A Digital Partnership Shaping the Future: Al-Zahra University (peace be upon her) and the Arab Digital Empowerment Union Launch an Advanced Cybersecurity Workshop

Under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, supervised by Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Sultani, President of Al-Zahra University for Women, and followed up by Prof. Dr. Ghidaa Al-Mulla, Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology, the Al-Sadiqa Hall hosted a specialized scientific workshop titled “Cybersecurity Applications and Protection Against Breaches.” This workshop is among the first outcomes of the memorandum of understanding signed between the university and the Arab Digital Empowerment Union in Iraq, reflecting the university’s commitment to building an effective digital academic environment and advancing digital transformation pathways in higher education. Faculty, administrative staff, and students attended the event.

The workshop featured participation from a distinguished group of experts from the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) subunits. It included three interactive lectures:

  • “Ethical Penetration Testing Methods” by Dr. Mustafa Barkat,
  • “Advanced Cyber Research (OSINT)” by Dr. Muhammad Najm,
  • “Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: The Future of Digital Protection” by Dr. Haider Maki,

demonstrating the integration of academic frameworks with modern practical applications in cybersecurity.

The workshop aimed to enhance students’ proficiency in using digital protection tools, raise awareness of cyber threats, and develop strategies to counter them. This initiative contributes to preparing specialized female professionals capable of safeguarding the national digital space in the future. The event witnessed active engagement from students, with constructive scientific contributions enriching discussions. Both parties emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration and expanding the partnership through future programs and workshops to support practical applications across various fields of information technology and digital transformation.

Media and Government Communication Department