Workshop Overview
The SecureAsia Workshop aimed to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of network engineers and administrators across AsiaConnect partner countries. This three-day intensive training was jointly organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysian Research and Education Network (MYREN), and University of Hamburg (UH), Germany.
13 Countries
Beneficiary AsiaConnect partner countries participated in this comprehensive cybersecurity training
3 Days
Intensive training combining lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory sessions
NREN Focus
Specialized training for National Research and Education Network operators
Beneficiary Countries
Training Activities
Day 1: Security Foundations
Covered physical security, malware, botnets, DDoS attacks, and social engineering through comprehensive lectures and live demonstrations.
Day 2: Detection & Defense
Linux/networking refresher followed by practical sessions on IDS, honeypots, sandboxes, and access control systems.
Day 3: Vulnerabilities & Hands-On
Participants engaged in vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and competed in a Capture-the-Flag (CTF) challenge.
Additional Activities
- Group photo sessions and certificate presentations
- Official social dinner for informal networking
- Creation of dedicated social media presence
- Public-facing webpage for knowledge sharing
Partner Organizations
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Host institution providing venue and local coordination
Malaysian Research and Education Network (MYREN)
Technical expertise and regional network coordination
University of Hamburg (UH), Germany
International expertise and training methodology
Key Outcomes
Improved Technical Skills
Participants learned to secure NREN infrastructure using tools like IDS, honeypots, firewalls, and ethical hacking techniques.
Enhanced Regional Collaboration
Created a strong network among cybersecurity professionals across 13 AsiaConnect countries.
Established Training Framework
Delivered a replicable cybersecurity training model combining theory, practice, and peer learning.
Sustainable Development Goals
Future Directions
Extended Workshop Duration
Increase to five days to cover advanced topics and allow more hands-on practice time.
Better Participant Screening
Ensure nominees have the required technical background to fully benefit from the training.
Early Engagement Activities
Start future workshops with welcome cocktail receptions to improve interaction from day one.