Two years into an ambitious effort to recruit and train a new generation of cyber-security professionals, Brazil creates opportunities for no less than 25,000 additional students to join.
Under the name “Hackers do Bem” – Hackers of good or, if you will, white hat hackers – the program has trained more than 36,000 students since its launch in January 2024.
The program is operated by RNP, the national research and education network (NREN) of Brazil, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Association for the Promotion of Excellence in Brazilian Software.
Strengthening general awareness
According to RNP estimates, more than 300,000 vacancies related to cyber-security in Brazil cannot be filled due to lack of manpower. To change this situation, the program offers free-of-charge training for anyone wanting to educate themselves in the field, targeting both very young applicants and seniors coming from other fields.
“It has been an enormous challenge. I didn’t know anything about computing, but – with much persistency – I have managed to specialize at the Red Team (proactive security, ed.). I cried, studied, and in the end was victorious,” says Patricia Monfardini, 52. She has substituted her former position as a civil servant in the administration of Minas Gerais with a career in cyber-security.
Besides her professional interest, Patricia notes that the program plays a role in augmenting cyber-security awareness in a world still more connected:
“Many ignore to which level it is necessary to protect our data, but the program may change this. The initiative does not just prepare individuals; it is strengthening society in general.”
One of largest programs internationally
“Hackers do Bem is consolidated as one of the largest cyber-security training initiatives both nationally and internationally,” says Leandro Guimarães, assistant director at the School for Information Technology Training, RNP, continuing:
“The results so far show a positive impact and a relevance for strengthening digital competencies in Brazil. This success allows us to open new opportunities, augmenting the access for young people and professionals to the cyber-security jobs market. We remain committed to fortify national digital security and prepare talents for a more secure and connected future.”
The newly created additional 25,000 spots in the program are all for introductory level courses. For those who complete this phase, more advanced courses will become available.
Photo: Patricia Monfardini, participant in Brazil’s “Hackers do Bem” cyber-security training program. Credit: Courtesy of RNP.
The text is inspired by the articles “Hackers do Bem abre novas 25 mil vagas para formação em cibersegurança” and “Não sabia nada sobre TI e com muita persistência cheguei à especialização no Red Team’, afirma aluna do Hackers do Bem” (both in Portuguese) at the RNP website.
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