UKZN Researchers Contribute to International Cyber Security Conference

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Four UKZN researchers presented papers at the 20^th European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security hosted online by the University of Chester in England.

They were senior lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Dr Brett van Niekerk, Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Law Dr Trishana Ramluckan, Dr Harold Patrick from Institutional Planning and Governance, and honours graduate Mr Shankar Dayal.

Their papers included an assessment of deepfake detection algorithms, applying the ‘global commons’ principle of Antarctica to cyberspace, implications for artificial intelligence regulations on cybersecurity practitioners, and digital forensic requirements for organisational disciplinary hearings.

Two external researchers, Professor Louise Leenen of University of the Western Cape and Dr Shadi Alshdaifat of the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, co-authored on one paper each.

Van Niekerk and Ramluckan co-chaired a special track on modelling nation-state cyber-operations, while van Niekerk also chaired a round-table discussion on the use of ICTs in peacekeeping and conflict situations.

The conference featured of more than 50 presentations in the main streams and special tracks, 15 in the PhD and master’s tracks, nine posters, and three keynote presentations.

Cybersecurity concerns have increased in South Africa and globally. COVID-19 has been accompanied by an increase in cyber-crime activity with criminals targeting people working from home. Recently there have been major cyber-attacks that affected organisational email services as well as targeting organisations by compromising the legitimate software update process of an IT vendor.

Words: NdabaOnline

Image: Supplied