Category: Cybersecurity

“There's no silver bullet with cybersecurity; a layered defense is the only viable option.” —James Scott.  The field of cybersecurity welcomed a new wave of skilled professionals as the first cohort of the year earned their Certificate in Penetration Testing. This milestone marked a crucial step for the graduates as they set out to become ethical hackers and security specialists. The graduating class included individuals from diverse backgrounds, from IT professionals and career changers to recent graduates eager to make an impact. The course provided hands-on training in real-world security testing, equipping students with the skills to identify vulnerabilities and assess system resilience. The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of system hardening measures and offer strategic recommendations to mitigate security risks. Designed as a beginner-friendly program, the curriculum…

As African nations embrace rapid digital transformation, connecting over 160 million individuals to the online world, the continent faces a mounting wave of cyber threats. Businesses, governments, and individuals are grappling with sophisticated ransomware attacks, digital extortion schemes, and data breaches that jeopardize financial stability and security. The world is increasingly being defined by digital connectivity and ethical hacking has emerged as one of the most critical and rewarding career paths. For those with a passion for technology, becoming an ethical hacker offers a unique opportunity to combine a lucrative profession with the chance to make a meaningful difference. Against this backdrop, ethical hackers are technology professionals who think like cybercriminals but act with consent and integrity; they are at the forefront of safeguarding the digital ecosystem. By understanding the…

From Left to Right seated: Prof. Izael Da Silva DVC Research and Innovation Strathmore University and Dickson Andala  signing the MoU witnessed by (standing) Cornelius Omuse and Dr.Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica  @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University, and the National Research Fund (NRF) joined forces on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, in a partnership sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic collaboration sets the stage for progressive research, data-driven policy-shaping, and cutting-edge innovations poised to make a lasting societal impact. This partnership lays the foundation for a vibrant collaboration between NRF and @iLabAfrica to establish the African Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity. Through this agreement, the two entities aim to drive research, foster innovation, and lead capacity-building initiatives in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity Speaking at the signing…

In today’s digital era, where devices permeate every facet of our daily lives, be it work, communication, shopping, or entertainment, ensuring online safety has become more crucial than ever. The idea of effecting proper cyber hygiene has gained prominence, particularly in the face of escalating cyber threats. Cyber hygiene refers to the steps and habits that individuals and organizations should cultivate to protect themselves in the digital environment, much like maintaining good health habits in the physical world. In an age where smartphones, smart homes, wearable devices, and even vehicles are interconnected through the internet, practicing good cyber hygiene has become an essential aspect of our digital lives. Recent discussions at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) have underscored the necessity of adopting an effective cyber hygiene routine to combat the…

The team after a morning of meetings and presentations at the eSecure offices In a bold move to bolster Africa’s digital defenses, the iLabAfrica Team embarked on a strategic mission to the heart of Eastern Europe. Poland, renowned for its rich history, technological advancement, and robust cybersecurity ecosystem, became the stage for this pivotal expedition. Led by Dr. Joseph Sevilla- Director @iLabAfrica, Eunice Maingi-Manager IT security  (@iLabAfrica ), John Mwangi - Representative of the Polish Kenya Chamber of Commerce, TIMU) and Pat Muthui-CEO of BCK Kenya Ltd (TaiSoc) the delegation traversed the country, engaging with industry leaders and academic institutions to forge new partnerships.  The expedition kicked off with strategic and product evaluation meetings at the eSecure offices in Warsaw.  Michal Ostrowski, Chief Revenue Officer, and Krzysztof Gortat, the CEO…

Picture this. You leave work in the evening with everything perfectly in order, only to wake up the next day to find that your systems across multiple departments have been hacked by a political organization. What would you do?  This was the grim reality of the KFC Fast Food Franchise on the morning of 5th May 2024. Customers in their restaurants were confronted with screens displaying messages from the Mutarrif Hamas Islamic Force, announcing a cyberattack creating a buzz on social media. This  ‘cyberattack,’ more accurately described as website defacement, occurs when malicious parties infiltrate a website and replace content on the site with their messages. The messages mostly convey a political or religious message, profanity, or other inappropriate content that would embarrass website owners, or a notice that a…

In an era of unprecedented digital advancements and interconnectedness, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, organizations and individuals face an uphill task of protecting their sensitive data and digital assets from malicious attacks. Cybersecurity is of utmost importance in our digitally connected world. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so do the threats posed by cybercriminals and malicious actors. Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information, such as personal data and financial records, from falling into the wrong hands.  @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University offers an Intermediate Certificate in Penetration Testing which is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the security posture of computer…