Cyber defence skills honed in real time

Gabby Tjiroze
Justicia Shipena



The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) also launched a pre-competition for the Namibia National Cyber Security Competition on 5 July.

According to Dr Fungai Bhunu Shava, a senior computer science lecturer at Nust, the ICCDI was aimed at providing students with real-world challenges faced, while maintaining corporate networks that cannot be replicated in a typical classroom.

“During the competition student teams had to secure and defend a virtual industry network composed of Windows and Linux operating systems, along with routers and switches.

Professional penetration was tested through an act of hostile hackers that the students had to defend against, while taking care of the regular day to day tasks of the network,” she said.

Dr Fungai added that it provided students with better training and prepared them for when they enter the corporate world. It also served as a platform for the students to enhance teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal skills and problem-solving.

“This did not only benefit the students but provided industries with an opportunity to witness their future experts at work, solving real work problems, simulated in a business-like environment. In addition it gave the team players international exposure,” she said.

One of the main sponsors of the ICCDI was MTC, which donated N$60 000 towards the competition. This donation was the start of a possible future partnership with Nust, aimed towards exploring and unearthing new innovations and ideas between the two entities.

Patrick Mushimba, MTC's IT general manager, said people have become quite active on the internet; hence security in cyberspace is quite crucial.

He believes collaborating with Nust can play a role in the invention of tools and solutions to secure daily internet experiences.



Information protected

“We, therefore, as MTC have the responsibility to ensure that whenever our customers surf the internet, their data and information is safe and protected, hence our support for the development of skilled cyber defenders,” he said.

Sakaria Iindombo, a student at Nust studying computer science and cyber security, said it was an amazing competition and he gained a lot of experience in securing services which are more and more in use in the business environment.

“It was more like a working environment, where you have to complete business tasks and be on top of your services, in order for it to be running,” he said.

Iindombo urged more high school learners and varsity students be involved in such initiatives, in order to gain more knowledge and experience, which can prepare them for the corporate world.

Speaking to The Zone last Thursday, Pius Shambabi, a student at Nust studying computer science and cyber security, and who took part in the competition, said it was the first time for him. He said he had a great time and it allowed him to be involved in a stimulated, real working environment.

“This was a great opportunity ­especially for the students who are majoring in cyber security, as you get to learn a lot of things that you were not taught during the academic year. I would recommend those who are interested in cyber security to take part next time,” he said.

Being the only high school that took part, Delta Secondary School managed to take first place.

The Namibia National Cyber Security competition will be hosted on 5 October.