USIU-Africa hosts BSides Nairobi Cybersecurity Conference

By Cynthia Gitau and Dennis Mugi

Photo: BSides Nairobi 2024

Caption: Participants take a group photo during the recently concluded BSsides conference. Photo: Edward Kinyara.

On November 7-8, USIU-Africa hosted the annual BSides Nairobi Cybersecurity Conference. In its third year running, this two-day conference gathered local and global industry experts, learners and cybersecurity enthusiasts including USIU-Africa’s students and faculty to share wealth of knowledge, explore opportunities and engage with thought leaders and experts in various fields. Since its inception, BSides has endeavored to differentiate itself, as a one of a kind Community First Cyber and Information Security Conference. Before the main conference, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a two-day masterclass series. The first day centered on ‘Active Directory Attack Masterclass,’ offering an in-depth exploration from foundational concepts to advanced exploitation techniques. On the second day, the focus shifted to ‘Using Open Source Tools to Detect Attackers' Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs),’ providing valuable insights into recognizing and countering potential cyber threats.

The first day of the conference started with a thought-provoking keynote address about the role of cybersecurity in supporting national security efforts. The session emphasized the importance of cybercrime prevention, and intelligence operations and culminated with a call to action that reminded attendees that the work they do has real, far-reaching implications for national and global security. The speakers also discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and its double-edged capabilities as both an offensive and defensive tool, and its potential towards transforming Security Operations Centers if well harnessed. The day ended with an eye-opening career insights presentation that tackled career resilience and growth, urging the participants to “endure criticism, master once craft, and never settling”, encouraging the participants to focus on making a positive impact and continually strive for excellence in their work. The second and final day of the conference shifted its focus to the emerging technologies reshaping the business landscape. Participants caught a glimpse of how Cryptocurrencies Investigations are conducted, and how Decentralized Finance (DeFi) leverages Blockchain technology to offer a wide range of financial services without the need for traditional intermediaries like banks. The discussion highlighted the increased attack surface that these technologies introduce, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets and Blockchain applications. The day also included sessions on data protection and privacy, addressing the challenges of embedding privacy-by-design principles throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

BSides Nairobi 2024 also discussed mental health in a demanding industry and the resilience needed to build lasting careers in cybersecurity. This candid conversation offered a rare glimpse into the emotional resilience required in cybersecurity - a field that demands constant vigilance and adaptability. The panelists’ openness about their own struggles and their resilience was both humbling and motivating, underscoring the importance of mental well-being as a foundation for sustainable success in such a demanding industry. Their commitment to their work and to supporting others in the cybersecurity space served as an inspiring reminder of the larger mission behind cybersecurity: safeguarding our digital world.

Overall, BSides Nairobi 2024 conference was an exceptional event, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. It reinforced the necessity of continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability in the face of evolving cyber threats. From technical insights to personal stories of resilience, the conference reinforced that cybersecurity is not only a technical pursuit but a human one, driven by passion, innovation, and community.