Conference Overview

Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference (CERC) is a joint venture between Kuwait and the UK. CERC’25 supports the Kuwait-UK Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security signed in 2018, which points to (amongst other areas) engagement in both education and research.

CERC’25 is organised by the Kuwait National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), in collaboration with the UK Government led by the British Embassy in Kuwait, the Kuwait College of Science & Technology (KCST), and Cardiff University.

The conference will take place at the KCST Auditorium on 15-16 October 2025, with support for accommodating international speakers and pre-registered attendees. The conference will be Technically Co-located with the 7th International Conference on Blockchain Computing and Applications (BCCA 2025).

What makes CERC distinguished this year is that accepted technical papers presented at the conference will be published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, which is indexed by all major indexing agencies, as part of the proceedings of the 7th IEEE BCCA conference. Selected high-quality papers may be invited for extended versions in special journal issues.


The theme for this year’s conference is:

Intelligent Cyber Defence Convergence for a Safer Digital World




Area of Focus

AI-Driven Cybersecurity
Next-Generation Network Security
IoT and Connected Systems Security
Cryptography and Privacy
Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure

Conference Chairs

Speaker 3
Prof. Khalid Al-Begain
KCST President, Kuwait
Speaker 3
Prof. Omer Rana
Professor & Regional Dean for the Middle East
Cardiff University, UK
Speaker 3
Prof. Raj Rajarajan
Professor of Security Engineering
City St George’s University of London, UK

Keynote Speakers

Speaker 3
Mr. William Theyer
Head of Cyber for the Gulf region, UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
His Majesty’s Government, UK
Speaker 3
Eng. Mohammad Boarki
Retired Major General/ kuwait Naval Forces / MOD, Kuwait
Speaker 3
Prof. Omer Rana
Professor & Regional Dean for the Middle East
Cardiff University, UK
Speaker 3
Prof. Raj Rajarajan
Professor of Security Engineering
City St George’s University of London, UK
Speaker 2
Prof. Carsten Maple
Professor of Cyber Systems Engineering and Director for Cyber Security Research
Warwick University, UK
Speaker 1
Prof. Chitra Balakrishna
Professor of Cyber Security
Deputy Head of School of Computing and Communications
The Open University , UK
Speaker 3
Prof. Lynne Coventry
Director Abertay cyberQuarter
Abertay University, UK
Speaker 3
Prof. Ioana Boureanu
Professor in Secure Systems
Director of Surrey Centre for Cyber Security
University of Surrey, UK

Panelists

Panel 1 : Cybersecurity as the Engine of Digital Transformation

Prof. Raj Rajarajan

Moderator

Prof. Raj Rajarajan

City St George’s University of London, UK


Eng. Mohammad Abdulaziz Boraki

Eng. Mohammad Abdulaziz Boarki

Major General Marine Engineer Retired, Kuwait

Mr. Asim Ahmad Khawaja

Mr. Asim Ahmad Khawaja

UK Government, UK

Dr. Khaled Assaf Alanezi

Dr. Khaled Assaf Alanezi

Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait

Prof. Lynne Coventry

Prof. Lynne Coventry

Abertay University, UK

Panel 2 : Innovation in Cyber Security

Dr. Huda Al Rashidi

Moderator

Dr. Huda Al Rashidi

Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait



Mr. Nasser Al Ostad

Mr. Nasser Al Ostad

200bps.ai, Kuwait

Dr. Syed Aziz Shah

Dr. Syed Aziz Shah

Coventry University, UK

Dr. Seraj Fayyad

Dr. Seraj Fayyad

Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait

Prof. Ioana Boureanu

Prof. Ioana Boureanu

University of Surrey, UK

Conference Program

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM

Check-In and On-Site Registration

Opening Session
Location: KCST Auditorium

09:00 AM - 09:50 AM

Opening Speech

KCST President, Prof. Khalid Al-Begain

NCSC Representative, Kuwait

British Embassy, Deputy Head of Mission to Kuwait, Mr. Stuart Summers

Conference Co-Chair, Prof. Omer Rana

09:50 AM - 10:20 AM

Keynote #1

Mr. William Theyer, Head of Cyber for the Gulf region, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – His Majesty’s Government, UK

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM

Keynote #2

Eng. Mohammad Abdulaziz Boarki, Major General Marine Engineer Retired, Kuwait

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Coffee Break

Morning Session 2 11:10 AM - 12:55 PM
Location: Hall C

11:10 AM - 11:40 AM

Securing the hospital: Hearts, minds and behaviours of medical professionals

Prof. Lynne Coventry, Abertay University, UK

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM

Formal Cryptographic and Security Analysis of 5G Security Procedures

Prof. Ioana Boureanu, Professor in Secure Systems, Director of Surrey Centre for Cyber Security, University of Surrey, UK

12:10 PM - 12:55 PM

Discussion Panel I:

Cybersecurity as the Engine of Digital Transformation

Moderator:

Prof. Raj Rajarajan, City St George’s University of London, UK

Panellists:

Eng. Mohammad Abdulaziz Boarki, Major General Marine Engineer Retired, Kuwait

Mr. Asim Ahmad Khwaja, UK Government, UK

Dr. Khaled Assaf Alanezi, Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait

Prof. Lynne Coventry, Abertay University, UK

12:55 PM - 02:00 PM

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session : 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Location: Hall C

02:00 PM - 02:30 PM

Intent Driven Resource Management in Distributed Systems

Prof. Omer Rana, Cardiff University, UK

02:30 PM - 03:00 PM

Designing and deploying trustworthy and trusted digital infrastructure

Prof. Carsten Maple, University of Warwick, UK

03:00 PM - 03:30 PM

Continuous Device-to-Device Authentication

Prof. Raj Rajarajan, City St George’s University of London, UK

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

British Embassy Reception

09:00 AM - 01:20 PM

Morning Session 9:00 AM – 01:20 PM
Location: Hall C

09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

Serious Games for Serious Threats: Building the Next-Generation Cyber Workforce through Game-Based Interventions

Prof. Chitra Balakrishna, The Open University, UK

09:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Technical Session I

Blockchain, Privacy, and Secure Infrastructures
Session Chair: Prof. Ioana Boureanu

ID Authors Paper Title
1571192818 Basil Y Alothman, et.al. Towards a Post-Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Ledger to Mitigate EMV Chip Cloning Attacks
1571202891 Vlado Stankovski From One Bit to Meaningful Self: Recursive Identity Formation for Decentralized Digital Trust
1571205744 Fatimah Alakeel; Basil Y Alothman Towards a Cross-Chain Genomic Data Interoperability Framework: Secure and Compliant Federated Data Exchange Using Private Blockchains
1571205748 Ethar Alsharaf; Basil Y Alothman Towards Blockchain-Secured Agile Validation of Cyber Resilience in Industrial Control System Defence Environments
1571205670 Ismaeel Al Ridhawi; Hasan Kazan A Blockchain-Orchestrated Energy Trading Framework for SAGIN-Enabled 6G Networks

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Session Discussion and Awarding

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Coffee Break

11:20 AM - 12:20 PM

Technical Session II

AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence
Session Chair: Prof. Lynne Coventry

ID Authors Paper Title
1571198956 Omer Rana et al. Modelling Spatio-Temporal Progression of Cyberattacks in Data Networks
1571192493 Eduardo A., et.al. A Framework for Embedding Generative and Agentic AI in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
1571191500 Amal Douara; Adil Enaanai; Youssef Zaz Integrating Blockchain and Deep Q-Learning for Adaptive, Trustworthy Cybersecurity Education
1571192655 Uri Arta Ramadhani, et.al. Federated Learning-Enabled Adversarial Attack Detection Framework for Healthcare Laboratory Data

12:20 PM - 12:35 PM

Session Discussion and Awarding

12:35 PM - 01:20 PM

Discussion Panel II:

Innovation in Cyber Security

Moderator:

Dr. Huda Al Rashidi, Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait

Panellists:

Mr. Nasser Al Ostad, 200bps.ai, Kuwait

Dr. Syed Aziz Shah, Coventry University, UK

Dr. Seraj Fayyad, Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait

Prof. Ioana Boureanu, Professor in Secure Systems, Director of Surrey Centre for Cyber Security, University of Surrey, UK

01:20 PM - 02:30 PM

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session 2:30 PM - 04:05 PM
Location: Hall C

02:30 PM - 03:30 PM

Technical Session III

Security by Design: Education, Verification, and Defense (Online)
Session Chair: Prof. Chitra Balakrishna

ID Authors Paper Title
1571205741 Maha Fahad Alotaibi; Yulia Cherdantseva; Catherine Teehan Methodology for Designing and Developing a Cybersecurity Curriculum for Secondary Schools
1571204846 Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman, et.al. Securing Automatic Speech Recognition with Attention-driven Adversarial Detection
1571201338 Stanly Wilson; Tanapon Suwankesawong, et.al; Verifiable Auction Mechanisms for Material Reuse in the Built Environment
1571204866 Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman; Murad Khan Attention-Guided SAT Solver Approach for Robust Adversarial Defense in Machine Learning

03:30 PM - 03:45 PM

Session Discussion and Awarding

03:45 PM - 04:05 PM

Closing Remarks and Recommendations

View Detailed Program

Conference Venue


Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait

Organizers

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.

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)

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a research intensive Russell Group institution founded in 1883 — ranked in QS Top 200 and 22nd in the UK (Complete University Guide). Its research prowess is undeniable, with 90% of its output deemed "world-leading" or "internationally excellent," tackling grand challenges from health to social science. Educationally, the university fosters a dynamic, research-led learning environment, ensuring students engage with real-world problems and develop critical thinking skills. This commitment to an outstanding student experience is matched by its innovative spirit. Through initiatives like the sbarc|spark Innovation Campus, Cardiff actively cultivates entrepreneurship and facilitates impactful collaborations between academics, industry, and government, driving forward advancements that benefit society. Cardiff University has continued to engage with the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) from its inception in 2008, collaborating in particular in data science.

UK Science and Technology Network

The UK Science and Technology 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.

Sponsors

UK Science and Technology Network

The UK Science and Technology 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

Partners

Call for Paper


Call for Paper

Camera-ready Submission


The below instructions are essential to ensure that you comply with the publication requirements set by IEEE in order for your paper(s) to be included in the conference proceedings and published and indexed by IEEE.

In order to ensure that your paper is included in the conference proceedings and will be submitted to appear in the IEEE Xplore, at least one of the authors must register and present the paper.

  1. Make Registration Payment

    At least one author is required to register for the conference and make a payment through the following site: Conference Payment Link .

    Once the payment is made,save a snapshot of the payment confirmation and send an email to the program chair i.alridhawi@kcst.edu.kw (cc: ieeebcca-iwbsworkshop2025-chairs@edas.info), with the payment confirmation in order to receive a Coupon Code that will allow to proceed with the camera-ready submission.

  2. Revise Your Paper Based on Reviewer’s Feedback

    Please check the reviewers feedback carefully, and edit your paper accordingly, especially for comments regarding IEEE template requirements, formatting, font size, font style, etc. Failure to do so will result in your article not to be published by IEEE.

    Note: Make sure to remove all headers and footers and any page numbering from your paper.

  3. Prepare Your Camera-Ready Paper Using IEEE PDF Xpress

    All final (camera-ready) manuscripts must be generated using the PDF Xpress tool. To generate the IEEE Xplore-compatible PDF file of your paper(s), please follow these steps:

    • Log in to the IEEE PDF eXpress site: IEEE PDF eXpress
    • First-time users should do the following:
      • Select Create account
      • Enter the following:
        • Conference ID: 66705X
        • Your email address & a password
      • Continue to enter information as prompted. An Online confirmation will be displayed and an email confirmation will be sent verifying your account setup.
    • Once you have registered as a new user:
      • Upload the source file (containing your paper) for conversion.
      • Receive by e-mail the IEEE Xplore-compatible PDF of your paper for download. Please do not change the PDF file name received.
      • If your paper conversion is declined (Not approved by IEEE), the system will provide you with the errors log. You need to fix it and re-do the same process.
    • Previous users of PDF Xpress need to follow the above steps but should enter the same password that was used for previous conferences. Verify that your contact information is valid.

  4. Upload your Camera-Ready Paper

    Final camera-ready submission will be done through PayQlick. You will be asked to register your paper, please do so given that the CERC 2025 conference is collocated with IEEE BCCA 2025, but you will not make any payment (you will use the coupon code received from the program chair through email).

    • Go to the PayQlick registration page: Click here
    • Select the Workshop Track Registration (either IEEE Member – Author or Non-IEEE Member – Author) option available in the registration page and follow the steps accordingly.
    • Enter the details regarding the paper number which you will find on EDAS (e.g., 1571205670). Details pertaining to the paper will automatically be fetched. Keep everything else as is in terms of overlength, reception/banquet tickets, etc.
    • Enter coupon code which you received from the program chair (Refer to step 1: make registration payment for details). Then click on Pay by Credit Card (P.S. you will not be asked for credit card details).
      • Payment Screenshot
    • Once the registration is completed, you will receive a confirmation email of your registration, and be redirected to the Registration Confirmed page.
    • Click on View My Registration in your Registration Confirmed page.
    • Click on the Copyright Form button to be redirected to the IEEE eCF (electronic copyright form) page.
    • Follow the instructions in the IEEE eCF to submit your copyright form.
    • After finishing your IEEE eCF submission, reopen the View My Registration page at PayQlick.
    • Click on the Camera Ready (Must be IEEE PDF Certified) button.
    • Follow the instructions to upload your camera-ready PDF.

PAYMENT


CERC'25 REGISTRATION FEES
Full Registration 500 $
Student Registration 300 $
Extra Paper Fees (per paper) - Up to one additional paper (Third paper needs Full Registration) 250 $
Extra Pages Fees (per page) 50 $
Click here to pay

Important Dates


  • Calendar

    Paper Submission Deadline

    25 September 2025

  • Calendar

    Notification of Acceptance

    1 October 2025

  • Calendar

    Camera-ready Deadline

    6 October 2025

  • Calendar

    Author Registration Deadline

    6 October 2025

Registration

Committees

GENERAL CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Khalid Al-Begain Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Omer Rana Cardiff University UK
Raj Rajarajan City, St. George’s University of London UK

CONFERENCE CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Basil Al Othman KCST Kuwait
Chibli Joumaa KCST Kuwait
Haidar Ramadhan KCST Kuwait

PROGRAM CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Huda Al Rashidi KCST Kuwait
Ismaeel Al Ridhawi KCST Kuwait
Murad Khan KCST Kuwait
Zied Bouida KCST Kuwait
Fatemah Husain Kuwait University Kuwait

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Name Affiliation Country
Abdullatif BABA KCST Kuwait
Ehtesham Hasan KCST Kuwait
Hasan Kazan KCST Kuwait
Eiman Tamah Al-shammari Kuwait University Kuwait
Khalid Assaf Alanzi Abdullah Al Salem University Kuwait
Mohamad Hoda KCST Kuwait
Mohammad Faisal Naji KCST Kuwait
Omar Ali Abdullah Al Salem University Kuwait
Omar Khattab KCST Kuwait
Omer Adam Mohamed KCST Kuwait

LOCAL ORGANISATION

Name Affiliation Country
Al Markeza Al Qunneh KCST Kuwait
Majeesh Puthanpurayil KCST Kuwait
Ousama Shamout KCST Kuwait
Rami Sabek KCST Kuwait

MARKETING & PUBLICITY

Name Affiliation Country
Abdulkader Alizddin KCST Kuwait
Huda Al Rashidi KCST Kuwait
Ibrahim Al Mutawa KCST Kuwait
Sara Araikat KCST Kuwait

WEBSITE & IT

Name Affiliation Country
Nirubiga Kumaravelu KCST Kuwait
Haritha Satheesan KCST Kuwait

Archive

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