The National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee has issued a warning about increased global internet traffic targeting several critical information infrastructures, leading to disruptions in essential services, including banking.

In a statement released on Thursday, the state agency revealed that the threats have primarily affected the telecommunications, banking, and education sectors, prompting them to evaluate the national cyber threat landscape as part of their mandate under computer misuse and cybercrime.

The committee specifically cautioned research and education institutions to be vigilant against service attacks and recommended that the Kenya Education Network Trust inform all such institutions in Kenya to implement necessary cybersecurity measures.

The impact of the cyber attacks was also seen in the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), which reported a network breakdown resulting in the unavailability of some services, including the purchase of prepaid tokens through M-Pesa and USSD Code *977#. However, KPLC assured customers that they can still buy tokens from their banking halls, Airtel Money, and authorized banks.

As the cyber threats continue to pose risks to critical services, the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee urges both public and private entities to remain vigilant and take proactive cybersecurity measures to safeguard their systems and sensitive data.