SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Cyber Security Week 2024 came to a conclusion on Thursday at Khalifa University Cyber Security Academy, culminating in a series of workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses. The event also featured keynote speeches from expert speakers and discussions on emerging threats and the latest cybersecurity issues.
The four-day event, held on the University’s main campus, was held in coordination with the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), the UAE Cyber Security Council, CyberE71, NAWAH, and the US Department of Energy.
In his opening address, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE government, highlighted the UAE’s leading global position in cyber security.
He noted that the CyberE71 initiative was introduced by the UAE Cyber Security Council during the event to cultivate a cyber security innovation ecosystem. The programme engages Emirati students and graduates with 36 speakers, 900 mentorship hours, and 15 bootcamps, he added.
Speaking to Aletihad Dr. Luigi Martino, Director of Khalifa University’s Cyber Security Academy, said that Cyber Week 2024 aimed to raise awareness of cyber threats.
Moreover, the event aimed to foster collaboration among institutions, academia, and industry, while also spotlighting advancements in cybersecurity, especially in the nuclear energy sector, with sessions on insider threats, secure AI, and continuing education.
“Several workshops and sessions stood out for their impact. Sessions on cyber insider threats in the nuclear energy sector were particularly significant, emphasising the importance of protecting critical infrastructure,” he said.
Dr. Martino also noted that the event provided opportunities to strengthen partnerships between Khalifa University Cyber Security Academy, the Cyber Security Council, CyberE71, and the national incubator for cybersecurity startups.
“These collaborations benefit students by offering opportunities to implement their business ideas with the support of a robust national ecosystem. The Cyber Security Academy’s alignment with the strategic goals of the Cyber Security Council ensures that students receive high-quality, relevant training that prepares them for the challenges of the cyber security landscape.”
Dr. Martino now aims to broaden the Cyber Security Academy’s curriculum, giving priority to digital society issues and the latest technologies like AI and quantum computing, to cultivate a comprehensive national cybersecurity workforce.
He noted that the event provided a platform for industry leaders, academicians, and students to discuss current challenges and future trends, thereby contributing to a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.