NTT DATA and Cisco Warn of AI Cybersecurity Threats in East Africa
As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates across East Africa, industry leaders NTT DATA and Cisco are sounding the alarm on emerging AI cybersecurity threats that could jeopardize business operations and digital growth.
At a recent high-level roundtable in Nairobi, Brian Kiplagat, Head of Cybersecurity at NTT DATA East Africa, highlighted that the same AI tools driving innovation are now being weaponized by cybercriminals. “We’re witnessing an increase in AI-powered cyberattacks that exploit security weaknesses with unprecedented speed,” Kiplagat warned. “Many organizations are well protected on-site but lack robust governance across cloud and hybrid environments — a vulnerability that bad actors are rapidly exploiting.”
The Growing Risks of AI Misuse
Kelvin Mugambi, Technical Solutions Architect for Cisco Sub-Saharan Africa, echoed these concerns. He explained that AI is not only enabling smarter businesses but also smarter attacks. “Threat actors are leveraging AI to create more complex malware, execute deepfake scams, and even hijack autonomous systems,” Mugambi said. “This demands a rethinking of cybersecurity strategies. We need to defend not just reactive systems but intelligent systems capable of independent action.”
Citing Cisco’s latest Global Cybersecurity Report, Mugambi noted that only 4% of organizations globally qualify as cybersecurity-mature, while a staggering 86% faced AI-related security incidents in the past year. The urgency for East African companies to adopt proactive AI security frameworks is now more critical than ever.
Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
In addition to technological risks, both Cisco and NTT DATA pointed to the regional shortage of cybersecurity talent. To counter this, the two firms pledged continued investment in training, capacity-building, and local partnerships aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and tools needed to secure their AI environments.
Andrew Ngunjiri, General Manager – Solutions at NTT DATA East Africa, emphasized that companies should move beyond AI buzzwords and prioritize value creation. “Our focus is on practical solutions. With Cisco, we are helping enterprises responsibly deploy AI to improve customer service, enhance decision-making, and drive ROI,” he said.
He cited findings from the 2024 NTT DATA Global GenAI Report, showing that businesses that integrated AI into over 50% of their operations are experiencing greater profitability, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased competitiveness.
A Call for Responsible, Secure AI Deployment
Sectors like manufacturing already showcase AI’s impact through accelerated R&D and faster innovation cycles. “We believe East Africa can replicate this success,” Ngunjiri added. “At NTT DATA, we guide clients through the full AI adoption journey — from strategy to infrastructure, skills development, compliance, and long-term sustainability aligned with ESG goals.”
Ngunjiri concluded with strategic advice: “Start small, define clear goals, and scale responsibly. The potential of AI is immense, but so are the risks if not handled with a strong cybersecurity foundation.”
As AI reshapes the digital landscape, Cisco and NTT DATA reaffirmed their commitment to building resilient, secure, and future-ready East African enterprises.
