Women in Science Africa

Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Women In Science Logo
  • Subscribe Newsletter
  • Scientists Directory
Women in science logo
The African Scientists Directory
Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

Guardian of the information security front

wins by wins
August 20, 2021
in Woman of Impact, Weekly Top Five, Women's Month
Guardian of the information security front

Women's Month - Partnership with CSIR

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsApp

Dr Noluntu Mpekoa is a specialist in cybersecurity who uses her competencies in data security and analytics to develop enabling technologies for the state, industry partners and universities. Her passion for mentoring and empowering young people in the field of science and technology continues to be the ultimate drive in her career.

Dr Noluntu Mpekoa, research group leader at the CSIR Information and Cybersecurity Research Centre, specialises in mobile technologies and security, with an emphasis on designing and developing mobile solutions for governments to deliver electronic services and enhance access for their citizens. Mpekoa and her team are passionate about the development of mobile solutions that not only enhance the lives of citizens, but also support governments and enable them to overcome economic, social and environmental challenges.

“The question we seek to answer is, how do we strengthen the security of mobile applications and mobile devices such that users at all levels feel safe to use them. Technology is here to stay and, with it, the need for cybersecurity. There will always be a need for improved algorithms and techniques for detecting threats. The scope for innovations in information security – solutions that people can use to protect their data and information – is vast. Success for me and my team means developing and deploying home-grown cybersecurity tools and technologies to protect our information – that of government and that of private organisations,” says Mpekoa.

GetPaidStock.com 611f67fb31805 1

An academic start

Mpekoa’s career in information and technology started in the academic space when she was a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University in 2004, after she completed her BTech in information technology. She later completed her Master’s degree in information and communication technology with the Tshwane University of Technology. Her research interest in the development of electronic voting technologies necessitated her pursuit of a PhD with the Nelson Mandela University. In her thesis, she developed a framework that seeks to enable the implementation of electronic voting in South Africa, with the view of improving human voting experiences in the country.

“In the academic space, one is always expected to improve one’s skills and knowledge, so that’s what I did, completing my PhD in just two years,” she says. Besides her PhD, she counts as her career highlights, developing the framework for electronic voting in South Africa and receiving a Y-rating from the National Research Foundation.

Mpekoa lectured at various universities for more than 16 years and, through her mentorship, she was able to pass down invaluable knowledge to many young people around the country. Witnessing her mentees graduating and succeeding in their careers has been one of the most awarding experiences on her journey.

Current position: CSIR research group leader

Career type: Data security and analytics researcher

Current research interest: Mobile technologies, mobile voting services and mobile security

Education: MTech (Information Technology), Tshwane University of Technology, 2014 and PhD (Information Technology), Nelson Mandela University, 2017

Tags: CSIRDr Noluntu Mpekoainformation securityscience and technologySTEMWomen in Science Africa

Related Posts

Researching the effects of high fructose consumption on memory and learning capabilities
Woman of Impact

Researching the effects of high fructose consumption on memory and learning capabilities

October 7, 2024
TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development
News

TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development

October 4, 2024
South African women at higher risk of perinatal depression
Analysis

South African women at higher risk of perinatal depression

October 4, 2024
Next Post
South African adults are willing to take the jab, says recent survey

South African adults are willing to take the jab, says recent survey

Categories

Search

No Result
View All Result
Women in science logo

Women in Science is the continent’s premier platform for women scientists. A space for Africa’s growing community of female scientists to find support, networks and a home for their ideas and achievements to take root and grow. Published by Media Torque and Events PTY Ltd ……….. Read more

SECTIONS

  • Women of Impact
  • Analysis
  • Podcast
  • News
  • Perspective
  • Youth
  • Jobs and Careers
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

MORE ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Publications
  • Collaboration Opportunities

SUBSCRIBE

game changing science from women in science
  • African Scientists Directory

Copyright: Women In Science Africa 2024

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.