KCST to host global experts for 6th cybersecurity conference

• The “Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference,” hosted by Kuwait College of Science and Technology, will feature a wide range of prominent speakers from the United Kingdom and Kuwait, who will discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.

Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) will host the 6th Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference (CERC 2024) on campus from October 21-22. The event serves as a prominent platform for experts, researchers, and students to engage in knowledge sharing and intellectual exchange in the critical field of cybersecurity, according to Al Jarida newspaper.

The college stated in a press release that it is organizing the sixth edition of the Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference (CERC) as a joint project sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Center, the British Government, represented by the British Embassy, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), Kuwait University (KU), and the UK Science and Innovation Network (UK SIN).

Broad participation of speakers

It noted that the conference will feature a wide range of keynote speakers from the United Kingdom and Kuwait, who will discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.

The university added that the conference will include activities, workshops, interactive discussion sessions, and presentations of innovative scientific research. The university encouraged all those interested and researchers in the field of cybersecurity to participate and exchange experiences and ideas, contributing to efforts to combat the rising threat of cyberattacks.

“The conference will bring together some of the most prominent cybersecurity experts from the UK and Kuwait,” said Belinda Lewis, British Ambassador to Kuwait. “Cybersecurity cooperation is a key element of our long-standing partnership, and its importance will only grow as cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated,” she added.

“The conference provides a platform to share insights on how to effectively protect ourselves against evolving threats.” Major General Eng. Mohammed Bouarki, Head of the National Cybersecurity Centre, emphasized the importance of this event in promoting innovation and excellence in cybersecurity, stating that protecting cyberspace is no longer just a technical requirement but a strategic imperative to ensure the stability and prosperity of our societies.

“Cybersecurity is a vital issue”

Commenting on the event, Professor Khaled Al-Begain, President of Kuwait College of Science and Technology, said: “Cybersecurity is a vital issue in our time. Through this conference, we aim to strengthen cooperation between academic and industrial bodies, exchange knowledge and expertise, and develop effective strategies to tackle cyber threats.”

Al-Begain added: “We are pleased to host this important event at the college and to share our academic expertise in organizing the conference for the sixth consecutive year.” He stressed that “the exchange of ideas and best practices among experts in this field will contribute to building a safer and more innovative future.” He invited everyone to join the distinguished event to promote a culture of cybersecurity in the region and to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced. He also highlighted that “what distinguishes this conference is its focus on presenting research related to solutions, particularly integrating cybersecurity into the educational process.”

Cybersecurity in the academic environment

Dr. Shawq Al-Subaihi, the representative of Kuwait University on the organizing committee of the Cybersecurity Conference and a member of the College of Engineering and Petroleum, Department of Computer Engineering, said: “The participation of the College of Engineering and Petroleum in the conference aims to underscore the importance of cybersecurity in the academic environment, in line with our ongoing efforts to develop the curriculum at the College of Engineering and Petroleum.”

She explained that the conference will cover topics related to artificial intelligence and its role in cybersecurity, as well as protecting the Internet of Things from cyberattacks. Strategies for building cyber systems capable of advanced response to cyberattacks and conducting forensic analysis will also be discussed.