Paratus Zambia takes the lead in Empowering Cybersecurity Students and Improving Digital Literacy

Bridging the Skills Gap and Fostering Technological Advancement in Zambia.

With an apparent global shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals, cyber threats are more than a passing concern – indeed, there is an emergency to motivate more people to enter the IT industry and, specifically, to encourage them to specialize in information technology security. To help tackle the problem in Zambia, Paratus Zambia has stepped up to the plate. With a mission to support and empower future generations in developing their technical skills, the pan-African telco and network services provider has recently sponsored two cyber security events in Zambia.

Capture the Flag Competition

Awarded ‘Cybersecurity Company of the Year’ in the 2023 Techtrends Zambia Awards, Paratus Zambia was the official internet connectivity sponsor for the Capture the Flag competition in August 2023. This competition saw students from different universities from around the country compete in various rounds of cyber security challenges to qualify for the finals. In the finals, the winning three institutions were: ZCAS (1st); DMI-St. Eugene University (2nd); and National Institute for Public Administration (3rd).

The winning team was awarded five ISACA student memberships for a whole year. This membership is a great way for students to get involved in the field of information security while having access to a variety of benefits, such as online learning resources and networking opportunities. Prior to the final, Paratus Zambia hosted a group of their finalists at their world-class standard Data Center which gave the participants some valuable insights into their advanced infrastructure.

ABSA Hackathon Event

Paratus Zambia also provided the essential connectivity for the ABSA Hackathon earlier in 2023 which included sponsoring links to two innovation hubs in Solwezi and Livingstone. This was an intense competition when teams of data scientists and enthusiasts tackled data problems and provided solutions. The main purpose of this event was not only to encourage and promote innovative thinking and increase awareness around the importance of data science, but it was also a great opportunity to showcase technical talent within Zambia.

Since both competitions focused on hacking and cybersecurity, all participants had to partake in a series of rigorous, problem-solving challenges. The types of challenges included the following: 

• Web Challenges: These involved exploiting vulnerabilities in websites or web applications, such as finding and exploiting SQL injection flaws, cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, or other security weaknesses. The students encountered XSS vulnerabilities, SQL injection and the manipulation of Java Web Tokens (JWT)
  
• Forensic Challenges: By analyzing digital evidence, competitors had to recover deleted files, find hidden data, and undertake other challenges that require an understanding of digital forensics.
  
• Reverse Engineering Challenges: Through awareness about reversing the engineering of software, these challenges involved decompiling code, understanding assembly language, among others that require an understanding of how software works.
  
• Cryptography Challenges: Participants needed to solve cryptographic problems, such as breaking ciphers, cracking hashes, and other challenges that require an understanding of cryptography.
  
• PWN (Binary exploitation challenges): These involved exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or other software, such as gaining root access to a system, escalating privileges, among others that require an understanding of system security.

In cybersecurity, professionals must embrace the paradox of learning to counter hacking by understanding this discipline deeply. This involves mastering attack vectors (how attackers gain access), recognizing tools and techniques (like malware and phishing), identifying various threat actors and their motivations, and assessing potential impacts. Implementing mitigation strategies, staying ethically compliant, and committing to continuous learning are essential. Collaboration is pivotal, as cybersecurity thrives on teamwork with law enforcement, incident response teams, and administrators to protect organizations effectively.

In addition to sponsoring these two events, Paratus Zambia is committed to helping bridge the digital divide by giving young individuals opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As part of this commitment, the telco has also offered a three-month internship to two finalists.”

Musonda Community School Computer Lab

Paratus Zambia is helping to upskill people and has invested in refurbishing the computer lab at Musonda Community School in Kitwe. Together with PLAEP (Partners for Life Advancement and Education Promotion), Paratus supplied additional computers, printers, a 2Mbps internet link, and furniture. This investment has enabled the school to open its doors to students from other schools, with at least four community schools from nearby communities using Musonda Community School for their national and zonal exams each year. On average, the school registers and administers practical and final exams to at least 200 students from other schools. Since the inception of the computer lab, it is estimated that over 1,000 students have benefitted from its use, with a total of over 4,500 learning sessions delivered. The school has thus become a technology hub for the broader community, enabling students to access a wide range of materials that can enhance their tech skills, breaking down barriers for those from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore the world at the touch of a keyboard.

By giving young people access to technology, whether it is by supplying connectivity, or allowing access to their physical infrastructure, Paratus Zambia offers them a great advantage to further their education in an ever-evolving and fast-paced world. It is the mandate of Paratus Zambia to continually support the vital skill sets and personal growth of the country’s future generations, and in doing so, this will allow them to handle any technological developments and challenges that arise – including the ongoing fight against cybercrime.

Paratus Zambia is based in Lusaka and part of the Paratus Group. Paratus is Africa’s quality network. With an eye on the future, the group’s investment in infrastructure underscores its long-term commitment to transform Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service. Paratus is managed by a passionate and professional operational team in seven African countries – Angola, Botswana, DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.  The business’s extended network provides a satellite connectivity-focused service in over 35 African countries to a magnitude of customer satellite connections across Africa. This connects African businesses across the continent and delivers end-to-end service excellence. The group’s footprint extends beyond Africa to international (points of presence) PoPs in Europe, the UK, and the USA. 

Born and bred in Africa, Paratus is thinking big as it grows its footprint to deliver Africa’s quality network.  By understanding the unique opportunities that Africa offers businesses and individuals to break boundaries and to connect without limits, Paratus is committed to raising the bar for providing quality – and secure – connectivity in Africa.