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56 teams competed in the continent-wide cybersecurity event supported by technology industry group CompTIA

NAIROBI, Kenya – Four aspiring cybersecurity professionals from Ghana bested more than 50 other teams this week to win the Cyberlympics 2021 competition organised by the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF) and sponsored and facilitated by CompTIA, the leading non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce and a global provider of IT learning tools and certifications.

Competitors tested their cybersecurity knowledge and skills by completing hands-on lab simulations created by TryHackMe, an online platform that teaches cybersecurity through short, gamified real-world labs that reflect the threats organisations face today. The competition addresses the cybersecurity skills gap and digital divide that persist in Africa by developing new STEM talent to support the continent’s growth as an emerging technology hub.

The winning team – the wolf_hunters from Ghana – successfully completed 51 of 58 cybersecurity challenges during the 24-hour event. Team members are Eric Sowah Badger, Saeed Bala Ahmed, Stephen Hasford and Arnold Kyei Baffour.

First runner-up in the competition was the BlackFire team from Ivory Coast – Bisso Guy Selassi, Souleymane Coulibaly, Mohamed Coulibaly and Konan Samuel.

Another team from Ivory Coast, with teammates Khalil Thiero, Jesse Michel Edi, Adbul-Baacit Coulibaly and Idris Kader Kone – claimed the second runner-up position.

Other countries represented at ACDF’s Cyberlympics 2021 included Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sudan.

Members of the top three teams each received a complementary exam voucher to test for CompTIA Security+, a globally recognized certification that validates baseline skills in cybersecurity. Public and private sector organisations around the world rely on CompTIA Security+ for many of their technology professionals because it validates the hands-on practical skills IT professionals need to perform core security functions in today’s cyber environment.

The top three teams also received free access to CompTIA’s comprehensive eLearning courseware, CertMaster Learn for Security+, to help them prepare for the exam.

About Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF)
The Africa Cyber Defense Forum is a continental platform for public-private cooperation. The forum through its well curated and world class content, engages Top level government officials, Technology experts, business leaders and other leaders of society to shape the continental, regional and industry agendas in the African cyber space. Our activities are anchored in our passionate pursuit of better and safer technology and we are seeking to shape the future of information security through progressive and inspiring conversations in technology and offering thought leadership to both governments, society and private sector.

We believe that technology has the potential to bring transformative change in the continent, but we must ensure that it is equally secure. This is why by bringing together experts from all walks of life in a business conscious platform we can make a positive change in our society. We bring together open-minded, creative, forward-thinking ICT experts, entrepreneurs, and individuals at the frontline of information security, cyber defense technology, technology review, and Business executives through high-level panels and speakers to create deal flows, partnerships and inspire. Visit https://africacyberdefenseforum.com/.

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit  https://www.comptia.org/.

Contacts
Sophie Carter                                               Steven Ostrowski
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