Isaac Apenteng serves as the Information Security Manager, leading Hubtel’s information security efforts. For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we had the opportunity to sit down with Isaac to discuss his remarkable journey, transitioning from a teacher to an Information Security Manager. He also shares some valuable insights on staying safe online.  

The childhood dream… 

We all dreamed of a profession growing up, and Isaac is no different. He had always dreamed of becoming a teacher because he believed he had the gift of teaching. To realize his dream, he set his sights on earning a diploma in education from the University of Education, Winneba. Afterward, he taught English for a couple of years. Then progressed to become a head teacher at a primary school in Kumasi. 

Stepping into the world of IT 

While pursuing his teaching career, Isaac found his interest piqued by Information Technology. This new interest led him to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc. IT). After completing his degree, Isaac fulfilled his mandatory national service by working at the National Information Technology Agency (NITA).

Catalyst for Success 

Isaac reflects on his journey, stating ” Right after my national service, I got the opportunity to work at SMSGH, now Hubtel, as a customer support officer. Shortly after my joining, the company introduced a new product named the point of sale service (POSS), leading to the establishment of a new department tasked with conducting Know Your Customer (KYC) analysis for all businesses brought onto the platform.

I was fortunate to be part of this department, which laid the foundation for my career in compliance and security, as our primary responsibility was ensuring the compliance of all businesses joining the platform. 

During this period, SMSGH was in the process of transitioning into Hubtel and working towards meeting the requirements for obtaining an information security certification. To oversee this transition, a new department was created. Within this new department, there was a vacancy for an information security manager, and I was appointed to lead and oversee it—a role I have successfully held for four years now.” 

What my day-to-day looks like 

Isaac stated, “I categorize my days into two types: normal and abnormal.”On my normal days, most of my tasks revolve around access control, participation in risk-related meetings, and conducting training for new recruits. On abnormal days, I often receive alerts on phishing emails that staff may have encountered, instances of fraudulent activities requiring investigations, or reports of unscrupulous individuals exploiting Hubtel’s brand to defraud people on social media.” 

My fondest memory since joining Hubtel 

“A month after I joined Hubtel, it happened to be my birthday. I remember receiving a cake with my name written on it. I was taken aback and thought, “Eh, what kind of company is this? It left an impression on me because it was my first official experience in the corporate world, and I did not know companies take the time to celebrate their employees in such a thoughtful way. It was a plus for me and I will always remember that.” 

Proudest moment 

Recounting his proudest moment, Isaac shared, “My proudest achievement would have to be coordinating the implementation and maintenance of Hubtel’s Information Security Management System (ISMS – ISO27001:2013) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification. Hubtel has successfully achieved initial certification and recently underwent a successful ISO 27001:2013 recertification audit, resulting in the issuance of another certificate. This accomplishment instills in me a profound sense of responsibility and fulfillment, as it shows our active contribution to Hubtel’s growth.” 

Tips to stay safe online 

Isaac is responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures to protect sensitive data, not only for our customers but also for Hubtel as a whole, and he is happy to share some tips on how to stay safe online: 

• Understand the risks of each online platform you use so that your personal information is not vulnerable to cyber criminals. 
• To avoid compromise, never share your credentials with anybody.
• See security as part of life. Stay well-informed and keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and defensive tips to avoid falling victim. 

Looking forward 

“I am almost done with my master’s in cyber security and digital forensics” Isaac revealed, “I aspire to further my studies in the psychology of cybersecurity. My dream is to contribute to society’s cyber education and awareness, as we still see individuals falling victim to basic scams and social engineering tactics.” 

Hubtel commits to responsibly handling your data and protecting your privacy through strict protocols and industry-standard privacy policies. Learn more at: https://explore.hubtel.com/legal/privacy-policy/