payable in the global cryptocurrency known as bitcoin.

“Ensure you keep an up to date backup of your important computer files offline, ensure your computer’s operating system and Anti-Virus is up to date, avoid clicking links or opening attachments or emails from people or sources you don’t know,” CA advised.

Earlier, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru warned that private corporations risk increased cyber attacks due to the high level of secrecy between one another which slows down the sharing of best practices in the case of an attack.

He said most firms in the country needed to invest heavily in security systems as the ones currently in place had low detection rates with very few having the right systems in place to mitigate the risks.

The ICT survey report launched on April 26 shows that 43.4 per cent of public sector organisations reported having an ICT security policy compared to 35.9 per cent private enterprises.

In the report, only 28.2 per cent of private firms reported online crime with 96 per cent investing either nothing or less than $5,000 (Sh516,000 ) annually in building systems to combat cyber crimes.

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