KINDI Center for Computing Research at Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) yesterday launched the Cyber Security Week, aimed to gather experts and researchers to exchange their expertise and ideas and provide solutions to the current challenges in the area of cyber security.
The week covers various activities including a training session titled “Introduction to Secure Software Development” and training cyber security series on “Introduction to Web-Hacking”, “Web-Hacking Contest” and “Anti-Blockade Hackathon”.
The opening session, which is themed “Cyber security and the Blockade: Opportunities and Threats”, was attended by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham, QU VP for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam Al Maadeed, CENG Dean Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa, Qatar Armed Forces Commander of Signal and Information Brigadier Abdul Aziz Falah Al Dosari, Ministry of Transport and Communications Assistant Undersecretary Eng Khalid Sadiq Al Hashmi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Technology Director Dr Saif Mohammed Al Kuwari, Qatar National Research Fund Information and Communication Technology Programme Director Dr Munir Tag, Thales Critical Information Systems and Cyber Security Specialist Baptiste Cazagou, and Tubitak representative Dr Devrim UNAL, as well as CENG faculty, staff and students.
Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “Through this week, QU is supporting the vision of the National Cyber Security Strategy, which represents a roadmap to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security, and contributes to the preservation of the fundamental rights and values of Qatari society. This event urges the need to develop efficient mechanisms to combat cybercrime, increase awareness of its risks and enhance security in public and private organisations and institutions. It also contributes to keeping abreast of contemporary technology that makes electronic systems more secure and cohesive, and address cybercrime challenges such as cross-border crime and cyber-attacks.”
KINDI for Computing Research Director Dr Noora Fetais said: “Until recently, cyber crime was limited to individuals or small groups, but as Internet networks expanded, these crimes became more complex and widespread, causing significant damage to companies and institutions. Although there is an evolution in the systems of some institutions, they are not immune to cyber attacks because of the development of mechanisms and methods of electronic hackers, and hence all institutions need to develop a plan for the development of their infrastructure to enhance cybersecurity.”
