Editor’s note: Princess Ngozi Uche, the first CSX Cybersecurity Practitioner Certification (CSX-P) credential-holder in Nigeria, has a pioneering spirit, as further evidenced by her work to help initiate an ISACA chapter in Port Harcourt. She recently visited with the ISACA Now blog to discuss these “firsts” – and more. The following is a transcript, edited for length and clarity:
ISACA Now: What motivated you to pursue the CSX-P certification?
As a cybersecurity enthusiast, I love reading and learning about cybersecurity, and I yearned to practice what I was learning in a real-life hands-on environment. I was therefore very excited when ISACA introduced virtual labs that simulate real-life hands-on environment for use in training for the CSX-P certification. I purchased the virtual lab, practiced with it, did the CSX-P examination, and passed!
ISACA Now: What does it mean to you to be the first CSX-P in Nigeria?
It means a lot to me! Being the first CSX-P in Nigeria comes with a lot of responsibilities as people will look up to me for guidance, mentoring and cybersecurity solutions. In that case, I envisage my increased participation in cybersecurity-related engagements such as career talks, panel discussions, cybersecurity awareness programs, human resource development, etc. In all these, the ISACA CSX brand will be highlighted. Also, I hope to be an inspiration to people, especially women, to challenge themselves and acquire cybersecurity skills.
ISACA Now: For what types of career backgrounds do you think the CSX-P is most helpful, and how so?
In my opinion, the CSX-P certification is most helpful for career backgrounds in information security risk management and information security risk consulting. This is because it enhances broad understanding of the protection of digital assets, from the perspectives of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover.
ISACA Now: What are some of your career goals for the coming years?
It is my desire to render high level services to my country, Nigeria, with the knowledge and skills that I have acquired in the field of cybersecurity.
ISACA Now: What about the book Secrets and Lies first sparked your interest in cybersecurity?
I discovered the book, Secrets and Lies (by Bruce Schneier), when online shopping sites were springing up and e-commerce was slowly being embraced in Nigeria. Secrets and Lies taught me that everybody who uses an internet-connected computer system should be concerned about digital security. That knowledge grabbed my interest and made me want to know more about cybersecurity.
ISACA Now: What was your experience like as president of the Port Harcourt chapter?
In 2013, I rallied a group of ISACA members in Port Harcourt and together we worked toward the formation of an ISACA chapter to cater to members and the business community within Port Harcourt city and its environs. On 19 August 2015, a charter was granted to ISACA Port Harcourt Chapter and I became the pioneer/charter president from inception to November 2017.
As president of the chapter, I worked to ensure that there were regular chapter meetings, educational sessions, training courses, networking events, professional development and career enhancement programs for the benefit of members and prospective members. The impact of our engagement resulted in strong visibility of the ISACA brand within business, government and university communities in Port Harcourt and neighboring cities. The ISACA Port Harcourt Chapter continues to build on the solid foundation laid at its inception five years ago.
ISACA Now: Can you tell us a little more about the community development program you are involved with? What type of work does that entail?
I coordinated the provision of a solar-powered water borehole for the community of Ndimoko, Arondizuogu, Imo State, Nigeria, in 2020. I am also presently working towards the provision of a Resource Centre for skills acquisition that will empower women and youth of the community. In recognition of my development initiatives, the Ndimoko community awarded me the title of “Pillar of Development” at a highly publicized awards ceremony in December 2020.
ISACA Now: As you mentioned in your previous responses, you have been involved in a lot of “firsts.” How did you develop such a pioneering spirit?
I believe that the pioneering spirit is innate in me. I love taking on challenges and I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after the successful resolution of a challenge.