DCI Issues Alert to Kenyans Over Weak Passwords as Cybercrime Soars

FOLLOW US ON

DCI Issues Alert to Kenyans Over Weak Passwords as Cybercrime Soars

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has issued a warning to Kenyans to review their password habits as cybercrime cases rise locally and globally.

In a statement on Thursday, October 2, the DCI said cybercriminals are succeeding due to poor password habits and weak security. Investigators noted that many breaches are as a result of user behavior, evolving hacking tactics and organisational lapses.

“Password management is a key pillar of cybersecurity, for individuals and institutions in today’s digital world,” the DCI said.

To counter the rising threat, detectives advised the following:

• Use passphrases up to 64 characters long. Longer and less predictable passwords are more resistant to brute force attacks than short and complex ones built on patterns.
• Avoid arbitrary rules such as requiring a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Such rules frustrate users and lead to easily guessable patterns. Instead focus on unpredictability and password length.
• Screen against known data breaches and don’t use compromised or common passwords. Systems should automatically block weak options.
• Don’t reset passwords unnecessarily unless there is evidence of a breach. Forced periodic changes lead to minor and predictable edits that do not improve security.

The advisory comes as the world observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global campaign to promote safe online practices.

Recent data shows the urgency of the warning. According to Techpoint Africa, Kenya had 2.54 billion cyber threat attempts between January and March this year – a 201.7% increase from the last quarter of 2024.

President Ruto’s administration is intensifying efforts to combat cybercrime through tougher policies, digital infrastructure and international partnerships.

With cyber threats rising fast, the DCI’s warning is a timely reminder for Kenyans to be stronger and smarter online.

Also Read: KUCCPS Opens Applications for Select KMTC Courses With Tight Deadline

DCI Issues Alert to Kenyans Over Weak Passwords as Cybercrime Soars