How Nigerians Can Apply For ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024
The Federal Government is urging young Nigerians and IT enthusiasts to sign up for the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition as part of the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) Cybersecurity Hackathon.
This event aims to equip citizens with essential cybersecurity skills across the region.
ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024
In a recent statement, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the event’s goal to empower individuals in cybersecurity.
Organized by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and NITDA, this hackathon offers a significant platform for both beginners and experienced professionals to delve into the cybersecurity field, enhance their skills, and network with peers.
Opportunity for All Levels
The Cybersecurity Hackathon is designed to attract a diverse group of participants. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert, the event provides an excellent opportunity to learn, collaborate, and showcase your cybersecurity talents. Nigerian youths, in particular, are encouraged to participate and demonstrate their capabilities.
Annual Ethical Hacking Competition
The ECOWAS Hackathon is an annual competition that brings together the best cybersecurity talents from across the region.
This event not only allows participants to display their skills but also promotes knowledge sharing and excellence in cybersecurity. The inaugural edition was held in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, in 2022, followed by Lome, Togo, in 2023.
Registration and Eligibility
- Registration for the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is open from July 19, 2024, to August 5, 2024.
- To join the Hackathon, you need to be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS member counties.
- Teams should consist of 3-4 members, with at least one female participant, and members must be between 17 and 35 years old.
- ECOWAS will cover travel expenses for participants living in the region.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
This initiative comes at a crucial time when there is a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), there is a global gap of four million unfilled cybersecurity jobs.
The Nigerian government is tackling this issue through its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, aimed at training three million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.
How To Apply For ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon
To participate in this exciting Capture the Flag competition, visit the official registration page.
Competition Phases
Phase One: Online CTF Competition
- Dates: August 6 – August 31, 2024
- Format: Online
- Participants: Citizens of ECOWAS member countries
- Objective: The goal is to take on various cybersecurity challenges to find the best team from each member state
- Team Requirements: 3-4 members per team, including at least one female participant, aged 17-35
Phase Two: In-Person CTF Competition
- Dates: October 14 – October 16, 2024
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Participants: Leading teams from each ECOWAS member state
- Objective: Identify the top regional cybersecurity team through a competitive in-person event, emphasizing cross-border collaboration and advanced cybersecurity skills
Themes and Challenges
The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon will feature a variety of lab categories and challenges that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. These include:
- Lab Categories: Linux, Windows, Network, Web, Threat Hunting, Desktop, Mobile, Threat Response
- Cybersecurity Domains: Attack, Defense, Application Security (AppSec)
Eligibility Criteria
- Teams of 3-4 participants
- Participants aged 17-35
- Citizens and residents of ECOWAS member states
Why Participate?
This hackathon is an excellent opportunity to showcase your cybersecurity skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and push the boundaries of what you can achieve in this field. By participating, you will be contributing to the security of cyberspace in your nation and across West Africa.
For more details and to apply, visit the official ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon website. Don’t forget to sign up before the August 6th deadline.
Conclusion
The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is a unique and valuable opportunity for Nigerian youths and IT enthusiasts to develop their skills, network with peers, and make significant contributions to regional cybersecurity. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event and help secure the digital future of West Africa.