Over 2,000 cybersecurity incidents were said to be reported to Information Regulator over the past year, but according to experts, the actual number of threats impacting South African companies is more likely to be in the realm of 2,000 per week.
This mirrors a global pattern: it is estimated that there is currently a shortage of around four million cybersecurity professionals worldwide, with the cost of training cited as one of the biggest barriers to entry. This picture is even more stark in emerging markets, with a World Economic Forum report highlighting that African nations face severe cybersecurity skill shortages due to high training costs and limited access to specialised programmes.
In a mission to tackle this growing global skills gap, Subverted – an offensive cybersecurity company headquartered in Cape Town – has launched ‘Subverted Academy’, which has set out to “remove these barriers by making fully online, high-quality and practical training accessible to individuals worldwide; regardless of background, means or geography,” says Ulrich Swart, Co-founder of Subverted.
With a platform and curriculum developed by real-life hackers Swart and his Subverted Co-Founder Jason Spencer, Subverted Academy launches with an initial offering of 28 courses across 4 categories (General IT Fundamentals, Offensive Security, Defensive Security and Strategic Security), hands-on challenges, structured learning tracks and recognised certification upon completion. The first three courses are free with no trials or “bait and switch” tactics, while full access allows the user to partake in all courses starting from as little as $8 per month.
The courses combine beginner-friendly learning with the depth expected from those as seasoned as Swart and Spencer, and are aimed at individuals who want to enter the cybersecurity workforce, current professionals looking to advance their skills, or “anyone with the drive and willingness to learn,” says Spencer.
“The emphasis is on practical, real-world skills, using guided challenges that simulate authentic attack and defence scenarios that will enable learners to master the concept and skill application – not just memorise the commands or theory,” he explains.
As renowned leaders in their field, Swart and Spencer have years of experience providing penetration testing services to global companies of all sizes and collectively training hundreds of individuals in offensive security throughout their careers. With their company, Subverted considered a trailblazer in pentesting for SBEs and corporates, they saw first-hand the gap in the market for training that offered the necessary technical depth with on-the-ground coaching via real-world simulations, delivered in an affordable, engaging and gamified format. They decided to pour their passion for education and safeguarding expertise into developing a platform that would enable others to “do what we do,” says Spencer.
“It was important for us to remove cost as a barrier while not compromising course quality or practicality, developing a platform that would cater to all levels of learners,” he adds.
As the name ‘Subverted’ implies, Swart says innovation and the spirit of rebellion are inherent in their DNA. “The launch of the Subverted Academy represents our mission to empower and share knowledge with others in our field. In doing so, we hope to empower a new class of cybersecurity professionals ready to go against the grain and push back against inequitable barriers, building a safer digital future on their own terms.”