JUNE 25-27, 2026, İstinye University, Istanbul

2026 International Conference on Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, and AI Applications (ICCSDFAI)

Keynote and distinguished speakers
The Keynote Sessions at the 2026 International Conference on Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, and AI Applications in Istanbul convene an exceptional assembly of government policymakers, leading academic researchers, and industry pioneers. As digital sovereignty and AI-driven threats redefine global security, this year's speakers provide actionable insights and visionary frameworks for the future.
Our distinguished lineup bridges the crucial gap between theoretical research and real-world defense. Attendees will hear from high-level government authorities shaping national information security within presidential administrations and digital ministries, alongside globally recognized professors driving academic breakthroughs in AI safety, cryptology, trustworthy machine learning, and advanced wireless communications.
Furthermore, industry trailblazers—spanning executives from global cybersecurity firms to frontline threat intelligence and malware research experts—will share applied expertise in advanced forensics, vulnerability discovery, and proactive incident response. By uniting respected authorities from Central Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, these sessions deliver a truly global perspective on safeguarding critical infrastructure, developing national cyber capacity, and advancing digital trust.
Meet the visionaries guiding the next era of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence below.
Prof. Dr. Yerzhan Seitkulov

Head, Information Resources Protection Department

President of Kazakhstan’s Executive Office

Astana, Kazakhstan


Yerzhan Seitkulov is a leading expert in information security and cryptology. He currently heads the Department of Informatization and Information Resource Protection within the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan. Prior to his government appointments, he served for a decade as the Director of the Research Institute of Information Security and Cryptology at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. He holds a PhD in Physics and Mathematics, having graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University, and completed specialized research in information security at the State University of New York. He is a laureate of the Daryn State Youth Prize and holds a Presidential Letter of Gratitude.

Prof. Dr. Seref Sagiroglu
PhD, Professor in Software Engineering at Gazi University (GU) Computer Engineering Department
Ankara, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sagiroglu is a Professor of Software Engineering at Gazi University and a highly cited researcher with over 12,000 citations and an h-index exceeding 43. Earning his Ph.D. from Cardiff University, his extensive career spans artificial intelligence, big data, cyber security, and software engineering. A Senior Member of IEEE, he has held prominent leadership roles, including Dean of the Engineering Faculty at Gazi University and Director of the Gazi AI Center. He has authored over 20 books, holds numerous patents, and actively contributes to the global tech community by organizing and chairing major international events, including several prominent IEEE-sponsored conferences.
Ibrahim Eskiocak
Topic: "Cyber Security in the Age of AI: Attack and Defense"

Solutions Consulting Manager Turkey/CIS
Palo Alto Networks
Istanbul, Turkey

Ibrahim Eskiocak is an expert responsible for managing engineering teams and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. He currently serves as the Regional Technical Director for Turkey and CIS countries at Palo Alto Networks. Since joining the company in 2015, he has progressed from a Systems Engineer to his current leadership position, developing expertise and driving growth across the region. Prior to his tenure at Palo Alto Networks, he served as a Sales Engineering Manager at Trend Micro from 2009 to 2015, where he managed the pre-sales team and supported sales operations. He holds a degree in Business Administration, having graduated from Anadolu University in Eskişehir, Turkey, where he studied from 1994 to 1998.
Muzaffar Djalalov
Topic: "AI-Driven Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Cybersecurity Challenges — A Case Study of Uzbekistan"

Chief Digital Transformation Officer, University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

A highly qualified leader in digital transformation, strategic management of higher education, and international academic cooperation. Possesses deep expertise in managing educational institutions, developing and implementing digitalization strategies, and integrating advanced technologies into educational and administrative processes. Has extensive experience in coordinating international projects, developing strategic partnerships, and overseeing research activities. Capable of effectively combining analytical and managerial skills to enhance the efficiency of educational programs and financial planning.
Ulykbek Shambulov
Topic: "AI in SOC/Cyber defence vs AI in Cyber Attacks: Who Is Winning Today?"

First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC State technical service - Head of the National Information security coordination center of Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan

Dr. Ulykbek Shambulov is a cybersecurity expert and the current Vice Chairman of JSC State Technical Service. With a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technology from Nazarbayev University and an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Forensic Computing from Dublin University, he brings a deep academic and practical understanding of IT security. His industry experience includes roles as a security researcher and a Senior IT Security Engineer at BTSDigital. He holds numerous professional certifications from globally recognized organizations, including Splunk, the OSCE, and The SecOps Group.
Prof. Dr. Feroz Hyder
Topic: "Auditing AI use in Organizations"

President & CEO of Ferro Technics
Ontario, Canada

Prod. Dr. Feroz Hyder is a distinguished Information Technology leader and Professor with over two decades of specialized experience in cybersecurity consulting, managed services, and training. Holding a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Boston University and an MBA from Athabasca University, his comprehensive expertise spans enterprise security architecture, privacy management, and rigorous risk assessment methodologies. Backed by elite credentials—including CISSP, CISM, CCISO, SABSA, and CIPP/C—he actively advises diverse organizations on strategic framework implementations like ISO 27001 and SOC2. Alongside his consulting leadership, he contributes significantly to academia by delivering postgraduate cybersecurity diploma courses across several accredited Canadian colleges.
Prof. Dr. Ibraheem Shayea
Topic: "Artificial Intelligence for Future Mobile Connectivity"

PhD, Assistant and Associate Researcher at Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
Electronics & Communications Engineering Department.
Istanbul, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Ibraheem Shayea is a distinguished researcher in wireless communication systems based at Istanbul Technical University (ITU). With a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his work focuses on the forefront of mobility management in future heterogeneous networks, mobile edge computing, IoT, and machine learning. At ITU, he leads advanced research initiatives alongside postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, contributing extensively to scientific journals and conferences on millimeter-wave propagation and future data traffic growth.
Prof. Dr. Gerald Feldman
Topic: "When Innovation Outpaces Protection: Addressing the Information Security Gap in AI-Driven SME Digital Transformation"

Associate Professor of Computing, Department of Computer Science
Birmingham City University
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Prof. Dr. Gerald Feldman is an Associate Professor of Computing at Birmingham City University, specializing in Information Systems and Digital Transformation through a process-led, socio-technical lens. His applied research bridges academic rigor with industrial practice, focusing on the critical intersection of technical innovation, data privacy, and organizational governance. With extensive experience leading Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects across the manufacturing, retail, and service sectors, he drives digital transformation in SMEs by implementing advanced AI-powered solutions, IoT smart systems, and large language models. Recognizing that rapid AI adoption frequently outpaces existing security frameworks, Prof. Dr. Feldman develops proactive, practical governance interventions. His work empowers organizations to move beyond reactive compliance, treating information security as a core design principle to responsibly and sustainably harness data-driven, people-centered innovation.
Prof. Dr. Junaid Arshad
Head of Department of Computer Science
Birmingham City University
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Prof. Dr. Junaid Arshad is the Head of the Department of Computer Science at Birmingham City University and a globally distinguished researcher, ranked among the top 2% of computer scientists by Stanford University and the top 0.5% by ScholarGPS. His extensive R&D expertise spans securing diverse computing paradigms-including IoT, cloud computing, and blockchains-with a strong focus on developing resilient, trustworthy AI and machine learning models. A proven leader in translational research, he has contributed to over £20 million in externally funded projects, successfully bridging academia and industry by prototyping innovative cyber-defense systems like CyMonD and driving digital solutions for healthcare SMEs. Backed by over 90 high-impact publications, he is a prominent expert voice shaping the future of resilient digital infrastructure and bespoke industry technologies.
Prof. Dr. Rahid Alekberli
Executive Director of Defense Technologies and Cybersecurity Institute
Baku, Azerbaijan
Djordje Stamenkovic
Topic: "The CISO in Wonderland: Riding the AI Wave"

CyberSec & InfoSec Expert
Astana, Kazakhstan

With over 20 years of C-level leadership in Information Security and IT Risk Management, Djordje Stamenkovic is currently the CEO of ADT Security. For the past decade, his primary focus has been on the architecture, technology, and operation of Security Operations Centers (SOCs). As a co-founder and former CTO of several commercial SOCs in Kazakhstan, he has successfully led teams in detecting and containing high-profile cyberattacks targeting national critical infrastructure. Beyond his technical expertise, he advocates for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing the necessary synergy between technology, organizational maturity, motivation, and resources to achieve tangible security outcomes.
Maksat Meshituly
Topic: "Transition to a Cyber-Resilient State: Approaches, Solutions, and Practices"

Deputy Chairman of the Information Security Committee of the Republican State Institution Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development
Astana, Kazakhstan

Maksat Meshituly is a cybersecurity professional with 10 years of experience across information security, government policy, and regulatory oversight. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Nazarbayev University and has a strong background in big data analytics. In his current role, he works on national cybersecurity policy and state-level information security control. His research interests focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into Security Operations Center processes to improve cyber defense operations and decision-making.
Adilbek Zhaukenov
Topic: "Ensuring data protection in the banking AI systems"

Director of Data Protection Division JSC «CenterCredit Bank» 
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Adibek Zhaukenov is a cybersecurity and data privacy professional with over 10 years of experience in information security governance, regulatory compliance, and IT risk management in the financial sector. Currently, he is the Director of the Data Protection Division at CenterCredit Bank, where he oversees personal data protection, privacy compliance, and the alignment of information security regulations.
Previously, he held senior roles at Kaspi.kz, where he focused on PCI DSS, GDPR, ITGC SOX controls and SWIFT compliance, as well as IT audits and security risk management. He also worked at Kazpost JSC, where he developed expertise in network, server infrastructure, SOC operations, and enterprise information security systems.
He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in radio engineering and telecommunications from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Prof. Dr. Laila Fetjah
Topic: "Cybersecurity for Humanity: Building Trusted & Ethical AI Ecosystems"

Professor of Cybersecurity at the Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca
Casablanca, Morocco

Dr. Laila Fetjah is a recognized leader in digital trust and cybersecurity education. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense, as well as Head of the Cybersecurity track for the Applied Computer Science Bachelor’s program. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) and the prestigious Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR), her extensive research focuses on trustworthy AI, blockchain security, and digital sovereignty. Her impactful contributions to the field recently earned her the 2025 Cyber Security Woman Award (CSWA) as Cyber Word Researcher.
Dauren Salipov
Topic: "National Cybersecurity Platforms: A Real Necessity or an Overkill?"

CEO of MSSP.GLOBAL
Astana, Kazakhstan

Dauren Salipov has over 15 years of experience in launching and leading successful IT companies across various industries, including web development, startups, and cybersecurity.
He began his career as a developer and worked his way up to becoming the founder of multiple IT ventures.
Dauren Salipov served as the Chief Commercial Officer at Zed until 2016. He then took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Solai. From 2017 to 2024, he was the Founder of QLT LLP.
Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of MSSP GLOBAL.
Prof. Dr. Rachid Saadane
Full Professor at the Hassania School of Public Works (EHTP) in Morocco and Deputy Director in charge of research, cooperation, and partnerships
Casablanca, Morocco

Dr. Rachid is a distinguished researcher and the Head of the LaGeS research laboratory at EHTP. He holds a Ph.D. from Mohamed V University in collaboration with the Eurecom Institute in France, where he previously served as a research engineer in RF channel modeling. A certified 5G ICT instructor, his expansive research encompasses next-generation wireless communications (6G), AI, IoT, cybersecurity for smart grids, and sustainable technologies like green hydrogen. He is a highly active contributor to the global academic community with over 150 publications and more than 500 peer reviews for esteemed publishers including IEEE, Elsevier, and Springer. His work on urban innovation earned him the Best Paper Award at the 2019 Smart Cities Applications Conference.
Prof. Dr. Tamara Zhukabayeva
Topic: "Post-Quantum Cryptography in IoT: Bridging the Gap from Standards to Deployment"

Prof. Dr., Department of Information Systems, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

Prof. Dr. Tamara Zhukabayeva is a globally recognized expert in artificial intelligence safety, AI ethics, and the security of cyber-physical systems. She serves as a Professor in the Department of Information Systems at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU). Her impactful work recently earned her a feature in the "Scientist Spotlight Series" by the Paris-based Women in AI (WAI) organization, where she was celebrated as an "architect of a secure digital future." An active leader in the global academic community, Prof. Zhukabayeva recently chaired a key session and won the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Global Congress on Emerging Technologies (GCET-2024) and SDS-2024 in Spain, presenting collaborative research conducted with the UK's Smart Systems, AI, and Cybersecurity Research Centre (SSAICS). She is also deeply involved in fostering international educational ties, notably through the Orhun academic mobility program (TURKUNIB).
Murat Akhmetov
Head of KZ-CERT
Astana, Kazakhstan
Dr. Ali Myrzatay
Topic: "Hidden Risks in Government IT: How a National Project Registry Uncovers Cybersecurity Threats"

Cybersecurity Research Scientist
Digital Government Support Center (RSE)
Astana, Kazakhstan

Dr. Ali Myrzatay is a cybersecurity researcher and ICT specialist with over a decade of experience spanning network engineering, digital transformation, and information security. He holds a Ph.D. in Automation and Control from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, where he also earned his Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Radio Engineering and Telecommunications, and completed advanced coursework in Information Systems at a Milano-Bicocca university under the Erasmus+ program. He currently serves as a Research Fellow at the Center for Information Security under Kazakhstan's National institute for development in the sphere of ensuring information security, contributing to national cybersecurity policy, standardization, and scientific-technical expertise.
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