Dinah Lugard, a Nigerian cybersecurity expert, has been crowned the world’s best ethical hacker at the Global Cybersecurity Summit’s NewsHACKfest 2024 in California.
Ekwutosblog reports that Lugard’s journey to the top was marked by significant challenges, including a potential disqualification early in the competition.
Despite being imposed a 30-point penalty for unintentionally failing to follow instructions, Lugard’s exceptional skills and determination propelled her to an unprecedented victory.
“It wasn’t deliberate. I misunderstood the instructions, and by the time I realised it, the damage had been done,” Lugard explained.
She showcased her superior hacking abilities and innovative problem-solving skills, competing against top cybersecurity experts from around the globe.
Lugard’s victory earned her an impressive prize package, including a $100,000 cash prize and a full PhD scholarship to Harvard University. This achievement cements her status as a leading figure in the cybersecurity world and highlights Africa’s growing influence in the global tech landscape.
Lugard’s success at NewsHACKfest 2024 follows her earlier triumph at Hackathon 2024, hosted by Pydon Global in May.
There, she outperformed over 100 participants from across Africa, scoring an impressive 2277 points and earning recognition for delivering the best presentation.
She has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and commitment to making a difference in the field of cybersecurity.
Reflecting on her journey, Lugard said, “I’m still proud of the work I’ve done and the progress I’ve made in my career.
This won’t stop me from pursuing my passion for cybersecurity. There’s always more to learn, and I’m committed to making a difference in this field.”
Lugard’s victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring cybersecurity professionals worldwide, particularly in Africa. Her success story underscores the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and ethical practices in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
