Kaspersky has warned Kenyan businesses about a rise in AI-driven cyber threats, including deepfakes, phishing, and Shadow AI. Speaking at GITEX Kenya, the company called for stronger cybersecurity, AI governance, and employee education as digital transformation accelerates across Africa.
By: Joseph James Udoh | Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa / Nashville | June 4, 2026
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across Africa, global cybersecurity company Kaspersky is urging organisations to strengthen their digital defenses against a growing wave of AI-driven cyber threats.
Speaking at the AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya event in Nairobi, Kaspersky highlighted how the rapid adoption of AI technologies is creating new opportunities for innovation while simultaneously opening the door to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Among the emerging risks identified are deepfake scams, AI-powered phishing campaigns, automated social engineering attacks, and the unauthorized use of AI tools within workplaces.
According to the company’s threat intelligence data, cyber risks in Kenya have risen significantly. Password-stealing attacks increased by 83 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, while spyware incidents also climbed by 83 percent. Backdoor attacks, which enable unauthorized access to computer systems, rose by 25 percent. Kaspersky further reported that ransomware remains a serious concern across Africa, with 7.62 percent of organizations on the continent detecting ransomware activity on their systems during 2025.
Despite the challenges, Kaspersky emphasized that businesses are becoming more proactive about cybersecurity. Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky, noted,
“As organisations in Kenya and the wider region accelerate digital transformation, cybersecurity is becoming a board-level priority.”
He added that there is a growing recognition that “innovation and security must develop hand in hand.”
A major concern raised during the event was the rise of “Shadow AI,” where employees use public AI tools without the knowledge or approval of corporate IT teams. Kaspersky warned that this practice can expose sensitive information and create significant compliance and security risks.
The company’s findings reveal that 87.8 percent of professionals surveyed in Kenya already use AI tools for work-related tasks, yet only 35 percent have received cybersecurity training specifically focused on AI usage. This gap underscores the importance of education, governance, and responsible AI adoption.
Kaspersky also reported that between January and early May 2026, its security systems detected more than 92,000 attacks involving malware and potentially unwanted applications disguised as popular AI services. Researchers identified over 15,000 malware samples masquerading as AI software, including spyware, banking trojans, and malware downloaders.
Industry experts believe that AI's future remains overwhelmingly positive when supported by strong security practices. As organisations across East Africa continue investing in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, the message from GITEX Kenya is clear: innovation must be matched by vigilance.
With greater awareness, stronger governance frameworks, and continued investment in cybersecurity education, businesses can confidently embrace AI’s transformative potential while protecting the systems, data, and people that power Africa’s digital future.
TAG: #Cyber Security #Artificial Intelligence #GITEX Kenya #Kaspersky #Digital Safety #Kenya Tech #Africa Innovation #WBN #Africa Edition #WBN News #WBN News Africa #Joseph James Udoh
Joseph James Udoh is the Editor in Chief for WBN News Africa.
He covers local stories, business insights, and inspiring human-interest topics.
With a background in Computer Science, Theology/Intercultural Studies, and a Honorarium in Human Resource Management, he is passionate about digital empowerment and helping people thrive.
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