Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship: A Path for African Women in AI Security
The world of technology is changing fast, especially with artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes more common, so does the need for people who can keep AI systems safe. The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a special program designed to help African women become experts in this growing field. This fellowship offers advanced training and a chance to earn important certifications, all fully paid for. It’s a great opportunity for experienced women in cybersecurity to focus on securing AI.
Key Takeaways
- The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a fully paid, nine-month program for experienced African women in cybersecurity to learn AI security.
- Participants will gain specialized skills in securing AI tools like LLMs and generative AI, along with hands-on practice and expert instruction.
- The fellowship prepares fellows for globally recognized certifications: GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE).
- To apply, you must be an African woman over 21 with at least three years of cybersecurity experience and a strong interest in AI security.
What is the Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship?
This fellowship is a nine-month program for experienced African women working in cybersecurity. Its main goal is to teach participants how to secure AI systems and applications. The program starts with basic AI security knowledge and moves to more advanced topics like application security and automation. By the end, fellows will have the skills to build, protect, and automate secure AI systems.
The fellowship combines the strengths of two organizations. CyberSafe Foundation has a history of helping women in cybersecurity across Africa through programs like CyberGirls. SANS Institute is known for its high-quality training and certifications in cybersecurity. Together, they are addressing a big need for experts in AI security, which is a fast-growing area with fewer professionals than needed.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is fully funded, meaning participants do not have to pay for tuition. SANS Institute provides the training and certification path as a contribution to the program.
Beyond the free training, fellows will gain:
- Specialized AI Security Skills: Participants will learn about securing AI tools like large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and RAG systems. They will also study AI threat modeling, application security, and how to automate security tasks.
- Hands-On Practice: The program includes labs where fellows can build, secure, and test AI systems. These labs are designed to tackle real AI security problems.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: The fellowship prepares participants for two important certifications: GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE).
- Expert Instruction: Courses are led by experienced AI security consultants, researchers, and authors who work in the field.
- Mentorship and Support: Fellows receive guidance and structured help throughout the program.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to specialize in AI security. To be a good fit, you should be able to answer “yes” to the following:
- You are a woman over 21 years old.
- You are from Africa, speak English, and currently live in an African country.
- You have at least three years of practical experience in cybersecurity.
- You have a strong interest in AI security.
- You can commit to the entire fellowship, including time for exam preparation.
- You are willing to complete a required AI security course as part of the application.
If you have already built a career in cybersecurity and are looking for the next step, this fellowship can help you understand AI’s security challenges, explore new AI attack methods, and develop skills that will make you stand out.
How to Apply
To apply for the Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship, you can visit the application page.
For more details about the fellowship, you can visit the official program page.
The deadline to apply is September 10, 2026.
Conclusion
The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship offers a unique and valuable opportunity for African women in cybersecurity. By providing specialized training, hands-on experience, and globally recognized certifications, this fully funded program aims to equip participants with the essential skills to lead in the field of AI security. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about securing artificial intelligence, this fellowship is a significant step towards advancing your career and contributing to a safer digital future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship?
It’s a nine-month program that trains experienced African women in cybersecurity to become experts in securing AI systems.
Is there a cost to participate in the fellowship?
No, the fellowship is fully funded, meaning there is no cost for tuition or training.
What kind of skills will I learn?
You will learn to secure AI tools like large language models, generative AI, and RAG systems, plus automation and threat modeling.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
African women over 21 with at least three years of cybersecurity experience and a passion for AI security can apply.
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