King Saud University Professor Wins 'Education & Talent Development Award’
Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan, from the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance at King Saud University (KSU), was honored with the prestigious Education & Talent Development Award at the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS 2025), held from November 5-6 in Bahrain. The award recognizes his exceptional educational services and significant contributions to the development of cybersecurity talent, which have had a transformative impact on both the region and the global cybersecurity landscape.
In an era where cybersecurity has become a critical national security priority, the shortage of skilled professionals worldwide is a pressing issue. Prof. Khan has been at the forefront of addressing this gap, playing a pivotal role in shaping the cybersecurity workforce in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His work in developing, reviewing and advising BS and MS degree programs at several prominent Saudi universities has directly contributed to the elevation of cybersecurity education in the Kingdom. Notably, he led a team of experts to develop the Bachelor of Applied Computing (Cybersecurity) degree track at King Saud University, a flagship program that has become a cornerstone for cybersecurity professionals in Saudi Arabia.
The importance of developing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent, as nations and organizations face increasing threats from cyberattacks that compromise everything from critical infrastructure to economic stability. Prof. Khan’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts is not only vital for Saudi Arabia’s own national security but also aligns with global efforts to address the growing demand for cybersecurity talent. His students are now playing key roles in safeguarding national and international organizations, contributing to cybersecurity efforts in public and private sectors across Saudi Arabia, as well as in leading global firms and universities in countries such as the USA, UK, China, Australia, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, and Korea.
This prestigious recognition at AICS 2025 further underscores Prof. Khan’s unwavering dedication to the field, following his earlier ‘Lifetime Achievement Award in Cybersecurity’ received in 2025. His lifelong commitment to educating the next generation of cybersecurity leaders has cemented his reputation as a global thought leader. This award underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity talent development, particularly as the discipline becomes central to national security and the digital economy.
The AICS 2025, hosted by the National Cyber Security Center of Bahrain in strategic partnership with DEFCON, is one of the region’s foremost cybersecurity events. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the conference brings together government regulators, industry professionals, and cybersecurity leaders from across the globe to collaborate on fortifying cybersecurity and ICT infrastructures.
