Cybersecurity threats are increasingly becoming a major concern across Africa. In a report published in May 2024, INTERPOL highlighted the continent’s vulnerability to various online crimes, including phishing, digital extortion, and other forms of fraud. The organization emphasized that business email compromise is a growing problem, particularly affecting the financial sector. Alarmingly, it also revealed that 90% of African businesses lack adequate cybersecurity measures, contributing to a significant drop of over 10% in the continent’s GDP.

Amid these challenges, 24-year-old Favour Chioma Ugwoke is stepping up to combat cybercrime. As a Security Operation Center Analyst and Penetration Tester, her mission began after her mother fell victim to a phishing scam. Reflecting on the incident, Favour recalls, “I was devastated when it happened to my mother. I felt helpless, but it lit a fire in me.”

This personal experience became a catalyst for her advocacy, inspiring her to protect others from similar threats. With Nigeria seeing a notable rise in cybercrime cases due to its expanding internet user base, her work has become increasingly vital.

Favour’s efforts are already yielding tangible results. She has trained over 1,000 individuals in cybersecurity practices, many of whom have transitioned into IT careers. Her collaboration with CyberSafe, a leading cybersecurity organization, has helped raise awareness and equip people with tools to defend themselves online.

Through her training sessions, Favour has contributed to a significant decline in phishing attacks among her trainees. She points out that while young adults are often targeted due to their frequent use of digital platforms, older adults, like her mother, are more susceptible to scams involving identity theft and impersonation due to limited digital literacy.

Despite her achievements, Favour faces hurdles as a woman in a male-dominated industry. However, she remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of diversity in solving complex cybersecurity challenges. Staying current in such a rapidly evolving field is another challenge, but she stays informed through industry updates, blogs, and webinars.

Looking to the future, Favour envisions Africa becoming a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. Her advice to young aspiring professionals is to start small, continually build their skills, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks. With her dedication and optimism, Favour is paving the way for a safer and more innovative digital future for Africa.