KUCHING – Muhammad Irfan Elahee Mohammad Illzam Elahee, a postgraduate student from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, recently attended the ‘Youth in Cyber’ program under the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2023.
Organised by the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia (NACSA), CYDES 2023 was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 10 to 13 July 2023. As a national event involving a diverse range of programs, CYDES served as a powerful platform to showcase expertise, solutions and cutting-edge technologies aimed at combating present and future cyber threats.
The ‘Youth in Cyber’ program in particular had a focus on upcoming prospects in the industry, allowing university students to get a close-up look at the industry through respected alumni and industry players that have years of experience.
Muhammad Irfan shared that at CYDES 2023, he had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. He said that a prominent topic of discussion revolved around the superior performance of hackers in comparison to individuals already possessing hardware and software expertise.
“It was emphasised that hackers are often motivated by better pay and financial incentives from lucrative cybercriminal activities, which can make it challenging for individuals who prioritise ethical methods and securing systems. This makes it crucial to address these disparities through collaboration with cybersecurity organisations and subscription-based models to combat cyber threats effectively.
“To stay ahead of the emerging trend of AI-powered script kiddies, organisations such as NACSA should anticipate adversarial tactics and think proactively to be prepared for potential threats,” he said.
“However, it was also noted that not many young individuals possess a comprehensive understanding of cloud technologies and cybersecurity.
“To address this gap, it was recommended that universities offer networking courses, establish partnerships with institutions such as Cisco Academy and Hackerbox Academy as well as encourage students to join Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions,” he added.
Muhammad Irfan pointed out that these initiatives would provide hands-on experience, bridging the knowledge gap and empowering students to navigate the cybersecurity landscape confidently.
“Attending CYDES 2023 has reinforced the importance of collaboration, continuous learning and bridging the knowledge gap in cybersecurity. By working together, we can better safeguard our digital landscape.
“In the world of cybersecurity, staying one step ahead is the key to success,” he said.
In line with the current digital era, Swinburne Sarawak offers various computing programs, including the Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology, Master of Information Technology and its newly introduced Diploma of Information Technology.
Under the university’s Bachelor of Computer Science, students can opt to major in Cybersecurity, Software Development, Internet of Things, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology offers majors in Software Technology or Network Technology.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).