Students explore cyber security and AI innovations at ‘iSec Grey'24’

February 24, 2024: The School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS), IBA Karachi, in collaboration with CXO Media, organized an event titled ‘iSec Grey’24’ at the G&T Auditorium, Main Campus. This event served as a unique platform where students had a chance to meet champions from different organizations working in risk, security, human resources, finance, and technology. The event included panel discussions and a digitalization roadshow led by Saiyed Shahab Ahmed, Visiting Faculty IBA and CDE PARCO.

The first panel discussion titled ‘Innovations in Cyber Security: Trends and Future Directions’ offered insights into security threats and solutions, a roadmap for students aspiring to build a career in fields like cyber security, information security, and OT security, as well as tangible steps that industry leaders can take to bridge gaps with academia. Panelists included Atif Najam, CIO Gatro-nova Group; Ahmed Saeed from SBP; Saad Alam from Commtel; and Mohammad Farooq from PSX. Mr. Ahmed moderated the discussion.

The second panel discussion themed ‘Cyber Security in the Age of Automation and AI’ explored the integration of AI in the Cyber Security landscape concerning Industry-Academia linkages, offensive/defensive security, skills in demand, and the ethical, security, and economic impact on cyber security. Notable guests included Ubaid Jaffery from HBL;. Ali Imran from Meezan Bank; Jibran Jamshed from Microsoft, Saima Naveed from Amreli Steels; and Safad Shaikh from TPL. The discussion was moderated by Aqsa Tariq from CXO Media.

Following the panel discussions, the anticipated part of the event was the Digitalization Roadshow, where live industrial demos of NLP, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, AI-powered ChatBOT, and Robotics Process Automation were given by the team of PARCO led by Mr. Ahmed.

An interactive Q & A session ensued, providing students with key information related to the cyber security topic. Dr. Shahid Hussain, Chairperson Department of Computer Science, SMCS, concluded the event by thanking all the participants for their invaluable contributions. He also presented mementos to all the guests.