Kaspersky Raises Alarm Over Growing AI Cyber Threats in Kenya
Kaspersky has warned that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is creating serious cybersecurity risks for businesses and internet users in Kenya and across East Africa.
The cybersecurity company shared the warning during the AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya event held from May 19 to 21. According to Kaspersky, the rise of AI technologies is helping businesses improve operations, but it is also giving cybercriminals new tools to launch more advanced attacks.
The company said organisations must strengthen security systems, create clear AI policies, and train employees to use AI safely.
AI Cyber Threats in Kenya Continue to Increase
Kaspersky said cybercriminals now use artificial intelligence for phishing scams, deepfake fraud, malware development, and social engineering attacks.
According to the company, password-stealing attacks in Kenya increased by 83% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Spyware attacks also rose by 83%, while backdoor cyberattacks increased by 25%.
The company added that ransomware remains one of the biggest cybersecurity risks for African organisations. In 2025, about 7.62% of organisations in Africa detected ransomware attacks on their systems.
Kaspersky Warns About Deepfakes and Shadow AI
Chris Norton said African businesses are becoming more aware that innovation and cybersecurity must develop together.
He explained that AI tools are making it harder to identify fake content online because deepfakes and AI-generated media now look increasingly realistic.
Kaspersky also warned about the growing use of “Shadow AI.” This happens when employees use public AI tools without approval from company IT departments. The practice can expose confidential business information and create security risks.
A recent Kaspersky study showed that 87.8% of professionals surveyed in Kenya already use AI tools for work-related tasks. However, only 35% said they had received cybersecurity training related to AI use.
Businesses Urged to Strengthen AI Security Policies
Kaspersky advised companies to regularly review AI-related security risks and define which AI platforms employees are allowed to use.
The company also encouraged organisations to:
- Train workers on safe AI usage
- Monitor suspicious AI-generated content
- Improve data protection systems
- Strengthen cybersecurity controls
- Educate staff about malicious AI tools and fake applications
According to Kaspersky, AI agents and autonomous systems could also become new targets for cyberattacks if organisations fail to configure them properly.
Families and Individuals Also Face AI Risks
The company warned that private users are also vulnerable to AI-powered scams and misinformation.
Kaspersky advised internet users to verify AI applications carefully, review privacy settings, and avoid trusting AI-generated information without checking the source.
The company also encouraged parents to speak openly with children about online safety and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies.
AI and Cybersecurity Becoming Major Business Priorities
The warning highlights growing concerns about cybersecurity risks linked to artificial intelligence across Africa’s fast-expanding digital economy.
As businesses invest more in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, cybersecurity experts say companies must treat data protection and online safety as critical business priorities.
Industry analysts believe the increase in AI cyber threats in Kenya and East Africa could push more organisations to invest in cybersecurity training, AI governance policies, and advanced threat detection systems.
