East and Central Africa’s biggest Telco has been facing the technological challenge of keeping its systems away from hackers.
In recent times, Kenyan netizens on Facebook and X have been complaining about the lack of seriousness on the security of both Safaricom and MPESA APPs.
Just last week, a man complained that his MPESA APP had been accessed dead at night, while he was asleep, thousands of shillings transferred, including a Fuliza loan.
Safaricom’s response was shocking, ‘uninstall the app’.
After this incident, many netizens went on X to share similar predicaments. Some said the issue was rampant.
Here are some of the complaints
Someone has been trying to send money from my mpesa account, at 2 AM! This is moments after I transferred money from my mpesa to my bank. There’s definitely something wrong with the Mpesa app.@Safaricom_Care @SafaricomPLC get your act together! pic.twitter.com/3xR1lgCesp
— Colins Kones – Kipterter (@colkon) March 30, 2024
My Mpesa app came up with this update… I decided to check if my other apps were up to date even though I’ve set mine on auto… To my surprise, Mpesa wasn’t listed as one that needs an update.. but I’m guessing reports of people losing money have something to do with it pic.twitter.com/QSFKqRA1p8
— Samurai Noetic. (@SupremeGREAM) March 28, 2024
Everyone knows this
Mpesa cash lost is an inside job
The same people who steal your money
Are the ones you go to report to
Uninstall M-Pesa app
Uninstall MPESA APP.
— Goddie (@Goddie_Ke) March 28, 2024
Nimetumia mpesa app apo saa mbili kulipia shopping saaih naenda ku login napata balance ni 00 from 8k waaaaih nitapiga nduru wangwana😭😭😭😭
— MR KIMM™🇰🇪 (@Keam_254) March 28, 2024
Guys is Mpesa app safe bana naskia wanatoka wasee dooh?
— OJANGA (@Topman______) March 31, 2024
Others revealed the other issues with both Safaricom and MPESA APPs.
@Safaricom_Care bought international airtime to KES +20101 165 2750 for 200EGP as shown in the Mpesa app, was deducted KES 1087 but only got 140EGP as attached..what happened..?Rate changed on air…? pic.twitter.com/ZQ7k9Qtfe4
— O O (@O_2wice) March 25, 2024
Some didn’t specify the nature of their complaint with the MPESA APP
Let’s all agree the shitiest thing @SafaricomPLC has ever made is the mpesa app.😔
— ARES 66 (@ARES661) March 31, 2024
A few tech gurus sided with Safaricom and explained that the hacks come as a result of carelessness by the clients.
How not to get hacked
Some of the ways suggested on how not to fall into the trap of hackers include:
1. DO NOT use publicly free Wi-FI networks
2. DO NOT turn on biometric as a means of security on the MPESA APP.
3. ALWAYS KEEP THE MPESA BALANCE LOW.
Cyber crime in Kenya
The sharp rise in cyber crimes in Kenya was noted during the Covid-19. Nonetheless, the level of phising and other hacking attempts recorded in 2023 was the highest ever seen in the country.
Safaricom has been working to address this issues and has had some staff sacked and others prosecuted for fraud.
AS this happens, some Kenyans think the Telco is not doing enough to arrest the issue.