Prof. Loai Nasrat, Acting President of Aswan University, launched the first of its kind awareness workshop in the field of cybersecurity for non-specialists, held at the Creativa Center at Aswan University in Sahari. The workshop is entitled “Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age.”
Prof. Loai Nasrat emphasized the importance of the current phase in the New Republic and the digital revolution the world is witnessing. He pointed out that the university intends to organize numerous Symposiums and workshops to raise awareness among youth about the risks of cybersecurity and how to protect systems and individuals in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA).
The opening event was attended by Dr. Sameh Abdel-Rahman Ahmed, Director of the Executive Management of Emerging Technologies Security at the National Emergency Computing and Network Readiness Center (EG|CERT) – NTRA, along with Dr. Mamdouh Abdel Akher, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering for Postgraduate Studies and Research at Aswan University, Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Abdel- Hamid, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering for Student Affairs and Education, Eng. Ahmed Salem, Director of the Digital Egypt Creativity Center, and several Deans of Faculties at Aswan University and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. A group of cybersecurity experts, specialists, and Aacdemic staff from Aswan University also attended the event.
In his opening speech, Dr. Loai Nasrat explained that the workshop is part of the fruitful collaboration between Aswan University and NTRA, aiming to increase cybersecurity awareness among non-specialists. He also noted that the workshop is being conducted in cooperation with the Center for Computing and Artificial Intelligence Research, the Woman Support in cybersecurity field, the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI), with support from the Engineering Consulting Center at Aswan University and organization by Faculty of Engineering and the IEEE Student Branch.
The workshop witnessed significant attendance and marked female participation, with more than 120 young men and women from Aswan Governorate attending at the first day of the workshop. Female participants made up 54% of the total attendees, reflecting an increasing interest from both genders in the field of cybersecurity. The participants were mostly university students (80%) with 20% being graduates, indicating the widespread interest among young people in enhancing their knowledge in this vital area.
The workshop covered important topics, including the fundamentals of cybersecurity, types of cyber threats such as phishing and malware, network security, and cybersecurity governance. It also explored the modern applications of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, while highlighting the role of women in the field through discussion sessions and success stories of inspiring female figures in cybersecurity. The event concluded with the Cybersecurity Challenge competition to enhance participants’ practical skills.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aziz Orabi, Vice President of Aswan University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, affirmed that the workshop is part of the university’s strategy to develop the capabilities of both academic and non-academic communities in the field of information security to keep up with modern digital transformations.
On her part, Dr. Ghada Abo Zaid, Advisor to the Vice President of the University for Communications and Conferences and General Coordinator of Protocols, pointed out that the workshop contributes to enhancing the position of women in cybersecurity and developing cadres capable of facing increasing digital challenges.
Dr. Mamdouh Abdel Akher, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, highlighted the importance of raising security awareness in light of the rapid digital transformation, stressing the significance of awareness campaigns to support initiatives that aim to build community capabilities in cybersecurity, particularly among university students.
