Triphonia Kilasara

Triphonia Kilasara is a researcher and technology professional. She holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University Africa, where she specialized in security, and currently works as a Research Associate at Upanzi Network, CMU-Africa.

Her experience includes work in Security Operations Center (SOC) environments, with a focus on security monitoring and operational cybersecurity processes, as well as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) aimed at identifying and analyzing security weaknesses in systems.

She is also leading an ongoing project focused on developing a virtualized cybersecurity training platform designed to support cyber labs, hands-on learning, and cybersecurity capacity building.

Alongside this, Triphonia, together with fellow researchers, conducted a cross-country study examining user sentiments toward digital payment systems in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, exploring how factors such as trust, cost, speed, and recourse influence user experiences with mobile money, cryptocurrencies, CBDCs, and money transfer platforms.

Her broader interests lie at the intersection of security, digital infrastructure, and inclusive digital systems, with a focus on building technologies that are secure, practical, and responsive to user needs.