A career in cybersecurity is worth a try

Last year, the government reviewed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy with the aim of dealing with cyber crimes, which, by all indications, are on the rise.

Communications, Science and Technology deputy minister January Makamba, was quoted as saying the 2003 policy was too old-fashioned to address challenges in the sector. There is a need for not only fresh methods to curb cyber crimes, but also fresh brains.

A lot of people have been taking advantage of the growth of the IT industry to pursue careers in cyber security. One of them is Yusuph Kileo, a cybersecurity consultant. In this interview with Success, he says there is still a lot to be done to improve the challenges facing Tanzania in this area:

What is the situation in Tanzania as far as cyber crime is concerned?

Cyber crime is on a spiral rise and the reason behind this is that not only do we have increased number of ICT users, but also people are ways how to gain easy money through online theft. Some even go further by hacking websites and systems in the name of getting classified information or just for fun. We have heard a lot of cases of this type in the last one year.

There have also been cases of people stealing money from ATMs. Some are defrauding bona fide users of mobile money transfer services, such as Tigopesa, M-pesa and others.

Where did you train?

In 2009, I made a choice to study a degree in computer security and digital forensics investigation at the Staffordshire University in England. I fell in love with telecommunication while working with the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) in 2008.

But while at university, I realised that IT security was a more interesting career to try because it creates more room to try. I graduated in 2012.

Who are you working with?

I am a permanent member of the Information Security Group of Africa. I work as an independent consultant. I have conducted various training seminars on cyber crime in Tanzania.

What exactly do you do as a cyber security consultant?

I train people and companies on how to investigate, collect, preserve and transport evidence that involves online crimes. Apart from training I am hired by different people to investigate when their websites are hacked.

Why is this important?

It is a very sensitive area because you do not want to lose important evidence. Failure to handle this leads to victimisation of innocent people.

Is it a highly paying job?

It can be a well paying job depending on where one is working.

Sadly, in Tanzania many people are still not aware of what cyber crime is all about. So, it does not pay much.

What have you achieved so far in your career?

So far, it is all about gaining recognition of what I am doing. I am happy that last year the Chief of ICT in Tanzania Police Force gave me the opportunity to resolve problems their website had encountered.