NTT DATA is urging 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 digitization 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, emphasizing 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, 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. 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, 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.
In addition to bolstering cybersecurity defences, NTT Data has also introduced Managed Public Cloud services to enable organizations in East Africa to harness the power of cloud computing securely and efficiently. Managed Public Cloud solutions will empower businesses to leverage scalable, cost-effective cloud platforms while benefiting from expert management, optimization, and ongoing support. By migrating workloads to the cloud and streamlining operations, businesses can unlock new levels of agility, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the company will also be revolutionizing network management with the launch of Network as a Service (NaaS) in East Africa. NaaS offers a flexible, subscription-based model for network infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly upfront investments in hardware and maintenance. With NTT Data’s NaaS, organizations will be able to seamlessly connect their distributed workforce, devices, and applications while enjoying enhanced performance, reliability, and security across their network environments.
Gitonga re-emphasized the importance of embracing an edge-to-cloud strategy in this era of heightened connectivity, highlighting its ability to deliver superior experiences for employees and customers, while also enhancing agility and mitigating risks.
NTT DATA East Africa Managing Director, 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.
“As part of our commitment to driving digital transformation in the region, NTT Data will continue collaborating closely with local businesses, governments, and industry stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the East African market. Through strategic partnerships and ongoing investment in the development and continuous upskilling of local talent and infrastructure, our aim is to be the partner of choice for organizations seeking to thrive in the digital age particularly in the era of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
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