CyberSafe Foundation, an organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide, has announced the opening of applications for its API Academy this October, marking a significant step toward empowering women globally with cutting-edge cybersecurity skills.
The CyberSafe API (Application Programming Interface) Security Training Program is a 12-week intensive learning experience designed to equip aspiring cybersecurity professionals with the skills to secure APIs. Participants gain hands-on training in API fundamentals, authentication, encryption, and advanced penetration testing techniques. Through expert-led instruction and practical labs, learners build technical expertise and develop the confidence to thrive in global cybersecurity careers.
Confidence Staveley, executive director, CyberSafe Foundation, disclosed that, unlike the first Cohort, this next Cohort will accommodate, not only the CyberGirls Alumni Community, but all interested women.
“Looking ahead, this October, Applications will reopen for our API Academy. And for the first time, we will be admitting women, not only from the CyberGirls Alumni Community, but from anywhere in the world, from ages 20-40, who want to master the art of securing APIs. So keep an eye out for our Call For Applications, until then, stay Cyber Safe. At cybersafe Foundation, we envision a future where every woman trained at our API Academy, is not just skilled, but empowered to lead, innovate and transform the way APIs are secured across industries,” She announced.
Reflecting on past cohorts, Staveley disclosed that the programme has been highly impactful and successful, especially going by the testimonials of the participants from across Africa. “The journey has been nothing short of transformative. In fact, a participant shared that although she was employed in a GRC role, she was recently tasked with testing a web application with API calls. Thanks to the training we provided her, she identifies dozens of vulnerabilities that have now been remediated by her company.
“Several other participants who had never touched API testing tools before, are now working at expert level proficiency, and some others have even decided to pivot their careers into application securities building on the solid foundation this programme has given them,” she added.
According to Staveley, to achieve this result, students went through an intensive hands-on journey covering API security fundamentals, OWASP API Security Top 10, Authentication, Documentation best practices, securing API servers, Gateway Security best practices, PCI Compliance, APIs Security for connected cars and fleets, penetration testing, securing LLM and NLP APIs and API products management. This was, no doubt, a high pressure, high accountability programme where every participant submitted weekly technical reports on their security tasks. So today, I am super proud to celebrate the incredible women who successfully completed the programme,” she averred.
Damilola Abiona, CyberSafe Foundation trainer and cyberGirls alumna, said: “Leading the CyberSafe API Academy has been a deeply rewarding experience. Watching women who started with little to no offensive security background grow into confident vulnerability hunters in just twelve weeks shows how powerful structured and hands-on learning can be. This program is not only breaking barriers in cybersecurity education but also positioning Africa as a hub for the next generation of API security leaders.”
