Editor’s note: The ISACA Foundation offers annual Cybersecurity Month Scholarships to support students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in cybersecurity worldwide. Awardees will receive financial support for tuition as well as a career-building bundle to enhance their professional development. Find the most up-to-date information about the scholarship here, and learn more below about how this year’s Cybersecurity Month scholarship recipients view the future of cybersecurity and their place in the field.
A volatile cyber threat environment, the growing influence of arti ficial intelligence for cyber defenders and attackers alike, and the digital-centric business ecosystem make this a fascinating time to enter the cybersecurity field. ISACA Foundation Cybersecurity Month scholarship recipients are eager to rise to the challenge.
In taking stock of where the cybersecurity field is headed, AI’s snowballing impact is top of mind for several of the scholarship recipients.
“In the next five years, I see big challenges around securing AI models themselves, like adversarial attacks or data poisoning,” said scholarship recipient Oluwatobiloba Mercy Akinwunmi, MSc Cybersecurity Student, Northeastern University. “Cloud environments will also remain prime targets as organizations move more workloads online. I also see disinformation and online abuse growing as serious problems, which is why trust and safety matter so much. And of course, the possibility of quantum computing means we’ll need new kinds of encryption. These challenges feel intimidating but also motivating for someone like me who is building a career in this space.”
Another scholarship recipient, Eurydice Tracy Makena, put it simply: “The main challenge will be keeping up.” “Technology is moving faster than our ability to secure it, e.g., AI systems, cloud environments and whatever new technology comes next,” Eurydice added. “Attackers adapt quickly, and defenders must keep learning just as fast. I also think we’ll see more social engineering attacks that blend human manipulation with AI tools, making it harder to tell what’s real as we have recently seen with deepfakes.” The rise of AI presents opportunities for security professionals who seek out the training, credentialing and expertise to understand how to effectively and responsibly implement the technology.
“I’m most excited about the growing collaboration between AI, automation, and human expertise,” said scholarship recipient Kwandu M. Kulimba, Computer Engineering and IT Graduate, Cybersecurity Advocate. “The future of cybersecurity will not only be about defense—it will also be about building resilient systems that can learn, adapt, and recover quickly. The expanding opportunities for young professionals and women in cybersecurity also inspire me, as diversity brings new perspectives to solving global challenges.”
Another of the recipients, Eliaser Tulonga Namwiha, Cybersecurity Analyst, is especially enthused about the potential for cybersecurity policy to pave the way for progress, and sees the possibility to help shape that dialogue. “What excites me most is the potential for global collaboration, where developing nations can leverage standardized frameworks to build stronger digital economies,” Eliaser said. “Advancements in quantum-resistant cryptography will open new frontiers for secure financial innovation. This convergence of inclusivity, innovation and resilience inspires my passion for shaping policy and governance in the cybersecurity space.”
The convergence of the digital and physical worlds through the IoT and smart infrastructure is top of mind for scholarship recipient Natenaile Asmamaw Shiferaw, MSc Student in Intelligent Photonics for Security, Reliability, Sustainability, and Safety (iPSRS), as part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program. “Addressing these will require not only stronger technical measures but also ethical and policy frameworks that keep pace with innovation,” Natenaile said.
Futures in Focus for Scholarship Recipients
As for their own futures, the scholarship recipients pointed to several distinct paths to making their mark on the profession. Eliaser Tulonga Namwiha plans to focus on payment systems security, AI risks and regulatory frameworks at a financial institution.
“By then, I aim to have completed my CISA and CFE certifications while contributing to advisory committees like Namibia’s National AI Technical Advisory Committee,” he said. “In 10 years, I aspire to serve as a Chief Risk Officer or global policy advisor, shaping fintech innovation within secure regulatory environments. My long-term vision includes publishing thought leadership on cybersecurity governance and mentoring future professionals in emerging economies. At the heart of these aspirations is a commitment to bridging technology, law and policy to ensure equitable and sustainable digital security worldwide.”
Building upon some of the foundational components of the ISACA community – such as prioritizing continuous learning and mentoring others – is a common thread among the scholarship recipients.
“In five years, I see myself leading initiatives that empower youth and women in cybersecurity through education and mentorship,” Kwandu M. Kulimba said. “In 10 years, I aspire to become a recognized cybersecurity leader in Africa, contributing to policies and solutions that strengthen digital resilience. My long-term goal is to establish a sustainable platform that nurtures cybersecurity talent and promotes inclusion in technology.”
Oluwatobiloba Mercy Akinwunmi envisions working as an SOC analyst, or potentially another role with a trust and safety emphasis that surfaces opportunities to solve real-world challenges.
“In 10 years, I aspire to be a cybersecurity leader and researcher driving conversations at the intersection of AI, policy and digital trust,” Oluwatobiloba said. “My dream is to build solutions that not only defend organizations but also protect communities from online harm. At every stage, I want to keep learning, teaching and advocating for safer digital spaces.”
Eurydice Tracy Makena anticipates pursuing a technical role, possibly in threat intelligence or security engineering, and said she is “especially drawn to the healthcare sector, where cybersecurity directly impacts people’s safety and trust.” As is the case for her colleagues, Eurydice intends to keep progressing along with the dynamic field she is entering.
“Overall, I want a career that keeps evolving, challenges me and allows me to make a real difference in my community,” she said.
Natenaile Asmamaw Shiferaw already can point to detailed plans for both the near-term and longer horizons.
“In five years, I see myself working at the intersection of computer vision, photonics, and cybersecurity, developing intelligent sensing systems that can detect and defend against visual or optical-based cyber threats,” Natenaile said. “In 10 years, I hope to contribute as a researcher or technical leader driving secure AI innovation; ensuring that emerging technologies remain trustworthy and resilient. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world security, shaping a digital environment that’s both safe and sustainable.”
The theme of Cybersecurity Month in 2025 is Stay Safe Online, highlighting the simple ways users can protect themselves online. The ISACA scholarship recipients look forward to being part of that progress.
“Staying safe doesn’t always mean advanced tools; sometimes it’s about those little, every-day choices,” Oluwatobiloba said. “If we can normalize that mindset, online spaces will be a lot safer.”
