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September 29, 2022
People

The Talented 17 year old whose love for machines led her to learn about AI

The Talented 17 year old whose love for machines led her to learn about AI
September 29, 2022
People

Have you ever met a 17 year old girl who is very knowledgeable in cybersecurity? In 2019, she joined a digital summer academy program and picked interest in cybersecurity and coding.

The fact that a computer system, network, or application can be hacked, and people’s credentials can be stolen remained amazing to me. After the day of the IT security class, I started researching cybersecurity, what it meant and how one can become an ethical hacker. I was 14 years old then.

Here’s a great mind to watch out for. Here’s also what inspires Abigail to want to build an AI-powered wearable device, paired with a mobile application that would monitor and diagnose early stage diseases.

Abigail Johnson: The talented 17 year old knowledgeable and growing in cybersecurity and AI skills

What are the top skills anyone in the world needs to have before they can do or achieve what you’ve done?

I started my cybersecurity journey while I was preparing for my senior high school final exams (WASSCE). Studying for my exams and Cybersecurity wasn’t easy. I had to stop going to school, so I didn’t miss my Cybersecurity classes. It was a physical training – Cybergirls, an initiative of Cybersafe Foundation. When writing my exams, I also had to miss classes. The zeal to learn and explore didn’t end after the Cybersecurity Fellowship.

Looking back, I haven’t regretted the decision I made, because it wasn’t the wrong choice. Achieving what I have today, demands determination, hard work, networking, communication, and the willingness to learn.

Sound’s great! But what’s your story? How did you first get into AI and cybersecurity?

In 2019, I joined a digital summer academy program and picked interest in cybersecurity, and coding.

During the summer program, our facilitator taught us about IT security, spoke about different cyberattacks, and showed us a practical example of how the passwords on my phone and my personal laptop were connected, and how they could be hacked. Though he didn’t show any of us how he got the passwords. That was when I decided I was going to learn cybersecurity. The fact that a computer system, network, or application can be hacked, and people’s credentials can be stolen remained amazing to me.

After the day of the IT security class, I started researching cybersecurity, what it meant and how one can become an ethical hacker. I was 14 years old then; I didn’t know how to make use of the internet so well. I just downloaded PDFs on Cybersecurity. I never watched cybersecurity videos, because it didn’t cross my mind then. I got to know about the Cybergirl cybersecurity fellowship from my elder sister since she knew I was interested in cybersecurity but struggling to learn on my own. She made me register for the training and I passed the interview stage which helped me get into the program.

My love for machines led me to learn about AI (python for machine learning). I started with the basics of high-level programming with HTML and CSS before learning python development. Learning python gave me more insight into how I could solve problems using artificial intelligence.

You seemed so determined to do a lot. Since you know quite a lot, what’s one random life hack you can share

I know that in life, to be successful, put in the work. True success comes with hard work, consistency, and dedication. If I want to achieve something, I’m gonna work towards it.

Who’s Abigail? What sparks her interests and what good does she want to see and do in this world?

Abigail Johnson: The talented 17 year old knowledgeable and growing in cybersecurity and AI skills

I am the second daughter of Late Mr. Johnson Inyang. I grew up with my single mom, two younger sisters and an older sister.

I am curious and analytical. I have interests in science, biology, and technology. I love studying living things, behaviours, and how we adapt to changes. I find it exciting working on practical hands-on problems outdoors with objects and machines, tools, plants, or animals. I am logical, organised, detail-oriented, empathetic, and believe in working collaboratively as a team. I have a passion for artificial intelligence, programming, and cybersecurity. I am interested in building highly secured systems for businesses and organisations and using artificial intelligence to tackle significant challenges faced in Africa. This led me to take a keen interest in learning penetration testing (ethical hacking) and coding (python programming language). I enjoy working with people to help them learn and grow, teaching and advising others.

Not only do I work on developing myself, but I also help other young persons interested in tech to help them get started.

According to a great American philosopher, Martin Seligman, what makes people satisfied and happy in their lives is by doing what is valuable. He identified two ingredients: achievements, working hard (smart), and getting great at something. The second thing he identified is meaning (purpose), which means striving to do something rather than just making yourself a happy person. I do what’s valuable, leading to me having a passion and a fulfilling career.

I know that in life, to be successful, put in the work. True success comes with hard work, consistency, and dedication. If I want to achieve something, I’m gonna work towards it.

What’s a new project you’re working on now that you may need assistance with?

I want to build an AI-powered wearable device paired with a mobile application that would monitor and diagnose diseases from an early stage to reduce complicated treatments and the high risk of mortality. I’m not working on this alone, I have a team.

Connect with Abigail on Instagram.

 

 

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2 comments

Anonymous says:
October 1, 2022 at 12:08 pm

Wow

Reply
Ononneobazi says:
September 29, 2022 at 8:48 pm

This is beautiful Abigail Inyang. Well done, and more wins♥️.

Reply

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