Strathmore University has launched the first Information Security Master’s of Science (Msc.) program for cyber security professionals in the region.
The private university based in Nairobi, Kenya says the programme will provide high level cyber security training. The programme is targeted at Chief Information Officers, Network Security engineers, Information Security Architects, Incident Responders, Penetration Testers, Forensic Experts in Defense, Police Service, quasi government agencies and private enterprises.
Dr Fred Matiangi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information and Communication during the launch, said “The threat landscape just became complex and more sophisticated due to the migration of government data and essential services to digital platforms. We have to take action to impart our information security professionals with more advanced skills to counter threats and vulnerabilities. The country, meanwhile, is losing more than Ksh 2 billion annually due to increased hacker activities.”
“The Masters of Science program launched by Strathmore University was aligned to the national cyber security policy and that it had earned the support of over 10 advanced research centres funded by global tech giants who uniquely positioned @iLabAfrica to spearhead this training and research solution,” he added.
The program was launched Tuesday 17th March at the university auditorium. Intake into the two-year programme will begin 4th of May this year. Classes will be extended using distance learning technologies to allow students outside Nairobi to participate.
According to Dr Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, “Our objective is to convert the best resources we have in the country and region into high value experts in the field of information security to better face the threats against their enterprises and governments in the region.”
The university will utilise this medium to conduct advanced security researches at labs based at its @iLabAfrica Research centre and technical partnership with Safaricom, Huawei, ICT Authority, EMC, Ericsson, Oracle, CISCO Academy, Softlock and Microsoft to avail world class research resources required for the program.
Kenya has experienced increased cyber-attacks in recent years, probably due to shortage of skilled IT Security professionals. There are high hopes that this programme will help curb the menace.
