Learn, Hack, Grow
Hack It Together (HIT) isn't just a cybersecurity program — it's a community-powered movement shaping the next wave of African cyber defenders through collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on experience. It is a flagship training program run by AquilaCyber, your launchpad to a cybersecurity career. To empower Africa's next generation of cybersecurity professionals through community, mentorship, and immersive real-world training.
Apply to join HITHIT IS FOR
Curious beginners
Intermediate learners
Students, tech professionals or career switchers across Africa
Cybersecurity devs seeking mentorship, challenges or visibility
Why settle for the HIT Program?
The only way to become a great cybersecurity professional is to practice!
Job-readiness
Labs, projects & write-ups tailored to real roles
Project-based Learning
You learn by doing - work on real projects
Get Mentored by Professionals
Learn directly from those in the field already
Public Growth
Build a portfolio and digital presence
Community-led
Supportive peer learning and collaboration
Bug Bounty Access
Get access to partnered bug bounty programs
Internship Pipelines
Get referred to partner organizations for internships and apprenticeships in cyber roles.
Africa-built
Designed for African cybersecurity needs, by Africans
Your 9-Month Journey
HIT runs for 9 months across three 3-month phases. Whichever skill track you're on - Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced - you move through all three together.
Phase 1 Months 1-3
Foundations of Cybersecurity
Core principles, secure networking, and the threat landscape - so everyone starts from solid ground.
Project: a security risk assessment on a mock company network
Public write-up example: “My First Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: Lessons Learned.”
Phase 2 Months 4-6
Offensive Security
Penetration testing methodology and ethical hacking - finding and exploiting real vulnerabilities.
Project: a penetration test report with CVSS-scored findings
Public write-up example: “My First Penetration Test: Finding and Fixing Vulnerabilities.”
Phase 3 Months 7-9
Defensive Security
SOC skills, forensics, and incident response - simulating how a real attack gets caught and contained.
Project: an incident response report simulating a SOC investigation
Public write-up example: “Investigating a Cyber Breach: My First Incident Response.”
You're never doing this alone
A paired mentor
Monthly 1:1 check-ins with a working cybersecurity professional for feedback, guidance, and career advice.
A buddy
You're paired with another participant to work through challenges together - peer learning, not a solo grind.
The community
Ask questions, share progress, and get unstuck with the rest of the cohort in the HIT WhatsApp community.
How you're recognized
Points
Earned for every completed project, milestone, and public write-up.
Level 1-3 badges
One badge per phase write-up you publish - three phases, three badges.
Leaderboard & spotlights
A public leaderboard tracks write-up engagement, and top contributors get featured in the HIT newsletter each month.
Everything you need to start and grow in your cybersecurity journey
Our three-track skill path provides everything you need to grow in cybersecurity
Beginner
Learn about the core concepts, tools and intro labs in cybersecurity
Intermediate
Explore the concepts of exploitation, scripting & privilege escalation
Advanced
Red/blue teaming, leadership roles, hosting CTFs
Containerized Hackbox LabsBuddy system for motivationActive mentor guidanceHands On ExperienceGamified GoalsGet RewardsBuild CapacityEngage in Public Write-upPortfolio-worthy ProjectsWant to partner with Hack It Together? Get in touch
Let's Hack It Together
Join 1,000+ learners building real-world cybersecurity skills through Hack It Together.
Join HIT Program
A structured, mentor-led path into cybersecurity: labs, CTFs, and real practice.
