Addressing Africa’s cybersecurity skills shortage through platformisation

In 2023, ISC2’s workforce study highlighted a global shortage of approximately 4 million cybersecurity professionals. Africa, too, faces a severe cybersecurity skills gap, with an estimated shortfall of 112,000 professionals.

This deficit leads to increased workloads, higher risks for organisations, and burnout among current staff. Despite ongoing training initiatives, the rate at which new professionals are developed falls short of the growing demand.

The challenge

This skills shortage poses a significant challenge for organisations striving to secure their digital assets. This challenge is made worse by Africa’s rating as a prime destination for cyber attacks. Further, the time and resources required to find, train, and retain qualified employees necessitate exploring alternative solutions.

Table talk focus

This table talk explores platformisation as a strategic approach to address the cybersecurity skills shortage. Participants will learn how platformisation and managed services can streamline processes, optimise resource utilisation, and enhance overall cybersecurity effectiveness.

Outcomes

By the end of the table talk, attendees will:

• Gain an understanding of the cybersecurity skills shortage and its implications.
• Acquire knowledge of platformisation and its potential to mitigate the skills gap.
• Develop actionable strategies for implementing platformisation within their organisations.
• Learn how to leverage managed services to complement their cybersecurity efforts.
• Network with industry experts and peers to share insights and best practices.

Target audience

• IT leaders: Individuals responsible for managing and implementing cybersecurity measures within their organisations.
• HR leaders: HR specialists focused on recruiting, training, and retaining cybersecurity talent.
• Business leaders and decision-makers: Executives and managers tasked with overseeing cybersecurity strategies and investments.
• CIOs and CTOs: Chief Information Officers and Chief Technology Officers looking to enhance their organisation’s cybersecurity posture.
• Security analysts and engineers: Professionals involved in the day-to-day operations of cybersecurity.
• Academics and researchers: Individuals researching cybersecurity trends, skills shortages, and solutions.
• Policy makers and regulators: Government officials and regulators interested in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap at a national or regional level.

Panel

• Engen & ISC2: Grant Hughes, leading cybersecurity & IT GRC expert in the Energy and FMCG sectors
  • Holding a master’s degree in information security and multiple industry certifications, he currently serves as Engen’s IT Manager.
  • Grant is recognised for his strategic vision, engaging public speaking, and thought leadership.
  • He’s the founding president of the ISC2 Cape Town Chapter and has a proven track record in developing and executing robust cybersecurity strategies, managing risk, and leading high-performing teams.
  • His ability to explain complex concepts clearly and his dedication to cybersecurity make him a respected figure in the industry.
• Eight23: Debra-Lynn (Debbye) Marais, visionary IT executive with over 25 years in technology and business, is the MD and Co-Founder of Eight23, a specialist board advisory company providing fractional CIO services.
  • Previously, she served as Altron’s MD and Group Chief Information Officer, driving innovation and digital advancement since 2021.
  • Her career at Altron began in 2006, where she progressed through roles in IT systems delivery, governance, and shared services.
  • Debbye is also a qualified CA(SA) and CISA with a BCom Honours in Accounting as well as an Education diploma.
  • She’s incredibly passionate about using technology to empower and create opportunities for all, championing diversity and inclusion throughout her career.
• Standard Bank Group: Advocate Dirontsho Mohale, leading data privacy expert in the financial sector, a dynamic and accomplished professional, speaker and thought leader with over two decades of experience in compliance, risk management, and data privacy.
  • Currently serving as the Group Data Privacy Lead at Standard Bank Group, she leads the organisation’s efforts to navigate the complex landscape of data protection regulations.
  • Advocate Mohale’s career journey consistently focuses on ensuring ethical and responsible data practices.
  • She has held key leadership roles at prominent financial institutions like Absa Group and FirstRand and served as a Divisional Executive at the Information Regulator SA.
  • She’s also a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, serving as a Board Member at Each One Hold One.
• Information Regulator SA: Advocate Collen Weapond, full-time member of South Africa’s Information Regulator.
  • An Advocate of the High Court, he specialises in IT, risk management, forensic investigation, compliance, and contract law.
  • His qualifications include a B.Iuris, LLB, BCom (Honours) IT, MTech, MBS and various other degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
  • Collen chairs key committees, including those for the Office of the Premier in the Eastern Cape and the Department of Telecommunication and Postal Services, and has served in notable roles such as Non-Executive Director at the National Lotteries Commission and member of the Cybersecurity Advisory Council of South Africa.
• NIL Data Africa: Alta Weeks is an IT Training Solutions Expert at NIL Africa
  • Alta empowers South Africans to thrive in the ever-changing tech world through her passion for education and mentorship.
  • A vocal advocate for women in technology, Alta believes in the potential of women for greatness and actively fosters an inclusive tech environment.
  • Her experience as an educator and mentorship shines through in her ability to design programmes that equip South Africans with essential IT skills and lead to successful job placements.
  • With a strong foundation in computer hardware, software, and networking, evidenced by her CompTIA A+ and N+ certifications, Alta continuously expands her knowledge.
• The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS): Dr Denisha Jairam-Owthar is the Group Chief Information Officer of the Council for Medical Schemes.
  • Dr Jairam-Owthar is an exceptionally accomplished CIO with a proven track record of driving digital transformation and strategic ICT initiatives in diverse industries.
  • She held key leadership positions, including Chief Director of ICT at Stellenbosch University, CIO at City of Johannesburg Metro Services, and ICT Head at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
  • Her extensive experience spans various sectors, including taxation, banking, utilities, and higher education. This diverse background gives her a broad understanding of organisations’ challenges and opportunities in the digital age.
  • Dr Jairam-Owthar’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a PhD and MBA in IT from the University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development, she has acquired several certifications in cutting-edge areas such as data science, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directorship.

Sponsors

• Google
• Arctic Wolf

Endorsements

• ISC2: Cape Town Chapter

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