NTT DATA Advocates Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures in East Africa

NTT DATA, formerly known as Dimension Data, has urged both private and public institutions across East Africa to reassess their cybersecurity strategies in response to the escalating influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) and its associated risks of misuse.

Highlighting the transformative potential of Gen-AI alongside its accompanying ethical dilemmas and cyber threats, NTT DATA East Africa General Manager of Managed Services, Peter Gitonga, emphasized the necessity for specialized knowledge and expertise in addressing concerns such as intellectual property, privacy breaches, misinformation, data integrity, lack of control, and integration complexities.

According to data from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), there has been a more than fivefold increase in attacks targeting Kenya over the past year. This alarming trend reflects a growing concern amid the country’s increased digitisation of the economy. State agencies, internet and cloud service providers, and academic institutions were the primary targets of these attacks.

Speaking during the launch of the company’s managed services at a Nairobi hotel, Gitonga stressed that combating these sophisticated and evolving threats requires companies to develop robust security strategies that seamlessly integrate people, processes, and platforms while embracing the principle of zero trust. He cautioned against relying solely on cybersecurity tools, emphasising that the implementation, maintenance, and operation of such tools demand significant investment in time, resources, and specialized skills.

During the event, NTT Data launched Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Digital Forensic & Incidents Response (DFIR), Managed Collaboration (MCX) Cloud Solutions, and advanced Managed Network Services (MNS). These solutions are expected to help clients improve cybersecurity, cloud management, client experience and network efficiency.

The solutions will be delivered through the Adaptive Cloud-to-Edge (ACE) platform, allowing NTT DATA to work closely with clients to address cybersecurity issues, operational inefficiencies, expertise gaps, and cost constraints, while providing comprehensive control and visibility across their technology systems.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Gitonga expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities these transformative solutions will bring to East Africa. “We are thrilled to bring our expertise in cybersecurity, cloud management, and network services to the dynamic and growing market of East Africa,” he said. “With Managed Detection and Response, Managed Public Cloud, and Network as a Service, we want to empower businesses to embrace digital innovation confidently while mitigating risks and maximizing efficiency.”

With businesses increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) offers proactive threat detection, rapid incident response, and continuous monitoring to safeguard organizations against evolving cyber threats.

By leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise, Mr Gitonga said NTT Data will be providing comprehensive MDR solutions and Digital Forensic & Incidents Response (DFIR) tailored to the unique needs of East African businesses, ensuring peace of mind and operational resilience in the face of cyber challenges.

NTT DATA East Africa Managing Director, Mr Richard Hechle, highlighted the company’s commitment to introducing NTT DATA’s global services to the East African market as part of the rebrand process. He emphasized the company’s dedication to growth in East and West Africa, with plans to leverage emerging opportunities in markets such as Ethiopia and Rwanda to grow its business.

Under the NTT DATA brand, the company remains committed to local markets while gaining access to expanded global resources. Leveraging global best practices, NTT DATA aims to offer an enriched portfolio of services and tailored industry solutions across various sectors, including retail, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and mining.