2025-12-06 –, Track 2
Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions offer an interactive environment to promote cybersecurity education. One such initiative is the Cyber Security Challenge (CSC), organised by the South African National Research Network (SANReN), to stimulate interest and grow the next generation of cybersecurity specialists in South Africa. As the CSC prepares for the 10th edition of the competition, the question is: Has the CSC succeeded in growing South Africa's pool of cybersecurity specialists?
When building a strong cybersecurity workforce, the focus is often on degrees, certifications, and job pipelines. But there’s a critical stage before all that — one that’s often overlooked, underfunded, and, dare say, redacted from national strategies. Cybersecurity competitions, such as Capture The Flag (CTF) events, offer fast-paced, immersive challenges where participants are exposed to real-world threats in controlled environments. And for many young students, this is often where they get their first taste of combating cyberthreats.
Over the past decade, participation in cybersecurity competitions has surged. One such initiative is the Cyber Security Challenge (CSC), first introduced in 2017 and organised by the South African National Research Network (SANReN). The CSC was established for the purpose of stimulating interest in the field of cybersecurity within South Africa and growing the next generation of cybersecurity specialists. For the past 5 years, 400 students on average have participated each year in the CSC, with the students of the top teams invited to compete in the final. With 180 finalists since 2020 and the 10th edition of the CSC approaching in 2026, the question is: Has the CSC succeeded in growing South Africa's pool of cybersecurity specialists?
This talk will attempt to answer the question by briefly exploring the following:
* How many finalists have pursued a career in cybersecurity?
* Which degrees form the basis for cybersecurity careers?
* Which universities have produced the most cybersecurity specialists?
* How many have remained in South Africa?
The key takeaway of the talk will be to show the impact of cybersecurity competitions on growing cybersecurity specialists in South Africa.
I currently serve as the Head of Research, Development, and Innovation at BlueVision ITM, where I lead initiatives in cyber security innovation and capability development. I specifically focus on bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application, particularly in areas like cryptography, network security, and cyber resilience.
I am passionate about fostering the next generation of cyber security talent through mentorship and community engagement. As such, I contribute to various cyber security events, community gatherings and cyber security challenges throughout South Africa.
A senior member of the academic-sector CSIRT within the SANReN group. A passionate cybersecurity specialist with an interest in digital forensics, mobile security and anything cybersecurity-related. A regular speaker at conferences on cybersecurity topics, such as student competitions, Deepfake cyber attacks, and protecting the South African NREN.