A workshop titled “Cybersecurity: Future Challenges and Network Defenses” was organized on 22 September 2024 at King Saud University. The event was supported by the Gulf Science, Innovation and Knowledge Economy (GSIKE) programme of the British government. Its primary objective was to convene cybersecurity experts, academics, and scientists to examine contemporary challenges in cyberspace and explore potential solutions for its protection.

The opening session commenced with welcoming remarks by Professor Dr. Salman Sabih Al Sudairi, Director of the Society, who also provided an overview of its mission, vision, services, and key outcomes. This was followed by remarks from the chief guest, Prof. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Wablam, Dean of Scientific Research at King Saud University, who acknowledged the efforts of the organizers and emphasized the significance of such academic forums in fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.

An address was subsequently delivered by Ms. Cheryl Gillan, Director of the UK Gulf Science Innovation Knowledge Economy Programme (GSIKE), who outlined the framework and future directions of UK–KSA partnerships in science, innovation, and knowledge economy, with a focus on joint research initiatives.

The workshop featured a series of keynote presentations delivered by distinguished national and international experts in cybersecurity. The first session included contributions from Dr. Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos (Loughborough University), Dr. Hoda Al-Khzaimi (New York University Abu Dhabi), Dr. Marco Cannini (KAUST), Dr. Hazim Al-Muhimedi (KACST), and Prof. Shazia Allye (CoEIA, KSU), who presented research findings addressing various dimensions of cybersecurity challenges. The session was moderated by Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammad, Assistant Professor at King Saud University.

This was followed by a panel discussion that examined cybersecurity challenges from multiple perspectives, with an emphasis on developing secure and resilient systems. Moderated by Dr. Basel Alomair (KACST), the panel included Prof. Jonathan Chambers (Leicester/Loughborough University), Prof. Mohammad Al-Affendi (Prince Sultan University), Dr. Hoda Al-Khzaimi (New York University Abu Dhabi), and Dr. Jalal Almuhtadi (SSGARI). The discussion provided valuable insights into current threats and strategic approaches to strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

A second keynote session featured presentations by Dr. Francisco Navarro (Newcastle University), Dr. Omar Alhazmi (Taibah University), Dr. Y. Tian (KSU), and Dr. Hamad Salleeh (Imam Mohammad University), who shared their research across a range of security-related topics.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. S. Lambotharan (Loughborough University), who summarized the key outcomes and recommendations of the workshop. The workshop was attended by a large and diverse audience representing academia, industry, and both public and private sector organizations.

This event marked the second edition of the workshop series, following a successful inaugural session co-organized with KAUST, which received strong engagement from both academic and industry participants. The Society intends to continue this initiative on an annual basis.