John Gachora: NCBA Championing Cyber Resilience in the Digital Era
John Gachora: NCBA Championing Cyber Resilience in the Digital Era
As the world races deeper into the digital age, cybercrime has grown from a distant concern into a pressing reality. For businesses, governments, and individuals alike, cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s essential.
This message rang clear from John Gachora, Managing Director of NCBA Group, during the NCBA Cyber Insurance Conference themed “Bridging the Gap – Demystifying Cyber Insurance for the Digital Age.”
“October is a big month for us,” Gachora began. “We’re celebrating Customer Service Week and, at the same time, emphasizing cybersecurity, because protecting our customers goes hand in hand with serving them better.”
The statistics he shared showed how serious the challenge has become. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, cybercrime is expected to cost USD 10.5 trillion this year, nearly one-third of the U.S. GDP or close to China’s entire GDP. “That’s how serious the problem is,” Gachora said.
He explained that new threats are emerging faster than ever. “Geopolitical tensions, new technologies, and the rise of generative AI have introduced a new era of cyber risk,” he said. “These tools enable criminals to refine their methods, automate attacks, and personalize scams like never before.”
In Kenya, the Communications Authority reported over 4.5 billion cyber threat events between April and June 2024, an 80 percent jump from the previous quarter. The banking industry saw a threefold rise in attempted attacks during the same period.
“Social engineering tactics like phishing, smishing, and deepfake scams are growing both globally and locally,” he warned. “This reality demands that cyber resilience become a national and industry priority.”
John Gachora: NCBA Championing Cyber Resilience in the Digital Era
NCBA Leading the Charge in Cyber Protection
NCBA Insurance has made cybersecurity a central part of its innovation strategy. Its Cybersecurity Insurance Cover, developed with AIG, gives customers protection that goes beyond traditional insurance. “It’s not just about insurance,” Gachora emphasized.
“It’s about empowering individuals and businesses to protect themselves, maintain continuity, and safeguard their reputation.”
The cover connects clients with digital forensic experts, data lawyers, and response teams to help manage an attack. “You may not have these specialists in your organization,” he said. “But through this cover, you gain access to them. It’s a no-brainer solution.”
NCBA’s digital-first approach brings together banking, insurance, and investment services under one ecosystem. “We’re building a resilient financial system that lets businesses grow with confidence,” Gachora said. “Our goal is to ensure our infrastructure, people, and customers are ready to face the digital future.”
He also shared his personal experience with cyber threats. “If you’ve never received a message demanding payment in bitcoin, I can tell you I have, as far back as 2013,” he said.
“Cybercriminals are running real businesses. They’re organized, innovative, and sometimes smarter than we are. That’s why we must work together to outsmart them.”
Gachora closed with a strong call to action. “Cyber resilience is the new frontier of leadership,” he said. “Let’s choose foresight over complacency and collaboration over isolation. Work with NCBA Insurance and its partners so you can sleep well at night, focusing on your business, not the criminals trying to build theirs.”
Through this and similar initiatives, NCBA https://ke.ncbagroup.com/ continues to prove itself as a trusted advisor and financial partner, helping customers not only grow their wealth but also protect it in an increasingly digital world.
