Dinah Lugard, a prominent cybersecurity expert and recent winner of Hackathon 2024, faced a challenging moment during the Global Cybersecurity Summit’s HACKfest 2024 in California. She was called before the summit’s disciplinary committee after inadvertently failing to follow specific instructions during the competition’s preliminary stages.

Dinah, who had been a strong contender representing Africa on the international stage, was initially at risk of disqualification. Reflecting on the situation, Dinah shared, “It wasn’t deliberate. I misunderstood the instructions, and by the time I realized it, the damage had been done. They felt strongly about it and said I should be disqualified.”

However, after careful consideration, the panel decided not to disqualify her but instead deducted 30 points from her overall score as a penalty. This decision allowed Dinah to continue in the competition, though it significantly impacted her standing.

The news of the penalty has stirred mixed feelings, given Dinah’s status as a formidable competitor among the top cybersecurity professionals from around the globe. Having recently secured one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, leading to scholarships and substantial monetary prizes, her participation in HACKfest 2024 was highly anticipated, hence the pardon.

“I’m disappointed, of course, but I respect their decision. Rules are in place for a reason, and while I didn’t intentionally break them, I’ll take this as a learning experience. I’m still proud of the work I’ve done and the progress I’ve made in my career,” Dinah remarked, showing her commitment to professionalism and growth.

Despite the setback, Dinah’s journey continues to inspire many, particularly as the only female competitor in HACKfest 2024. Her experience so far has highlighted not only her technical skills but also her resilience and dedication to cybersecurity.

“I may not be in the top running now, but this won’t stop me from pursuing my passion for cybersecurity. There’s always more to learn, and I’m committed to making a difference in this field,” Dinah concluded.

As the only female and a strong representative of Africa at the HACKfest 2024, Dinah is certain she will not be letting anyone down. This experience, though marked by this incident, remains a powerful testament to her influence and determination in the cybersecurity world. Her story is far from over, and her continued contributions to the field are sure to leave a lasting impact.