Internet security company ESET East Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding (M.O.U) with the iLabAfrica centre of Strathmore University to set up a research and cyber-security operations centre (SOC) in Kenya.
The deal is aimed at fighting against cybercrime in the country.
Teddy Njoroge, Country Manager ESET East Africa, said the company will explore joint opportunities with partners and contribute assets in developing innovative cyber-security solutions targeting both blue chip businesses and Small and Medium Enterprises over the next one year.
“Through this M.O.U, we will support Strathmore University’s current academic programs on cyber-security, through collaborative research and benchmarking approaches on issues of local interest such as ethical hacking, phishing and ransomware studies”, said Njoroge.
Estimates indicate that Kenya has just about 1000 certified cyber-security specialists, way lower than the optimal 40,000 needed.
“The rise of cyber-crime and related information security incidents in the country can be attributed to this shortage of personnel coupled by the slow development of homegrown research driven solutions” said Collins Oduor the Information Technology Security Manager for @iLabAfrica centre.
Under the M.O.U with ESET East Africa, @iLabAfrica Centre plans to develop and introduce additional courses on emerging technologies and skills to tackle new cyber threats such as Internet of Things (IoT) Security, Security for Industrial Control Systems, Cybersecurity for Executives, Advance Malware Analysis and Secure Application Development among others.
