Security

Safaricom partners for affordable cybersecurity

Safaricom partners with Cloudflare and Copycat to deliver affordable, comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for Kenyan MSMEs. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safaricom has forged a strategic partnership with Cloudflare, a global web infrastructure and cybersecurity provider, and Copycat, a leading systems integrator in East Africa

This collaboration aims to significantly reduce the costs of integrated cybersecurity services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The partnership seeks to provide a comprehensive digital security stack for Kenyan businesses, reinforcing Safaricom’s commitment to driving innovation and offering a one-stop shop for customers’ connectivity and technology needs. The new affordable plans enable access to world-class cybersecurity solutions for businesses of all sizes. These services would otherwise cost five to ten times more for the same capabilities and eliminate the complexity of juggling multiple solutions across various vendors—a barrier for many MSMEs.

Securing Kenya’s digital future

Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, Safaricom’s chief enterprise business officer, Cynthia Kropac, noted that as the first managed services provider for Cloudflare solutions in all of Africa, MSMEs will have access to comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, from basic protection to advanced tools from a well-regarded global brand with ready-to-use cyber protection services that don’t require complex infrastructure or expensive professional services.

“At the heart of this collaboration is not just technology, but affordability and accessibility. By leveraging Cloudflare’s solutions, such as zero trust services and email security hosted locally in data centers within Kenya, we are investing in a futureproof infrastructure that provides every customer with robust and advanced protection from cyber threats. Businesses can subscribe to the cloudbased cybersecurity plans of their choice online and get access to full stack application and network security solutions from KES 5,000 per site per month and operational in hours,” Kropac explained.

Cloudflare’s demonstrated ability to deliver reliable services, with over 248TB processing capacity, 30 times more than any other provider in the market, underscores the scale and capacity of this offering.

“This groundbreaking move is poised to redefine the Kenyan cybersecurity landscape and reinforce Safaricom’s commitment to safeguarding enterprises. We are empowering Kenyan businesses to thrive in the digital age,” Kropac added.

Graham Turnbull, Managing Executive at Cloudflare, emphasised, “The partnership with Safaricom is bringing comprehensive and effective digital security solutions closer to business owners, enabling them to focus on optimizing productivity and service, with software that guarantees progress.”

As the first Cloudflare Managed Services Partner in Africa, this partnership not only highlights Safaricom’s dedication to fostering digital transformation and resilience among MSMEs but also positions Safaricom as a key player in empowering Kenyan businesses. By fortifying their digital security and fostering sustainable growth, Safaricom is contributing significantly to the rapidly evolving digital economy. This initiative is a testament to Safaricom’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in the digital age.

Guided by a vision where digital security, productivity, and innovation converge seamlessly, Safaricom’s alliance with Cloudflare paves the way for Kenyan businesses to not only survive but thrive in the digital age. This collaboration fortifies MSMEs with robust cybersecurity and equips them with tools to amplify their impact on the global stage.

This partnership also combines Copycat’s deep expertise in technologies and systems integration with Safaricom’s unmatched reach in digital services. Vishal Patel, managing director at Copycat, remarked, “As organisations increasingly depend on secure and highperformance digital platforms, our joint offering will ensure that businesses of all sizes benefit from enterprisegrade protection, enabling them to scale confidently with secure, fast, and reliable digital infrastructure. Together with Safaricom, we are proud to launch this service and look forward to supporting businesses across the region as they embrace the digital future.”

Datacentrix renews elite partnership with Rubrik

A person using the cellphone while security symbol popping out from the phone

Datacentrix reaffirms its leadership in data security by retaining Elite Partner status with Rubrik, driving cyber resilience across Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Datacentrix, a prominent hybrid ICT systems integrator and managed services provider, has once again reinforced its status as a high-achieving partner by regaining its Elite Partner designation with Rubrik, a leader in zero trust data security

Datacentrix was the first company in South Africa to earn this distinguished status in 2023, and it remains among a select group of local entities at this level.

Transformative alliance

Rubrik’s partner program requires Elite Partners to re-qualify biannually while earning 100 points annually across multiple criteria, including certifications, deal registrations, closed business, and joint marketing efforts. Bassam Almasri, Rubrik’s Director of Channel & Alliances – EMEA Emerging Markets, commended Datacentrix for its consistent dedication to meeting these requirements, underscoring the strength of their partnership.

Datacentrix services manager, Graeme Dendy, stated, "Our collaboration with Rubrik continues to grow across all engagement layers, driven by a mutual commitment to delivering top-tier data security solutions to our clients. As a global leader in cyber resilience, Rubrik's continuous recognition by Gartner in the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions – positioned furthest for Completeness of Vision for the fifth consecutive year in 2024 – speaks to the progressive technology we bring to the local market."

Almasri highlighted Rubrik’s increased investment in South Africa, including expanding its local team and enhancing its presence across the African continent. He noted that Africa remains a key strategic focus for Rubrik, with an upcoming visit from the company’s CEO, Chairman, and Co-founder, Bipul Sinha, later this year.

"Our close relationships with local partners, like Datacentrix, play a key role in helping us extend our reach within Africa. We are focused on working together to ensure that organisations across the continent can build stronger cyber resilience, developing their abilities to keep data ‘healthy’, repel cyber attacks and provide essential services during and after an attack."

Almasri added that through frequent executive interactions and a shared strategic vision, Rubrik and Datacentrix are committed to empowering businesses across Africa to protect their critical data and stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.

Arctic Wolf enters South Africa market

Arctic Wolf expands into South Africa, recruiting local partners to offer advanced cybersecurity solutions and protect businesses from cyberattacks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Arctic Wolf, a leading company in security operations, has announced its expansion into South Africa, where it is actively recruiting local partners to help drive the adoption of its cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions

A dedicated team from Arctic Wolf will assist customers across the African continent by providing security monitoring to detect and respond to cyber threats. The company focuses on monitoring computers, networks, and cloud-based assets for malicious activity, including cybercrime, ransomware, and malware attacks, which are increasingly common worldwide.

Clare Loveridge, Arctic Wolf’s vice-president & general manager EMEA, explained, “We have had considerable interest in the advanced cyber security which we offer customers from businesses throughout South Africa and the wider continent, so it was a logical step to formally start operations there.”

“As a channel-driven business, we believe it is critical for us to be able to recruit partners in South Africa with the vision and skills necessary to highlight to their customers the enormous benefits that Arctic Wolf can bring with its unparalleled protection. We have been delighted in only a few days, how much interest the South African channel has shown in what we do and in how we can work together to protect businesses large and small from cyberattack,” added Loveridge.

Can Africa’s cybersecurity landscape be transformed?

CTM360 and AfricaCERT unite to enhance cybersecurity across Africa through strategic assessments and collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

CTM360, a prominent cybersecurity platform based in Bahrain, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AfricaCERT, a nonprofit organisation focused on enhancing cybersecurity readiness within the African digital landscape

The MoU aims to empower AfricaCERT and its members by implementing comprehensive external cybersecurity assessments across the continent. These assessments will be vital in identifying potential risks and developing effective solutions to fortify the region's cybersecurity framework.

Mirza Asrar Baig, CEO of CTM360, commented, "We are thrilled to partner with AfricaCERT to advance cybersecurity across Africa. This MoU represents a major step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive protection and support to CERTs in the region. At CTM360, we believe in creating lasting value for the entire cybersecurity community. We’re eager to contribute to more initiatives as we work towards a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity landscape. By working together, we aim to bolster Africa's cybersecurity framework and ensure a safer digital environment for all."

Jean-Robert Hountomey, co-founder of AfricaCERT, stated, "Together, we welcome the opportunity to support our community with solutions that strengthen our commitment to a more resilient African cyberspace that remains an engine for economic growth. We aim to provide Defenders with tools and frameworks to improve their cybersecurity posture while equipping Business Leaders and Policymakers with resources they can leverage to assist organisations in administering security controls and making risk-based decisions."

Through the utilisation of CTM360’s expertise in External Attack Surface Management and Digital Risk Protection, this collaboration will enhance the capacity of African Security Teams to effectively monitor, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats across their Critical National Infrastructure (CNIs).

Liquid expands cybersecurity solutions in Africa

Liquid Intelligent Technologies expands its cybersecurity solutions, adding asset management, risk remediation, and compliance support for East Africa. (Image source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies and a prominent African tech company, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its range of cybersecurity solutions offered through its Cyber Security Fusion Centres (CSFC)

This latest solution aims to provide customers with a more comprehensive cybersecurity offering, incorporating features such as asset management, risk remediation, patch management, and compliance support into Liquid’s existing cloud security services.

“With the rapid pace of digital transformation, businesses must continuously enhance their cybersecurity strategies. Cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated, and Liquid is committed to investing in cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of these evolving threats, ensuring our customers’ systems remain secure. Our Cyber Security Fusion Centres offer the ideal platform to manage these risks for our clients,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Rest of Africa.

Compliance support is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, and this new solution allows Liquid to assist businesses in adhering to both local and international regulations. The solution can be customised to align with any compliance framework and regional data protection laws.

Leveraging its robust local infrastructure and cloud expertise, Liquid is well-positioned to deliver these services throughout East Africa. Its Azure stacks in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda ensure businesses can maintain compliance with local regulations while accessing top-tier cloud and security services. Complementing this, its CSFCs offer tailored support across cybersecurity, cloud, and networks, providing end-to-end security for both enterprise and SME clients.

With the addition of these new features to its existing portfolio, which includes L3-L7 DDoS mitigation, Virtual CISO, and Managed Security Services, Liquid enables its customers to more effectively manage and protect their cyber assets while offering proactive threat detection and prevention against cyberattacks.