15th – 16th October, 2023

Conference Overview

The British Embassy in Kuwait and the UK Science & Innovation Network, in partnership with National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), Kuwait University (KU), Kuwait College of Science & Technology (KCST) and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) announce the fifth annual UK/Kuwait Cyber Security Education and Research Conference, CERC2023.This year’s event will be hosted at Kuwait University and is scheduled for the 15th – 16th of October 2023.

The theme for this year’s conference is:

Digital Trust & Safety

Area of Focus

cerc 2023

Program

8:30 – 9:00

Preparation and Check-In

Opening Session
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

9:00 – 9:40

Opening Speech

9:40 – 10:10

Keynote

Her Excellency Mrs. Juliette Wilcox CMG, UK Cyber Security Ambassador

10:10 – 10:30

Coffee Break

Session 1A: ICS/SCADA Systems
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

Session 1B: Digital Trust and Privacy
Location: 2nd Floor Auditorium

10:30 – 10:50

ICS/SCADA Systems

Prof. Siraj Shaikh, Swansea University, UK

Digital Trust and the resurrection of the debate between Privacy and Safety via the UK’s Online Safety Bill

Dr. Konstantinos Mersinas, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

10:50 – 11:10

Industrial Control Systems

Eng. Ali Al-Enezi, National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait

Cryptography and Blockchain Technology

Dr. Aydin Abadi, University College London, UK

11:10 – 11:30

Enhancing Supply Chain Risk Management with OWASP CycloneDX and Dependency-Track

Mr. Faisal Albuloushi, OWASP, Kuwait

Cybersecurity - Data leakage

Dr. Safaa Zamaan, Kuwait University, Kuwait

11:30 – 11:50

Cybersecurity in Interconnected Critical National Infrasturcture

Dr. Sridhar Adepu, University of Bristol, UK

Digital Trust in the Era of AI & ML

Prof. Omer Rana, Cardiff University, UK

11:50 – 12:20

Coffee Break

Session 2A: ICS/SCADA Systems
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

Session 2B: Digital Trust and Privacy
Location: 2nd Floor Auditorium

12:20 – 12:40

Embarking on the Digital Frontier: Insights and Guidelines from Our OT Cybersecurity Journey

Mr. Dhari Nashmi Al-Ajmi, EQUATE, Kuwait

Digital Trust – The art and science of defining, protecting and testing key elements of your security posture

Mr. William Rimington, Thomas Murray Co., UK

12:40 – 13:00

ICS/SCADA Systems and Cyber Security

Eng. Abdulaziz Alhumoud, KIPIC, Kuwait

Data Privacy Legislation Across the GCC – A Comparative Analysis

Dr. Fatemah Alsewaid & Dr. Shorouq Alansari, PAAET/ Umm Alqura University, Kuwait/KSA

13:00 – 13:30

Discussion Panel: ICS/SCADA Systems

Moderator: Dr. Sulaiman Alhasawi
Panelists: Dr. Sridhar Adepu, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhumoud, Mr. Dhari Nashmi Al-Ajmi, Eng. Ali Al-Enezi

Discussion Panel: Digital Trust Strategy

Moderator: Dr. Basil Alothman,
Panelists: Prof. Omer Rana, Mr. William Rimington, Dr. Shorouq Alansari, Dr. Konstantinos Mersinas

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch

Session 3: Capacity Building
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

14:30 – 14:50

Cyber Security Skill and Professionalization

Mr. William Theyer, FCDO Gulf Cyber Lead, UK

14:50 – 15:10

The Importance of Human Factors in Cybersecurity Training

Dr. Fai Mostafa Ben Salamah, Cyfay, Kuwait

15:10 – 15:30

OT Cyber Workforce Development - Building a Cyber capable OT workforce

Mr. Tim Harwood, Siker Ltd., UK

15:30 – 15:50

Online Safe Gaming and Spreading Awareness

Eng. Shaikha Al-Mashaykhi, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Oman

8:30 – 9:00

Preparation and Check-In

9:00 – 9:30

Keynote: Tech Policy Atlas and Protecting Citizens Online

Prof. Madeline Carr, University College London, UK

Session 4: Cyber Security Education ( Live Translation Provided ) tranlator
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

9:30 – 9:50

Cybersecurity Integration in Curriculums

Eng. Mona Salem Awad, MoE, Kuwait

9:50 – 10:00

The Kuwait Cyber Security Scholarship Plan based on Kuwait Market Need

Wafaa Alsarraf, Ministry of Higher Education, Kuwait

10:00 – 10:10

Cyber Security Operated Environment

Eng. Fawaz Al Hindi, Civil Service Commission, Kuwait

10:10 – 10:30

Phishing to improve detection

Sarah Ying Zheng, University College London, UK

10:30 – 10:50

Cyberpsychology

Eng. Tareq Alesmail, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait

10:50 – 11:10

Break

Session 5: The Role of AI in Security
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

11:10 – 11:30

The Innovation Paradox: How AI-Enabled Crime-as-a-Service is Threatening Small Business Growth

Dr. Muhammad Azmat, Aston University, UK

11:30 – 11:50

Importance of AI in Cyber Security

Prof. Shafiullah Khan, Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait

11:50 – 12:10

Responsible AI – Shifting from Technical to Human-Centric Solutions

Mrs. Purvi Kay, BAE Systems, UK

12:10 – 12:30

Break

Session 6: IoT Security
Location: Ground Floor Auditorium

12:30 – 12:50

Digital Trust Authentication Strategies for IoT Environments

Dr. Md Israfil Biswas, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

12:50 – 13:10

Zero trust continuous device authentication and multi-layer IoT attack detection

Prof. Raj Rajarajan, City University of London, UK

13:10 – 13:30

AI-Enabled Cybersecurity Attacks and Countermeasures in IoT Environment

Dr. Fatimah Alakeel, King Saud University, KSA

13:30 – 13:50

Security Analysis of the IoT-based Waste Management Information System (e-Farz)

Eng. Asmaa Fahad Al-Ateeq, Kuwait University, Kuwait

13:50 – 14:00

Closing Remarks

14:00 – 15:00

Lunch

Conference Venue

University Conference Centre,Kuwait

Organizers

Kuwait University

Kuwait University is the first governmental research university in the State of Kuwait. It was established in October 1966 under Law No.29 of 1966. Kuwait University seeks to provide a distinguished education, and contribute to the production, development, and dissemination of knowledge. In addition to enhancing the rehabilitation of human resources to achieve development goals; community needs, and to prepare distinguished individuals with the wealth of its knowledge resources. The university meets the development needs of the state and keeps pace with the requirements of the modern era through quality in higher education and excellence in scientific research. Kuwait University seeks to localize, develop, and disseminate knowledge to enrich the human capital of the population, and prepare leaders who are conscious of its heritage, fulfilling the needs and requirements of the modern era, and in cooperation with similar scientific and local institutions through:

  • Promoting national, Arab, and Islamic values and principles.
  • Localization, development, and dissemination of knowledge.
  • Developing and investing in human capital.
  • Achieving excellence in education, scientific research, and community service.
  • Introducing modern technologies.

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences was established in 1976 by an Amiri Decree under the direction of the late Amir of Kuwait, H. H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with a vision to create and nurture a thriving culture of science, technology, and innovation for a sustainable Kuwait.
KFAS operations are funded by the generous contributions of the private shareholding companies of Kuwait, currently amounting to one percent (1%) of their annual net profit.
Since its creation, KFAS has successfully established several research and educational centers of excellence in Kuwait. These are: The Scientific Center (TSCK), Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) and Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness & Creativity (SACGC). These centers are recognized as world-class facilities and pioneering scientific research institutes. In addition, KFAS has established the Advancement of Sciences Publishing and Distribution company (ASPD), the Foundation’s publishing arm.
Under the new KFAS strategy (2022-2024), the foundation has renewed its commitment to play a leading role in supporting Kuwait’s strategic vision for 2035 through providing solutions to the national priority areas driven by science, technology and innovation.

British Embassy, Kuwait

The British Embassy in Kuwait maintains and develops the close and historical relationship between UK and Kuwait. The Embassy works closely with Kuwait on a wide range of issues to increase the prosperity and security of both nations. Important areas of this cooperation include cyber security, defence and wider security co-operation, cultural and scientific exchanges, promoting trade and investment, tackling climate change and supporting international development.

Kuwait College of Science and Technology

Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) is a private university located in Doha District of the Al Asimah Governate in Kuwait with a state-of-the-art-campus. KCST specialises in high tech degrees with strong leadership focus. KSCT is currently offering the following programs:

  • Bachelor in Computer Science - (CS)
  • Bachelor in Computer Engineering - (CE)
  • Bachelor in Electronics and Communications Engineering - (ECE)
National Cyber Security Centre

The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) is a vital organization dedicated to safeguarding State of Kuwait digital infrastructure and data against cyber threats. It was established to build an effective cybersecurity system to protect the state vital interests in a way that ensure the sustainability of work , by preparing strategies, policies, standards, governance framework, building national capabilities and expertise and promoting a culture of community awareness and providing technical support and expert guidance to build cybersecurity operations teams; this is to confront risks and threats related to cybersecurity efficiently and effectively. NCSC also plays a pivotal role in enhancing national cyber resilience by focusing on continuous monitoring of all cyber threats and responding to incidents to ensure the security and safety of digital ecosystems and also providing proactive advice in addition exchanging cyber threat information in coordination with the public and private sectors as well as with the Local and international counterpart centers.

Sponsors

SIN

The UK Science and Innovation Network is the UK Government lead on developing science partnerships and deploying science diplomacy around the world, recognising that international collaboration is essential to help address shared opportunities and threats. Our network is comprised of approximately 145 staff in over 70 locations working with local science and innovation organisations to build partnerships and collaborations on science, technology and innovation.

more info
KFAS

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences was established in 1976 by an Amiri Decree under the direction of the late Amir of Kuwait, H. H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with a vision to create and nurture a thriving culture of science, technology, and innovation for a sustainable Kuwait.
KFAS operations are funded by the generous contributions of the private shareholding companies of Kuwait, currently amounting to one percent (1%) of their annual net profit.

more info

Recommendations

Securing Critical Infrastructure
  • Accelerate the establishment of the National Cyber Security Center to secure all critical national infrastructure (e.g., energy, health care, financial services, communications, and smart cities).
  • Urge the continuance of comprehensive periodic assessment of the level of cybersecurity in the State of Kuwait on all sectors and identifying the gap to reach the desired level, in addition to a periodic review of all laws, legislation, and public policies to enhance the concepts of cyber and information security and raise awareness in society.
  • Enhance the capabilities and abilities necessary for cyber resilience in various sectors (public, private, civil) through long-term investments in infrastructure, software, technology, and human capital.
  • Establish reliable and efficient communication channels between different government entities and high-value industries to ensure that vital critical alerts related to zero-day exploits, cyberattacks and threats are received promptly and addressed immediately.
Education and Research
  • Develop and prepare skillful human cadres in the field of cybersecurity as quickly as possible to bridge the gap in the current and future workforce through academic training programs.
  • Expedite the establishment of graduate and undergraduate degrees in cybersecurity in various concentrations; encourage the insertion of cybersecurity concepts in all curricula.
  • Promote the introduction of cybersecurity throughout K-12 education in order to equip students with the general knowledge and skills in understanding basic security threats.
  • Foster scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and interdisciplinary cybersecurity research between experts and practitioners in Kuwait.
Laws, Ethics, and Society
  • Synergize national and international efforts to cultivate cooperation and exchange experiences at various levels and in all sectors in cybersecurity.
  • Stimulate awareness campaigns towards the general public to raise awareness on cybersecurity issues, challenges, and education.
  • Advocate for more comprehensive cybersecurity laws that protect critical infrastructure while balancing the individuals’ privacy and freedoms.

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