UbuntuNet Alliance hosted a Security Bootcamp as part of the EU-cofunded AfricaConnect3 Project, with the two-day training delivered by GÉANT during the UbuntuNet Alliance Connect conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in October 2024. Representatives from several member NRENs participated, including RENU (Uganda), SANReN and TENET (South Africa), and TERNET (Tanzania). Prof. Madara Ogot, UbuntuNet Alliance CEO, opened the event and encouraged active participation from attendees throughout the training sessions. The bootcamp represented a significant collaboration between European and African research and education networks, demonstrating the ongoing partnership fostered through the AfricaConnect3 Project.
The training curriculum was structured across two days, with the first day covering comprehensive aspects of security structure, strategy, and objectives, with a particular focus on risk management frameworks. Participants engaged in detailed discussions about security framework implementation and reporting requirements, establishing a practical foundation for their institutional security programs. These sessions included in-depth analysis of various security frameworks currently implemented across different NRENs, allowing participants to compare approaches and identify best practices suitable for their specific contexts. The discussions also addressed the challenges of implementing comprehensive security measures within the constraints of existing resources and infrastructure.
The second day focused extensively on Data Protection Management, a topic specifically requested by member NRENs during the preparation phase of the bootcamp. This session explored current data protection regulations, compliance requirements, and practical implementation strategies for research and education networks. The interactive risk management workshop that followed allowed participants to work through real-world scenarios based on actual challenges faced by NRENs in the region. This practical approach helped participants develop concrete strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks within their organizations. The workshop included group exercises where participants collaborated on creating risk assessment matrices and developing response strategies for common security incidents.
Feedback from participants emphasized the practical benefits of the training program. Isaac Newton Wobomba from RENU noted that it provided “actionable insights into improving our security strategy,” while Suleiman Yussuf from TERNET appreciated the “real-world understanding of security leadership and decision-making.” The training was conducted by Ana Alves, CISO for GÉANT, and Michel Gerdes from DFN-CERT, who delivered content specifically tailored to address the requirements and challenges faced by African NRENs in their cybersecurity implementations. Their expertise in both technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of modern security challenges and solutions.
The bootcamp also featured extensive discussions on assessment reports that were prepared in advance of the training. These reports helped identify specific areas where NRENs could strengthen their security posture and provided a baseline for measuring future improvements. Participants worked with these reports during the sessions to develop targeted action plans for their respective organizations. The importance of continued collaboration and information sharing among security professionals was emphasized throughout the training, with participants expressing interest in establishing regular communication channels for ongoing support and knowledge exchange.
Following the successful completion of the bootcamp, discussions have begun about incorporating similar security training components in future UbuntuNet Alliance events. The organization recognizes the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and the need for continuous professional development in this field. UbuntuNet Alliance continues to support member NRENs in developing their cybersecurity capabilities, with the knowledge and practices shared during this bootcamp serving as resources for participating NRENs to enhance their security frameworks. This support includes facilitating regular knowledge exchange sessions and providing guidance on implementing security best practices across the network.
For information about UbuntuNet Alliance’s cybersecurity initiatives and upcoming events, interested parties can contact the Alliance at devops[at]ubuntunet[dot]net.