Kenya’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing increasingly dangerous digital threats in 2025. Worldwide, 61% of SMEs experienced cyberattacks in the past year, proving that small businesses are in criminals’ sights. Below are the top five cyber security threats for 2025 and how they impact Kenyan SMEs – plus tips to mitigate them.
Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing scams, fraudulent emails, messages or calls, remain a leading cyber threat to Kenyan SMEs. Attackers impersonate trusted brands or partners to trick employees into giving up passwords or financial details. One wrong click can lead to theft of company funds or data. To mitigate this, businesses are required to conduct regular staff training on phishing awareness (“think before you click”), use email filters, and enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
Do you know at Seraph Cyber we are offering free cybersecurity training? Get in touch with us at info@seraphcyber.com or call us on +254728037327
Ransomware and Malware
Ransomware, malicious software that locks your files until you pay a ransom, is on the rise in Kenya (a 68% increase in attacks in 2024). A ransomware attack can encrypt your files or systems, grinding operations to a halt. Often attackers also steal data “double extortion” to pressure victims further. To protect your business, use reputable anti-malware software and keep it updated, maintain secure data backups offline, and apply all software security patches promptly. Consider monitoring threat intelligence alerts for new malware targeting your sector.
Data Breaches
Hackers frequently target SMEs to steal sensitive information. Data theft is the most common cybercrime, accounting for over 61% of attacks. If criminals hack into your systems, you risk exposing customer data, financial records, etc. Such breaches can cause reputational damage and regulatory penalties. Kenya’s Data Protection Act allows fines up to KSh 5 million for mishandling personal data. To mitigate this, use strong, unique passwords with multi-factor authentication and keep all software updated to eliminate known vulnerabilities. Use firewalls and monitoring tools to detect intrusions early, and encrypt sensitive data so stolen files can’t be misused.
Insider Threats & Human Error
Sometimes the weakest link is inside the company. Employees can accidentally cause a breach by falling for scams or misusing systems, or even act maliciously. Many Kenyan SMEs have low cybersecurity awareness, leading to risky practices like weak passwords. To reduce insider risks, educate your staff regularly on cyber safety best practices and establish clear policies. Limit user privileges so no one has access to data they don’t need, and implement basic security hygiene: require strong passwords and perform regular software updates. By fostering a security-conscious workplace, small businesses can prevent most incidents caused by human error.
Unsecured Technology and Third-Party Risks
As businesses adopt cloud services, IoT devices, and external vendors, new vulnerabilities emerge. In Kenya, the growth of internet-connected devices and outdated software has worsened vulnerabilities. For example, an unsecured Wi-Fi network or unpatched server could let attackers break in. Additionally, a breach in a third-party provider like your IT support firm or a software supplier can cascade down to your business. The solution is to tighten your tech defenses: change default passwords on all routers and IoT devices, keep software up-to-date, and vet the security of your vendors. Also enable built-in security features, firewalls, encryption, and login alerts on all systems.
Protecting Your SME in 2025
The cyber security challenges facing Kenyan SMEs may seem daunting, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. By proactively addressing the five risk areas above, even a small enterprise can drastically reduce the likelihood of a cyber incident.
Seraph Cyber specializes in cyber security for small businesses, offering services like threat monitoring, staff training, and incident response at affordable rates. If you’re unsure where to start or want expert support, contact Seraph Cyber today. We’ll help you implement the best cyber security for small business solutions, backed by real-time cyber threat intelligence, to protect your company’s future.
Contact us today:
info@seraphcyber.com, +254728037327
