Islamabad: The National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS) and PK-CERT launched the third edition of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024 with an inaugural ceremony held at Air University in Islamabad. This prestigious event, which has been running annually since 2021, aims to foster a new generation of cybersecurity experts and promote digital security awareness across Pakistan.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi, former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Guest of Honour Prof. Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
In his keynote address, Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi underscored the critical importance of advanced technical expertise in strengthening Pakistan’s national cybersecurity posture. He emphasized that the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge serves as a dynamic platform for participants to enhance their technical proficiency while cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility towards cybersecurity excellence.
Prof. Dr. Zia ul Qayyum reinforced this vision, highlighting the essential role skilled human capital in cybersecurity plays for Pakistan’s national institutions. He praised initiatives like the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge for their pivotal role in nurturing talent and building awareness in this critical domain. The distinguished guest extended warm congratulations to all participants competing in the four key event categories.
Vice Chancellor Air University, Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. He recognized the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge as an important step in identifying and promoting the nation’s top talent in cybersecurity. In his address, the Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the efforts of event’s organizing team.
Prof. Dr. Ammar Masood, Director of NCCS and Dean of Air University Faculty of Computing & Artificial Intelligence expressed pride in the event’s growing impact. He noted that the competitive event has become a valuable platform for students from across Pakistan to engage in various cybersecurity challenges, including Capture-the-Flag, the Showdown event, the Pak-Crypt Challenge, and the Cybersecurity Startup Ideas Cup. “This event has been organized regularly for the past three years and is crucial in cultivating a generation of skilled cybersecurity enthusiasts who will contribute to a stronger, more cyber-secure Pakistan,” Dr. Masood added.
The Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024 attracted over 1,600 participants from more than 110 educational institutions across Pakistan. Industry leaders, government representatives, and members of academia attended the opening ceremony, all praising NCCS’s commitment to fostering cybersecurity awareness, expertise, and capacity-building across Pakistan.
Participants in the third Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge expressed their appreciation for Air University’s continued leadership in cybersecurity education in Pakistan. The four-day event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and innovation in cybersecurity, with participants vying for top honors in various categories. As Pakistan continues its journey towards digital transformation, initiatives like the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge play a vital role in ensuring the country’s cybersecurity readiness for the future.
