Cyber-awareness month observed by KPMG in Kuwait

For the second year in a row, KPMG in Kuwait observed Cyber Month to promote a world that is secure online. As part of KPMG’s commitment to assisting communities, the company’s CSR committee oversaw the implementation of the initiative, which aims to increase young people’s understanding of the value of cybersecurity and the impending online hazards. According to KPMG: Our Impact Plan, the programme is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 Quality Education and Lifelong Learning of the United Nations (UN).

According to the World Economic Forum, the total number of internet users climbed by about 200 million to reach 4.95B in 2022, with the average user spending up to 147 minutes on social media daily. Additionally, the pandemic also motivated people to spend more time online. Owing to these reasons, among others, cyber safety is becoming increasingly essential not only for organizations but also for the young masses.

Majid Makki, Director and Head of Management Consulting and Technology Advisory, KPMG in Kuwait said “With respect to growing digitalization and internet use, it is our responsibility to educate people, especially the younger generations, about the underlying hazards associated with online activities. Our aim is to promote online safety habits among those who are more susceptible to such risks, and this initiative is one more step toward that.”

KPMG team in Kuwait visited two schools Fahaheel Al Watanieh Indian Private School (FAIPS) and Dasman Bilingual School and is looking to go to more. The team then proceeds to conduct useful and interactive sessions on the safe use of personal data, social media, cyberbullying, online gaming and phones, with the participants ranging from the age of 7 to 16.

Up to 30,000 websites are attacked daily, the presentation team noted, highlighting the significance of cyber awareness in our day-to-day lives. The KPMG experts spoke on safe social media usage, secure login and logout procedures, and—most importantly—how to safeguard one’s identity when engaging in online activities. The team delivered insightful advice on the risks associated with it and offered suggestions for properly managing screen time and online material in light of the increased popularity of online gaming, particularly among younger generations.

In light of hackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, the sessions concluded with crucial points on the different ways to identify, recover from, and prevent a cyberattack. The students need to communicate with a trusted adult whenever they find something suspicious or concerning online, and it was greatly emphasized by the team during the classroom sessions.

Makki added “Considering that the younger generations spend more time online, it is paramount that the right cyber hygiene values are instilled in them from a very early age. Our goal through these sessions is to equip them with the mindset, knowledge and tools that support right decision-making, and will help them stay out of harm’s way when online. We are open to any school irrespective of its size, demographics and location as our intent is to reach as many students as we can by the end of December 2022.”