Amman, Dec. 17 (Petra) – The Electrical Engineering Division of the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), in collaboration with the Royal Scientific Society, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Al-Hussein Technical University, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, inaugurated the **Jordan International Cybersecurity Conference on Tuesday. The two-day event brings together experts to address rising cybersecurity challenges.

The head of the National Cybersecurity Center, Bassam Maharmeh, highlighted the direct link between cybersecurity, national security, the economy, and society. He emphasized the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks, which have global and national economic consequences. Maharmeh cited global economic losses from cyberattacks in 2022 at $6 trillion, projecting an increase to $8 trillion by 2028. Jordan alone incurs an estimated $150 million in annual losses due to cyber threats, reflecting its growing reliance on digital services and electronic payment systems.

He further noted the government's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity through the implementation of policies, standards, and strategies. Key initiatives include the Jordanian National Cybersecurity Framework, which will be applied to over 100 public and private institutions, including critical infrastructure sectors. Maharmeh praised Jordan's improved ranking on the UN’s Global Cybersecurity Index, moving from 71st to 27th place globally.

JEA President, Ahmad Samara Al-Zoubi, called for a global ethical charter to protect humanity from the misuse of advanced technologies.

Stressing the importance of embracing modern cybersecurity solutions, he highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in modern conflicts and development. Al-Zoubi reaffirmed the priority of national security amid regional instability and emphasized unity behind Jordan's armed forces.


Ali Khawaldeh, Chair of the Electrical Engineering Division, described the conference as a platform to advance cybersecurity awareness in Jordan and the region. He noted that the conference focuses on emerging threats targeting vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, and finance. Discussions include legal frameworks, innovative solutions, and technologies like machine learning for threat analysis.

The conference features four main tracks: security intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, encryption and network security, crimes, and forensics, according to Khawaldeh.

Additionally, experts from government, financial, security, and industrial sectors will share experiences and best practices.

Arafat Aoujan, Chair of the conference Preparatory Committee, outlined the conference’s agenda, which includes keynote speeches, research presentations, and interactive discussions. Notable speakers include experts from Kuwait, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

A cybersecurity competition involving 590 university students from 149 teams is also a key highlight. Of these, 15 teams and 60 students advanced to the next round, with winners to be announced at the conference's conclusion.

Aoujan added that the conference received 73 research papers from 20 countries, of which 29 papers (46% acceptance rate) were selected for presentation after rigorous evaluation.

//Petra// AF

17/12/2024 21:43:38