International Conference Participation Highlights Academic Excellence

Tishk International University proudly highlights the participation of Mohammed Ahmed, a second-year student in the Department of Cybersecurity, in Black Hat Middle East & Africa (MEA) 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious cybersecurity exhibitions and conferences.

Participation in such a globally recognized event reflects:

  • The ambition, dedication, and technical curiosity of Tishk International University students

  • The university’s commitment to preparing graduates who can confidently engage with real-world cybersecurity challenges

Mohammed Ahmed’s presence at Black Hat MEA 2025 stands as a testament to the strength of the university’s academic programs and their alignment with international industry standards.

Meeting with INTERPOL CISO

During the event, Mohammed Ahmed had the exceptional opportunity to meet and engage in an in-depth discussion with Bjorn R. Watne, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of INTERPOL.

Their conversation covered critical topics including:

Topic Description
Global cyber threat landscape Current and emerging threats worldwide
International cooperation in digital investigations Cross-border collaboration for cybersecurity
Securing law enforcement systems Complexities of protecting global police infrastructure

This valuable exchange offered rare insight into one of the most significant cybersecurity leadership roles on a global scale.

Meeting with Former CISO of San Diego

Mohammed Ahmed also met Gary Hayslip, former Chief Information Security Officer of the City of San Diego, who shared professional expertise drawn from years of experience in protecting large-scale municipal digital infrastructures.

As a gesture of encouragement and recognition, Mr. Hayslip gifted Mohammed Ahmed a book, symbolizing:

  • Motivation for continued learning

  • Support for his future career in cybersecurity

Conference Learning Experience

Throughout Black Hat MEA 2025, Mohammed Ahmed attended numerous expert-led sessions and interactive demonstrations covering key topics such as:

Topic Area Focus
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) Sophisticated, long-term cyberattacks
Ransomware evolution Changing tactics and defense strategies
Zero trust architecture Modern security framework
AI in cybersecurity Artificial intelligence for threat detection
Threat intelligence Proactive defense strategies
Cloud security Protecting cloud-based infrastructure
Digital forensics Investigation and evidence collection

These sessions addressed the most pressing challenges and innovations shaping the future of the cybersecurity field.

Reflection of Academic Excellence

Mohammed Ahmed’s participation in Black Hat MEA 2025 reflects both:

  • His personal commitment to professional development

  • The academic excellence of Tishk International University’s Cybersecurity Department

Such international exposure plays a vital role in shaping students into globally aware professionals with strong technical and strategic perspectives.

University Commitment

Tishk International University remains committed to supporting motivated and talented students who:

  • Represent the university with distinction on international platforms

  • Contribute to building a safer and more secure digital world

Keywords: Black Hat MEA 2025, Cybersecurity Department, Mohammed Ahmed, INTERPOL CISO, Bjorn Watne, Gary Hayslip, International Conference, Threat Intelligence, Zero Trust Architecture, AI in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, TIU Student Achievement, Global Cybersecurity