In a remarkable display of talent, two Salvadoran students claimed the top honors in a recent cybersecurity course conducted by Sistemas Aplicativos (SISAP) through the Information Risk & Security Institute (IRSI). The competition featured 56 participants from across Latin America, including Central America, Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

Byron Méndez, a Computer Science engineering student at the University Don Bosco, secured the first place, while the third place went to another Salvadoran participant. The course aimed to equip university students and IT professionals with essential cybersecurity skills, providing a platform for practical application.

Expressing his gratitude, Byron Méndez shared, «The program was a positive experience that allowed me to develop soft skills and reinforce security and malware concepts acquired during my studies, expanding each one with the opportunity to put them into practice.»

During the graduation ceremony, Antonio Cabrera, the director of IRSI at SISAP, highlighted the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Latin America, estimating a need for half a million experts to fill the industry’s positions.

«This program seeks to teach and prepare university students and IT professionals in the field of cybersecurity, ensuring they possess the necessary skills to contribute to the region’s security framework. At SISAP, we take immense pride in witnessing the achievements of all 56 students, who will undoubtedly continue excelling in their professional development,» stated Cabrera.

At the program’s commencement, 95 students enrolled, with 56 successfully completing the certification. Notably, the top performers hailed from El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Antonio Cabrera emphasized that over the past six years, more than 150 professionals have received cybersecurity certification, with over 60% of them already working in the industry. This success not only highlights the dedication of these young Salvadorans but also underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity expertise in the region. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, initiatives like these play a crucial role in shaping the future of cybersecurity in Latin America.