The Next Wave of Connectivity As 5G networks become more prevalent across Africa, and the Internet of Things (IoT) brings more connected devices into the workplace (smart printers, cameras, climate control), IT infrastructure must adapt to handle the speed and the new security threats. Preparation Steps **Network Segmentation:** Isolate all IoT devices (which are often…

The Environmental and Security Imperative Improper disposal of IT equipment (e-waste) poses a dual threat: environmental pollution from heavy metals and the risk of data theft from storage devices left unsecured. Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations encourage responsible disposal. Secure E-Waste Procedures **Data Sanitization (Must Do):** Before disposal or donation, all hard drives…

Your Security Action Plan Based on the 100 posts developed, this is the condensed, high-priority list of IT security measures every Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) in Kenya should have in place to achieve a resilient and compliant operation: The Top 5 Security Essentials **Implement 3-2-1 Backups:** Ensure all critical data is backed up (3…

Knowing What Data You Have and Where It Lives A data audit is the process of locating, categorizing, and verifying the security of all stored information. This is especially vital for compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, which regulates how personal data is handled. Steps for an Effective Data Audit **Inventory All Data…

The Gold Standard for Data Redundancy The 3-2-1 backup strategy is globally recognized as the most reliable way to protect against data loss from hardware failure, human error, ransomware, or natural disaster. For Kenyan businesses facing unreliable power and increasing cyber threats, adhering to this rule is critical. Breaking Down the 3-2-1 Rule **3 Copies…

The Backbone of Modern Business For corporate operations in Kenya, internet reliability is often more critical than speed. Downtime due to poor connectivity severely impacts customer service and transaction processing. When choosing an ISP, look beyond the advertised speed. Critical Factors for ISP Selection **Service Level Agreement (SLA):** A robust SLA is crucial. It defines…

The Human Element of Cybersecurity Phishing remains one of the most successful methods for compromising corporate networks, as it targets the employee rather than the system’s firewall. Scammers in Kenya often localize their tactics to increase credibility. Common Localized Phishing Types **CEO Fraud/Business Email Compromise (BEC):** An email appears to come from a senior executive…

Proactive Security Measures A network audit and penetration test (pen test) are essential proactive measures to identify security weaknesses before cyber criminals exploit them. These checks move beyond simple vulnerability scanning to provide a deep assessment of your network’s resilience. Audit vs. Pen Test **Network Audit:** A comprehensive check of your network infrastructure, policies, and…

Evaluating Infrastructure Choices The decision between storing data on a physical server in your office (local/on-premise) or using remote internet-based infrastructure (cloud computing) is fundamental to IT strategy, especially considering Kenya’s unique constraints. Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) **Pros:** Excellent scalability, high redundancy (built-in 3-2-1 backup), no capital expenditure (CAPEX) on hardware, and accessible…

Managing Devices Outside the Office Perimeter Endpoint devices (laptops, desktops, smartphones) are the last line of defense. As remote work and hybrid models become common in Kenya, securing these devices against theft and malware is paramount, especially when they connect to unsecure home Wi-Fi networks. Key Endpoint Security Measures **Full Disk Encryption:** All corporate laptops…