Editor’s note:The ISACA Foundation offers annual Cybersecurity Month Scholarships to support global students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in cybersecurity. Awardees will receive financial support for tuition as well as a career-building bundle to enhance their professional development. Applications are open during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, with a deadline of 5 November 2024. This initiative also aims to support students from underrepresented communities in cybersecurity. Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here.
Below, see our Q&A interview with last year’s scholarship recipients. If you’d like to help even more students achieve their goals, please consider making a donation.
ISACA Now: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Kelly Huang, student at University of Southern California: Sure! I'm a fourth-year student at the University of Southern California, studying Intelligence and cyber operations. I am passionate about the intersection of cybersecurity and international relations after having multiple internship experiences and studying abroad. On campus, I'm a senior advisor for my university's cybersecurity club, a flutist in the marching band, and a member of the foreign service society. In my free time, I enjoy reading and going outdoors.
Halimah Olaolohun Abdul-Azeez, enterprise security intern, LASG Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology: I am an undergraduate student of cybersecurity with a love for tech, community-building, mentoring and skill development in cybersecurity and IT leadership. I am currently an undergraduate intern (enterprise security) at the Lagos State Government Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology.
Akshat Jain, security researcher: I'm an electronics engineer with a passion for cybersecurity. I've always been fascinated by how technology works and how it can be used to make a positive impact on people's lives. I believe that understanding the underlying technologies is crucial for creating secure systems that benefit humanity.
Natenaile Asmamaw Shiferaw, student at C.V. Raman Global University: I am originally from Ethiopia, where I completed my primary and secondary education. Currently, I am in my fourth year of studying computer science and engineering at C.V. Raman Global University in India. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong interest in leveraging technology to solve pressing challenges and enhance the quality of life for individuals in developing regions.
ISACA Now: What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
Kelly: Being born and raised in Silicon Valley, I saw first-hand how technology has developed in my community but also left many people vulnerable to cybercrime. When I left my hometown to attend USC, I knew that I wanted to gain the skills and experiences to understand how cybersecurity impacts the world in order to educate others on how to protect themselves.
Halimah: My tech journey began with a desire to build websites, but during the COVID-19 lockdown, a loved one was scammed of a huge amount of money online. This sparked a deeper passion in me to solve problems and protect people online, deepening my resolve to pursue a career in tech.
Akshat: I've always been curious about how things work and how they can be used to make a difference. As I delved deeper into the world of technology, I realized that security is a critical aspect of ensuring that people can use technology safely and confidently. This inspired me to want to contribute to making technology more secure and accessible to everyone.
Natenaile: My interest in mathematics during high school sparked my curiosity about problem-solving through technology. Growing up in Ethiopia, I observed the challenges faced by my community, which motivated me to pursue a career in tech. I realized that mathematical principles underpin many technological advancements, and I am eager to use these tools to create innovative solutions that positively impact society.
ISACA Now: What does being a scholarship recipient mean to you personally and professionally?
Kelly: As a first-generation college student, receiving an ISACA scholarship has been game-changing to my career. Personally, it empowers me to become the first in my family to graduate from a four-year institution, and professionally, it enables me to become a future change-maker in the cyber industry.
Halimah: Receiving the ISACA scholarship affirmed my dedication to cybersecurity and provided the support I needed to focus on learning, developing my skills and contributing meaningfully to the field of cybersecurity.
Akshat: Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor and a testament to my hard work and dedication. Personally, it means that I've been recognized for my efforts and motivates me to continue to give back to the community. Professionally, it allows me to invest in myself, the equipment required to conduct experiments, and finally, contribute to the field of cybersecurity at a much greater level.
Natenaile: Receiving the ISACA Cybersecurity Month Scholarship has been a significant milestone in my academic journey. It alleviates the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and personal development. Professionally, being part of ISACA connects me with a network of industry professionals and provides access to valuable resources, including free courses in data science, which enhance my skills and career prospects.
ISACA Now: What advice would you give your peers about staying safe online, especially in light of this year’s cybersecurity month theme, “Secure Our World”?
Kelly: You actually know more than you think! In any case, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, so err on the side of caution. If your gut is telling you something is suspicious, report it and do not engage with it. Also, make your passphrases longer.
Halimah: Stay safe online by using strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication for all applications, avoid clicking suspicious links, and keep your software updated to protect against threats.
Akshat: My advice is to be mindful of what information you share online and to stay professional. Practice safe habits like using private mode in browsers, using VPNs on public networks, and being cautious when downloading files from unknown sources. It's also essential to stay informed about the latest scams and threats, so you can protect yourself and others. By following these simple tips, we can all contribute to making the world a safer place.
Natenaile: I advise my peers to adopt a proactive approach to online safety. Utilizing strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are essential steps for protecting personal accounts. Moreover, being cautious about phishing attempts and carefully scrutinizing links and attachments from unfamiliar sources can significantly reduce the risk of cyberthreats. Staying informed and vigilant is crucial for maintaining a secure digital environment.
ISACA Now: Can you share a specific project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?
Kelly: I am a teaching assistant for a new class at USC called “How Not To Get Hacked: Personal Cybersecurity.” I get to work with Professor Ibbotson on developing the curriculum assignments and teach mostly non-cyber students how to be cyber-safe.
Halimah: I’m proud of my role as a volunteer with Cybersecurity Education Initiative (CYSED) during the Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaigns. In October 2022, I helped educate over 10,000 students in Lagos State about online safety, and in 2023, our team expanded to reach schools, governmental ministries, and a radio station in Ondo State, promoting safe online practices.
Natenaile: I have completed a research project focused on Amharic character recognition using deep learning. This initiative aims to enhance digital accessibility for Amharic speakers, the national language of Ethiopia, contributing to greater inclusivity in technology. Following positive evaluations I have received from my supervisor, I plan to submit this research for publication in a journal, marking a significant achievement in my academic career.
ISACA Now: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Kelly: My long-term goals are to work in the U.S. Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. I hope to obtain a dual degree master's in cybersecurity engineering and master's in public policy, and work in threat intelligence before pivoting to cyber education policy.
Halimah: I aspire to become a CISO within five years after my graduation from school by gaining industry certifications, more leadership experience, and further education in business and IT to effectively bridge the gap between security and business strategy.
Akshat: My aspiration is to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity. To achieve this, I plan to continue my education and stay up-to-date with the latest research and development trends. I also hope to collaborate with other security professionals to create innovative solutions that benefit society as a whole.
Natenaile: Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I aspire to pursue a master’s or Ph.D in computer vision, with a focus on its applications in cybersecurity. My goal is to work as an applied scientist, developing systems that utilize computer vision for real-time threat detection and behavioral analysis. To achieve this, I will actively seek internships at tech companies that specialize in security solutions and engage in research projects that integrate computer vision with cybersecurity protocols. Additionally, I plan to attend industry conferences and workshops to stay abreast of advancements in both fields and to network with professionals.
ISACA Now: What advice would you have for ISACA in engaging and supporting students?
Kelly: ISACA has been doing some incredible work for cybersecurity across the board already. Offering scholarships for students is a great step. Perhaps creating additional opportunities to get involved with the organization, such as a fellowship program for the month of October, might invite more students to learn about and teach cybersecurity to others.
Halimah: I’ll advise ISACA provides additional support for students by offering internship opportunities, especially for those in rural areas, to help them gain hands-on experience, and fulfil the mandatory work experience required by some schools.
Akshat: I believe that initiatives like this scholarship program are crucial for empowering students to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the world. ISACA's efforts to support students are invaluable, and I hope that they continue to provide opportunities for students to grow and develop their skills. By doing so, ISACA can help shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who can make a real difference in the world.
Natenaile: I recommend that ISACA expand its outreach to include more countries and establish partnerships with universities across Africa. There is a wealth of talent among students in these regions, but opportunities to cultivate their skills are often limited. By fostering collaboration and supporting educational initiatives, ISACA can empower aspiring professionals and contribute to the growth of the cybersecurity landscape.