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Reginald Chirenje Youth Interactive Correspondent 

Security remains a big concern in the modern world as technology progresses. 

Cyber security is one of the hottest fields in technology today and the trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) through Evolve Club hosted the 2023 Cyber CTF Competition recently in Harare.

The event was meant to enhance student’s skills in ethical hacking, that is technology risk and assurance in the information infrastructure.

Technology Risk and Assurance expert, Martin Muduvha who was the guest of honour at the 2023 Cyber CTF competition stated that such events are of great importance as they present a unique opportunity to harness the power of digital technology for economic growth and development.

This supports the digitalisation effort being made by the Government which is gradually gaining momentum towards attaining an upper middle class economy for vision 2030.

He further added that Education 5.0 is a key component of vision 2030 by equipping the young generation with skills and knowledge essential for them to succeed in the digital edge.

Many students from various tertiary institutions of Zimbabwe attended the event. 

Teams which participated include Cyberpunks, Spicon, Team A, Famous three, Hackersploits, Metaspoits, CRE and Luxor. 

Luxor, Metaspoits, Hackersploits,Famous Three and Team A made it to the top four and were awarded. “Cyber security is now critical to all industries, from retail sales to hospital power plants which are dependent on information technology and cyber security to ensure Information Technology assets are protected”,  said Lionel Musonza, first runner on the competition.

Musonza further acknowledged efforts being made by the club through giving students hands on experience necessary added to theoretical content given in schools.

“Having the appropriate cyber security measures in place benefits employees, customers and companies at large.

By protecting themselves from external threats, companies ensure that their data including proprietary data and private information about employees and customers remains safe and secure”, Rora Sibongile Magura, third runner on the competition added.

Tertiary students who attended the Cyber CTF competition were grateful of the efforts made by Harare Institute of Technology through Evolve Club on the implementation of Education 5.0 which was recently introduced in tertiary institutions.

Patrick Guswana, a specialist in the construction field who graced the event ,further urged students not to only focus on Information and Technology but rather on how technology can be useful to improve and upgrade infrastructure of the nation.

“Technology innovation and advancements continue to improve the world for the better. It changes the way people communicate and opens up a world full of possibilities in the working world.

“With the increased amount of information available at our finger tips, a digital mindset is powerful for developmental growth”, he added.

The club will host another competition in August this year (battle grounds) on cyber security.