AI and cybersecurity: are African companies looking for experts in these fields ?

The digital economy is full of growth opportunities in Africa. According to forecasts, the sector could contribute $180 billion to the African economy by 2025 and reach $712 billion by 2050.

There are, however, significant challenges to be overcome if the benefits of technology are to be fully exploited. For example, by 2022, over 90% of businesses on the continent had no cybersecurity protocols in place, leaving them vulnerable to cyberthreats such as hacking and phishing. Today, Africa loses around $4 billion a year to cybercrime.

But the picture is not entirely negative. Countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, Mauritius and Rwanda feature prominently in the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2020.

Moreover, the technological leap that Africa has enjoyed in telecommunications or finance could be replicated in terms of cybersecurity by banking on artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, unlike traditional cybersecurity techniques which only detect known threats, AI prevents new attacks by using autonomous systems and learning models.

Given the continent’s need for certified cybersecurity specialists, competition for talent is fierce, and foreign cybersecurity and AI experts are likely to be in high demand in the short to medium term. Here is a sample of the most popular positions at the moment. 

Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers are indispensable professionals in the cybersecurity sector. Specializing in machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence whose aim is to make computers capable of performing an action and progressing autonomously, they develop algorithms and statistical methods that enable them to solve tasks without being programmed. These versatile experts combine the skills of a data scientist, mathematician, software developer and programmer. The day-to-day work of a machine learning engineer revolves around programming artificial intelligence models based on algorithms, while ensuring that the computer can react to increasingly complex problems. 

Data engineer

The data engineer, or big data engineer, is a key link in a company’s cybersecurity, and is an indispensable partner to the machine learning engineer. These experts are responsible for defining, developing and implementing the tools and infrastructures needed to make data analysis work. As the primary player in the data processing process, the data engineer is responsible for all database operations. Thanks to their work, the data scientist will then be able to use clean (usable) data so that other Big Data players can subsequently draw trends from it, notably with the help of cutting-edge technologies and software such as machine learning, which in turn will help improve the cybersecurity of the company or institution.

Cybersecurity engineer

Responsible for analyzing and dealing with intrusion threats and defining the action plans needed to correct or anticipate them, the cybersecurity engineer is a vital part of any company. Institutions such as banks, defense, insurance firms and public authorities increasingly need these IT security experts to secure sensitive digital devices and data. Cybersecurity experts are in great demand, especially as information systems become increasingly complex over time. In operational terms, they are true project managers in charge of keeping a constant watch on current threats and cyber-defenses, capable of constantly monitoring software and hardware vulnerabilities, and analyzing malware and all data breaches.

Cyber threat analyst

Considered the guarantor and guardian of computer data integrity and confidentiality, the cyber threat analyst plays a vital role within an organization. Also known as cyber threat intelligence (CTI) analysts, they monitor information systems to detect and analyze corporate security incidents.

The Cyber Threat Analyst detects all threats and malicious activities originating on all information systems. In addition, they play a preventive role within the company with regard to cyber-attacks and other potential threats. They collect, qualify organize and analyze raw data form a variety of sources, including the dark web, open-source intelligence and social media. 

Cybersecurity architect

The cybersecurity architect occupies a cross-functional role within the organization, combining the technical, organizational and business aspects of cybersecurity.

These experts act as the link between a company’s users and customers and its cybersecurity experts and are the technical authority on a company’s security architectures.

Cybersecurity architects ensure that the company’s technical and technological choices comply with the organization’s security requirements, while also ensuring that the technical security choices meet the customer’s needs.

To do this, they analyze the risks and vulnerabilities of systems and equipment and recommend a technical architecture that meets a variety of requirements (functionalities, interoperability or robustness of information systems, etc…) corresponding both to the company’s needs and to current regulations.