Cybersecurity Educator, Researcher, and Consultant

Prof. Maria Venthan Thuraisingham is a distinguished lecturer and researcher in cybersecurity with extensive experience in academia and industry. Currently serving as an academic in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology, he has been instrumental in advancing cybersecurity education and research. In addition to his academic role, Prof. Thuraisingham chairs the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (DUT-FREC) and serves on the Faculty Research Committee (DUT-FRC) and Institutional Research Ethics Committee (DUT-IREC), reflecting his commitment to high ethical standards and leadership in research at DUT. He holds a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Administration, with research focused on digital forensic validation and cybercrime evidence, underscoring his deep expertise in cybercrime challenges and forensic methodologies.

Prof. Thuraisingham has held positions such as IT & Principal Cyber Security Manager at Highpana Projects cc and has consulted for various governmental organizations in Lesotho through Victoria Technologies. He has also been recognized by the FBI for his competitive application for a Data Scientist role, evidencing his strong analytical skills and industry knowledge. His background includes delivering impactful lectures, conducting seminars, and leading cybersecurity workshops—most notably on topics like Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, and Cybersecurity Trends. His 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, Prof. Thuraisingham is committed to aligning security strategies with organizational goals, ensuring robust defense against cyber threats. He brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, academic rigor, and a passion for cybersecurity, making him a valuable speaker at the summit.

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