Parakou is hosting from 10 to 12 November 2021 the fourth edition of HackerLab, organised by the National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI).
Parakou is hosting from 10 to 12 November 2021 the fourth edition of HackerLab, organised by the National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI) on the theme “The defence of the Empire of Nikki”, with Séro Kpéra, one of the emblematic figures of Benin's history, chosen as the defender on the promotional visuals of this competition, whose aim is to identify talent and skills in cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime in Benin.
Twenty (20) teams of four (04) candidates each are competing in this edition of HackerLab in the city of the kobourou, following the pre-qualification phase held from 20 August to 20 September 2021.
The National Digital Security Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers on 6 May 2020, provides among other things for the “Development of digital security skills and culture”. Implementing such a strategy requires a considerable supply of human resources skilled in cybersecurity. As such profiles are rather rare in Benin, it is important to foster healthy competition among talented people in the sector through competitions of this kind.
Why Parakou?
The leading city of northern Benin, Parakou was chosen to host the fourth edition of HackerLab because it is the nearest large city to the municipality of Nikki, the legendary imperial city of the Bariba horsemen. Through this event from 10 to 12 November 2021, ANSSI intends to make HackerLab a channel for accelerating the spread of digital security culture at the decentralised level.
What is on the HackerLab 2021 programme?
This year, HackerLab is innovating on both the technical and the organisational fronts:
- The introduction of “attack-defence”, in which candidates will learn to exploit the vulnerabilities of competing teams' machines while defending their own for 48 hours non-stop. This competition format is a first in the sub-region and demonstrates the technical capabilities of ANSSI's staff, given the complexity of implementing this type of event. The aim is to put candidates in situations based on real incidents in order to test their abilities in handling IT security incidents;
- The organisation and holding of the event outside Greater Nokoué and the choice of a theme centred on one of the most majestic kingdoms Benin has known, that of Nikki, in order to reconnect candidates with history and to showcase Benin's cultural diversity.
- The inclusion of women, in order to inspire vocations in the field of IT security and thus serve as an inspiration for young people to embrace digital careers. Seventeen (17) young women are taking part in this edition of HackerLab;
- The inclusion of young talent living outside Greater Nokoué, to promote a mix and an inclusive diversity of all at the national level.
Results of previous HackerLab editions
Since 2017, HackerLab has brought to light many Beninese IT security talents who are now the country's pride on the international stage.
The competition has also enabled winners and participants to flourish in the culture of IT security through the creation of various cybersecurity and digital communities, all of which encourages the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experience and information for a secure national cyberspace.