Cybersecurity Educator, Researcher, and Consultant

I am Prof. Maria Venthan Thuraisingham, a distinguished educator and researcher in cybersecurity with extensive experience in academia and industry. I currently serve as an academic in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology, where I have been instrumental in advancing cybersecurity education and research.

In addition to my academic role, I chair the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (DUT-FREC) and serve on the Faculty Research Committee (DUT-FRC) and Institutional Research Ethics Committee (DUT-IREC), reflecting my commitment to high ethical standards and leadership in research at DUT. I hold a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Administration, with research focused on digital forensic validation and cybercrime evidence, underscoring my deep expertise in cybercrime challenges and forensic methodologies.

I have held positions such as IT & Principal Cyber Security Manager at Highpana Projects cc and have consulted for various governmental organizations in Lesotho through Victoria Technologies. I was also recognized by the FBI for my competitive application for a Data Scientist role, evidencing my strong analytical skills and industry knowledge.

My background includes delivering impactful lectures, conducting seminars, and leading cybersecurity workshops—most notably on topics like Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, and Cybersecurity Trends. My research contributions, including recent publications on IoT vulnerabilities and cybersecurity trends in Lesotho, are widely recognized in the academic and professional community.

With memberships in prestigious organizations such as IEEE, NCSA, and ICSES, I am committed to aligning security strategies with organizational goals, ensuring robust defense against cyber threats. I bring a unique blend of hands-on experience, academic rigor, and a passion for cybersecurity, making me a valuable speaker at the summit.

Specializations: Cybersecurity Strategy, Digital Forensics, IoT Security, Penetration Testing, Security Policy Development.