RIYADH: A King Saud University professor has been honored with a lifetime achievement award for his work in cybersecurity.

Muhammad Khurram Khan from the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance at KSU was recognized at the Saudi Critical Infrastructure Security Summit, or CyberForge, held April 22–23.

The award represents the highest level of recognition for a cybersecurity professional in acknowledgment of their groundbreaking research, visionary leadership, and exceptional contributions to advancing the field, both nationally and internationally, KSU said Monday on its official website.

The award celebrates a visionary whose contributions have fortified digital trust, security, and sovereignty across borders and generations, it added.

Speaking to Arab News, Khan said: “Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Cybersecurity is an immense honor and a reflection of years of dedicated effort to advance the field both locally and globally. This recognition not only validates the hard work and collaboration of countless colleagues and students, but also highlights the critical role cybersecurity plays in our interconnected world.

“This award is a testament to the unwavering support and vision of the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, KSU, where I have had the privilege to conduct and lead transformative cybersecurity research,” he said.

Khan added that the university has been a catalyst for innovation, providing a platform for researchers to explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

“I am proud to be part of an institution that champions academic excellence and significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity,” added the professor.

“This recognition fuels my dedication to driving transformative change in cybersecurity through advanced research, innovation, policy development, and collaboration with industry and public sector organizations. By fostering innovation, we can ensure a secure digital future that meets the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” he concluded.

Ranked among the world’s leading cybersecurity scientists, with over 35,000 citations and an h-index of 99, Khan, according to KSU, has authored more than 500 high-impact publications and holds 10 granted US patents in key areas such as smart systems security, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, Internet of Things security, vehicular and automotive cybersecurity, and digital authentication.

Khan has played a pivotal role in shaping global cybersecurity policy, particularly through his involvement in the G20 Digital Economy Task Forces during Saudi Arabia’s (2020) and Italy’s (2021) presidencies.

He has also co-developed several industrial standards in security and communication technologies. He has also provided consultancy to local and international cybersecurity startups and business organizations to scale up their research and innovation.

Khan has also been a key figure in cybersecurity education reform across Saudi universities, reviewing academic programs to align with Vision 2030, which reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing global cybersecurity and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a tier-1 nation in cybersecurity, as recognized by the International Telecommunication Union.