The Rise of State-Sponsored Cyber-attacks

• Mumma-Martinon

  University of Nairobi

  Author

• Lucy W. Maina Maina

  Kenyatta University

  Author

• James J. Kimuyu

  National Defence University - Kenya

  Author

The recent years have seen an increase in state-sponsored acts of cyberattacks that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These attacks mainly target the nation’s critical infrastructure, such as communication systems, electricity generation and distribution systems, transportation systems, health support systems, and financial services, whose collapse and unavailability can lead to partial or total collapse with huge reputation, economic, security, and political implications. As organizations and nations grapple with the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is imperative to examine how current cybersecurity strategies are responding to them and if these responses are adequate. Failure to address these challenges portends exposing critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and national security interests to unprecedented levels of danger and disruption. This study therefore seeks to analyze the rise of state-sponsored cyberattacks, and its significance lies in assessing how nations can enhance these capabilities, foster international cooperation and collaboration, and strengthen cyber resilience and incident response preparedness. The study has adopted a mixed-methods research design to triangulate data from various documented sources and provide a comprehensive understanding of state-sponsored cyber threats and cybersecurity strategies. It also provides recommendations such as robust governance structures, increasing investments, strengthening partnerships with allies and international organizations, information sharing and analysis centers, integrating robust incident response, development and training programmes, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and eventually further research to be done.

1. Mumma-Martinon, University of Nairobi

   Dr. Mumma-Martinon is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi, a Council Member at the National Defence University – Kenya; and the winner of the Prof. Dr. Peter Hünermann Award- 2021 from Germany. She holds a PhD from Germany and a Masters from the University of Nairobi. She has worked at the International Peace Support Training Centre, the African Union, the United Nations, Total, and TJRC. 

2. Lucy W. Maina Maina, Kenyatta University

   Prof. Lucy W. Maina (Ph.D., OGW) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the Department of Sociology, Gender and Development and is the immediate former Dean of the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies at Kenyatta University. She has over 25 years of experience in higher education, which includes programme development and training in Military and strategic studies, security and peace studies, and International Relations areas as well as Corrections. She is an avid researcher and has published widely in peer-reviewed journal outlets.

3. James J. Kimuyu, National Defence University - Kenya

   Col. (Dr.) James J. Kimuyu is an experienced cybersecurity and national security expert. He previously worked as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Research at the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at Kenya's National Defence University. Dr. Kimuyu has a PhD and MSc in Information Systems, a BSc in Information Sciences, and postgraduate degrees in Strategic Studies, Command and Staff, and Senior Leadership. With more than 23 years of experience in the military, ICT, policy, and cybercrime strategy, he brings a depth of practical and academic knowledge. His study focuses on the use of ICT to address defense, national security, and human security concerns. He also frequently speaks at international conferences on cyber resilience and local cyber sector development.

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