Cylander cyber security course officially kicks off in Mombasa

Cylander is thrilled to announce that its first certified cyber security course has officially kicked off in Mombasa, Kenya. After a rigorous selection process, a group of nearly 30 talented and motivated students have been hand-selected to take part in this intensive one-year programme, designed to prepare them for careers as certified Hack The Box penetration testers.

The kickoff marks a landmark moment for Cylander and its partners. What began as a shared vision between Cylander, ING, Close the Gap Kenya, and Hack The Box has now become a reality on the ground. The energy in the room during the first sessions was remarkable, with students eager to dive into the world of ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and cyber defence.

Building Africa's next generation of cyber security professionals

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow rapidly across the African continent and globally. With an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide, programmes like this are not just valuable, they are essential. By investing in local talent, Cylander and its partners are helping to close the skills gap while empowering young professionals to protect critical digital infrastructure in their communities and beyond.

Each student in the programme was carefully selected based on their aptitude, dedication, and potential to make a meaningful impact in the field. Over the course of the next twelve months, they will work through a comprehensive curriculum that combines hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and mentorship from experienced professionals.

A strong partnership driving real impact

This initiative showcases what is possible when the private sector, non-profit organisations, and the tech community come together around a common goal. ING brings its deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and cybersecurity expertise. Close the Gap Kenya provides the local infrastructure and community connections essential for reaching the right candidates. Hack The Box delivers a world-class training platform that is trusted by security teams and professionals around the globe.

Together, these partners have created a programme that is not only free of charge for participants but also delivers training that meets international industry standards. This model of collaboration is one that Cylander hopes to replicate in other regions in the future.

What lies ahead

Over the coming months, students will progressively build their skills from foundational networking and security concepts through to advanced penetration testing techniques. The programme culminates in a Hack The Box certification, giving graduates a recognised credential that opens doors to employment opportunities across the cybersecurity industry.

Cylander invites organisations and institutions who share this vision to get in touch. Whether through sponsorship, mentorship, or infrastructure support, there are many ways to contribute to the growth of cybersecurity talent in underserved communities. Together, we can make the digital world safer for everyone.