The Importance of Holistic Security
Cybersecurity expert Nancy Muriithi is a force to be reckoned with in Africa’s cybersecurity landscape. As the cybersecurity architect at the Kenya-based Platcorp Group, she builds security systems and creates a safer digital future for the entire continent. Muriithi’s journey in cybersecurity started when she took the position of lead security engineer focused on penetration testing, ethically breaking into systems to expose vulnerabilities. * Key areas of focus: cloud security, risk management, and compliance initiatives across Platcorp Group’s financial services operations
* The importance of human-centered philosophy in cybersecurity, including continuous education for employees at all levels
“I’ve always been fascinated by technology, but the turning point came when I realized just how much cybersecurity influences businesses, governments, and individuals,” Muriithi said in a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN). “I saw it as more than just a career — it’s a mission to protect what matters in an increasingly digital world.”
Addressing Africa’s Unique Security Challenges
Africa’s digital transformation is happening at lightning speed, creating a complex security landscape with distinctive obstacles. Key challenges include:
- Regulatory gaps and limited cybersecurity awareness
- Rapid technological adoption, including cloud migration
- Data privacy regulations across African markets
Muriithi acknowledges these challenges and highlights her approach to building a holistic vision of security that extends beyond firewalls and encryption. “Cyber threats are often people-driven,” she notes, pointing to the importance of continuous education for employees at all levels. This human-centered philosophy drives her work both within corporate settings and through community initiatives.
Building Local Cybersecurity Talent
Muriithi is passionately committed to developing local talent. She actively participates in SheHacks KE, an initiative that trains and empowers women in cybersecurity.
“Addressing Africa’s challenges means building local cybersecurity talent, enforcing regulatory standards, and fostering cross-industry collaboration,” she adds.
As a financial services company handling sensitive customer data, her team prioritizes compliance with emerging data privacy regulations across African markets. Muriithi believes that this focus on regulatory compliance and cybersecurity awareness is crucial for protecting Africa’s digital assets.
GITEX Africa 2025: A Hub for Cybersecurity Innovation
Looking ahead to GITEX Africa 2025, Muriithi sees the tech exhibition as a critical forum for addressing the continent’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.
- AI-driven security, regulatory compliance, and supply chain vulnerabilities will dominate discussions
- The conference will shed more light on how African organizations are navigating the balance between rapid digital transformation and security best practices against cybercrime
Muriithi anticipates that the conference will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, collaborating, and building solutions tailored to Africa’s needs. She believes that the conference will elevate the importance of regional expertise and solutions.
A Future-Proofed Cybersecurity Posture
Muriithi’s insights reveal both concern and opportunity when discussing emerging trends. Key concerns include:
- AI-driven attacks becoming more sophisticated, with cybercriminals leveraging artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing attempts and deepfake scams
- Ransomware attacks evolving in sophistication in the financial sector
- The continued importance of human error in cybersecurity
However, she also points to Zero Trust Architecture as a crucial shield for African organizations migrating to cloud environments. Muriithi emphasizes the importance of addressing social engineering, insider threats, and cybersecurity culture to strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity posture.
The Importance of Innovation and Partnerships
Muriithi sees GITEX as an opportunity to build partnerships that strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity posture. She believes that the conference will shed more light on how African organizations are navigating the balance between rapid digital transformation and security best practices against cybercrime. The conference will provide a platform for innovators like Nancy Murithi to share their vision and expertise, shaping the future of cybersecurity on the continent.
In conclusion, innovators like Nancy Murithi are needed more than ever to protect Africans from cyberthreats.
