As Africa's digital landscape grows, cybersecurity becomes increasingly vital. Mary Kambo, a Certified Cybersecurity Engineer, is leading efforts to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in the field. In this exclusive interview with Telecom Review, she discusses the importance of capacity building, breaking barriers in education, ethical AI integration, and the power of mentorship in shaping Africa’s future cybersecurity workforce. Through her work and experiences, Mary advocates for a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity industry.
How can capacity building programs in cybersecurity create sustainable career pathways for women and underrepresented groups?
Capacity building programs are essential in creating sustainable career pathways for women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. They provide targeted cybersecurity training that equips participants with the technical and non-technical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.
In the African ICT landscape, capacity building transcends mere training; it serves as a springboard for sustainable careers. Such programs can create sustainable career pathways for women and underrepresented groups by partnering with local organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders, to develop tailored programs that address specific challenges faced by these groups. Additionally, mentorship and networking opportunities within these programs can foster community support, enabling participants to navigate the job market effectively. This holistic approach not only enhances skills but also encourages a sense of belonging in a traditionally male-dominated space, paving the way for long-term career success.
As a beneficiary of capacity building programs like the Cybergirls Program, (Cohort 2) by Cybersafe Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact that these initiatives can have. They have been instrumental not only in my journey but also in the journeys of many young women across Africa. These programs provide essential technical skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities that empower participants to thrive in the cybersecurity field.
What barriers do women and underrepresented groups face in cybersecurity education, and how can they be overcome?
In Africa's cybersecurity education landscape, women and underrepresented groups face significant barriers, including deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms, persistent economic disparities, systemic biases within educational institutions, and limited access to mentorship opportunities and visible role models. These challenges can hinder career development and restrict exposure to industry insights. However, there is an emerging progressive culture that seeks to rise above these obstacles.
To dismantle these barriers, there is a need to implement targeted outreach initiatives that promote cybersecurity education in schools and community centers. Actively promoting this education at the grassroots level is essential to ensuring accessibility and engagement from an early age. Offering flexible learning options can accommodate diverse schedules and needs, while fostering a supportive community is crucial to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
Additionally, mentorship programs and industry partnerships can provide invaluable guidance and exposure, helping to level the playing field. In my experience, I was privileged to join impactful mentorship programs early in my career, such as Women in Cybersecurity East Africa by Standard Chartered and Strathmore University, as well as the Women in Cybersecurity Mentorship Program by the ITU. These initiatives have been instrumental in shaping the careers of many African women in cybersecurity by fostering connections with experienced professionals who are passionate about supporting and advancing women in the field.
Capacity-building programs are reducing economic barriers and making access to cybersecurity educational resources and industry-recognized certifications more attainable by providing scholarships and financial aid to students. Moreover, public-private sector collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges faced by women and underrepresented groups in the African ICT landscape, ensuring that resources and opportunities are equitably distributed.
Furthermore, creating inclusive environments where diverse voices are heard and valued can help dismantle stereotypes and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Collaboration with established female professionals in the field can inspire the next generation and create a supportive network.
Ideally, industry experts can give back to the community by committing to empower the new generation of cybersecurity professionals. I’m humbled to have played this role in my career as a cybersecurity instructor, training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who were part of a rapid tech skills program by KIEP-SKIES.
By implementing these strategies, we can empower more individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity and build a more diverse workforce.
What approaches can be implemented to ensure AI integration in cybersecurity adheres to ethical guidelines and maintains user privacy?
Incorporating AI into cybersecurity demands a vigilant approach to ethics and privacy, particularly in the African context where data protection frameworks may be nascent. To ensure ethical AI integration in cybersecurity, we must prioritize transparency, accountability, fairness and user consent.
Fostering a culture of ethical awareness within organizations, supported by training and education on responsible AI use, can enhance compliance with privacy regulations and build trust among users. I recently had the privilege of attending the Open Source Software & Responsible AI for Public & Private Sector Training, conducted by The African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) in partnership with Mozilla’s Africa Mradi Initiative. This training provided valuable insights into the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
It's encouraging to see organizations taking the initiative to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of AI integration. This commitment to responsible AI use will be critical as we continue to harness the power of AI in cybersecurity and beyond. You can read more about my thoughts on this in my article, "Securing AI in the Workplace: A Guide to Preventing Data Leaks While Maximizing AI Benefits."
How do AI tools contribute to enhancing cybersecurity measures, and what are the best practices for their responsible use?
AI tools significantly enhance cybersecurity measures by automating threat detection, analyzing vast datasets in real-time, automating routine tasks and predicting potential vulnerabilities. They can identify patterns and anomalies that human analysts might miss, allowing for quicker incident response.
However, responsible use of AI is paramount and involves implementing best practices such as regular audits of AI algorithms to ensure fairness, transparency in decision-making processes, and maintaining human oversight in critical areas. Training cybersecurity professionals to understand AI's limitations is also essential, fostering a balanced approach that combines human intuition with AI efficiency. Collaboration between cybersecurity experts and AI developers is key to maximizing the benefits while minimizing the risks.
How can cybersecurity education integrate AI to better equip a diverse workforce for future challenges, particularly in responsible AI governance?
AI literacy is no longer optional in cybersecurity. We need to embed AI concepts and tools into cybersecurity curricula, equipping students with the skills to navigate this evolving landscape. Curricula should include foundational AI concepts alongside practical applications in cybersecurity contexts.
Emphasizing responsible AI governance—covering ethical considerations, privacy, and regulatory frameworks—will empower a diverse workforce to leverage AI's potential while upholding the highest standards of integrity. Collaborative projects that involve real-world AI implementations can provide hands-on experience while fostering teamwork and cross-disciplinary skills. By promoting diversity in these educational settings, we can cultivate a workforce that not only understands AI technology but also prioritizes ethical considerations in its application.
