Skip to content
Headlines

Kenya Airways Ensures Uninterrupted Operations Amidst Recent Cybersecurity Incident

BY Steve Biko Wafula · January 8, 2024 08:01 pm

An undisclosed source within Kenya Airways has revealed that the airline experienced a cybersecurity incident last month, involving an unauthorized attempt to access its systems.

Limited information, including identity documents, telephone numbers, investigation reports, and email addresses, was accessed, prompting the actors to demand ransom, a request that Kenya Airways declined.

What we know so far:

Immediate Transparency: By transparency policies and data protection protocols, the Office of Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) was promptly informed about the incident. The affected data subjects were also contacted and engaged.

Operational Resilience: Importantly, there was no unauthorized access to the airline’s booking system, and operations remained unaffected. Kenya Airways’ technology security professionals have taken precautions and are collaborating with national security agencies to ensure adherence to all protocols.

Read Also: Kenya Airways And South African Airways Expand Partnership To Include South America On Codeshare

Enhanced Security Measures: After the incident, the airline has implemented enhanced IT security measures to fortify its systems and protect data.

Global Cybersecurity Landscape: Kenya Airways is not alone in facing such challenges. The aviation sector has witnessed cyber-attacks affecting carriers worldwide. Recent incidents include data breaches at Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Air Europa, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Canada’s largest airline.

Legislation and Protection:* Kenya, like many countries, has enacted data protection legislation. The Data Protection Act of November 8, 2019, safeguards individuals’ privacy and imposes severe penalties for breaches. The Act emphasizes offenses such as unauthorized access, disclosure, or attempts to sell breached data, with penalties including fines of up to three million shillings or imprisonment for up to ten years.

In the face of escalating cybersecurity concerns globally, Kenya Airways emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding customer data, complying with regulations, and maintaining the resilience of its operations.

Read Also: Kenya Airways Ranked Africa’s Second Best On-Time Airline

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters. He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

Trending Stories
Related Articles
Explore Soko Directory
Soko Directory Archives