Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2025 hosted at Air University from November 23 to 27 brought together national and international experts, researchers, industry leaders, and students for a comprehensive four-day program aimed at advancing cybersecurity knowledge and skills across Pakistan. The event featured a series of parallel tracks, including the Cyber Security Symposium, the Cryptography Winter School, the PakCrypt Competition, and a full-day Cybersecurity Industry Expo. Participants engaged in technical talks, hands-on workshops, research presentations, and interactive sessions covering emerging areas such as AI and large language model security, incident response, offensive and defensive cyber operations, symmetric and post-quantum cryptography, secure system design, and GenAI threat mitigation.
Leading researchers from around the world delivered lectures on advanced topics, including cryptographic attacks, secure cipher design, AI-driven cyber defense, and GSM vulnerabilities. Students and professionals explored practical tools and real-world scenarios, strengthening their analytical and technical expertise. These sessions allowed attendees to gain first-hand experience with evolving cybersecurity challenges while understanding the implications of new technologies in both corporate and academic contexts. The event also emphasized collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing, encouraging participants to apply best practices and innovative strategies within Pakistan’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem.
PakCrypt competition attracted notable participation, with finalists presenting creative approaches to cryptographic challenges. This segment provided a platform for emerging talent to demonstrate applied skills while competing on complex problem-solving scenarios. Concurrently, the Cybersecurity Industry Expo connected participants with leading cybersecurity companies, showcasing solutions, career opportunities, and technological demonstrations. The expo fostered collaboration between academia and industry, allowing students and professionals to learn about the latest tools and methodologies, while companies could engage with talent and research initiatives that support Pakistan’s digital security objectives.
PCC 2025 concluded with a formal ceremony recognizing speakers, trainers, competition winners, and contributors. The event reinforced efforts to strengthen cybersecurity capacity and promote innovation in Pakistan, bridging gaps between research, education, and industry. By fostering skills, providing practical experience, and highlighting emerging technologies, the event contributed to building a resilient cybersecurity community capable of addressing contemporary threats and supporting a secure digital infrastructure.
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