Cybersecurity at the Digital Frontlines: Strategy, Conflict, and Resilience

Mini Track Chair: Dr. Zakariya Belkhamza, Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, Qatar

As digital transformation reshapes national infrastructure, public services, and defence operations, cybersecurity now stands at the core of global security and strategic policy. This mini track explores the evolving frontlines of cyber conflict, where emerging technologies, data ecosystems, and governance frameworks converge to form a complex, dynamic battlespace that demands resilient, coordinated, and ethically grounded responses. Recently, a surge of coordinated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure has exposed systemic vulnerabilities linked to rapid digital modernization. At the same time, global assessments of national cybersecurity strategies continue to reveal persistent gaps between the evolving threat landscape and institutional preparedness. These developments underscore the urgency of integrated policy approaches that align technical capabilities with strategic foresight, adaptive regulation, and international cooperation to enhance resilience across interconnected digital ecosystems. This mini track invites interdisciplinary research on strategic cybersecurity architectures that reflect the complexity of national digital transformation. We seek evaluations of cyber threat readiness, institutional resilience models, and deterrence strategies in multi-domain conflict environments. Contributions on digital trust, data integrity, and the role of cybersecurity in sustaining public confidence are also encouraged. We also welcome critical analyses of emerging global norms, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations in cyber governance. By convening researchers, strategists, and policymakers, this mini track aims to advance collective understanding of how to secure the digital frontlines through holistic design, coordinated policy, and strategic resilience across sectors and borders.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Cyber Architectures in the Digital Age
• National Readiness and Institutional Resilience
• Cyber Policy and Multi-Domain Strategic Competition
• Data Integrity and Digital Trust
• Resilience of Critical Infrastructure in Smart Nations
• Global Cyber Norms and Ethical Governance

AI for Network Security

Mini Track Chair: Christoph Lipps, German Research Center for Artificia Intelligence, Kaiserslautern, Germany

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) methods into network automation is rapidly reshaping the way digital infrastructures are managed, secured and defended. While AI enables unprecedented levels of efficiency and adaptability, it comes along with new complexities, threats and ethical concerns. This MiniTrack invites original research contributions critically examining the evolving role of AI in interconnected systems, with a particular focus on security, trust and resilience. We welcome contributions addressing intelligent security mechanisms, including AI-based intrusion detection systems, automated threat detection, as well as proactive and reactive defence strategies. Of particular interest are contributions that explore the use of generative AI (GenAI) in cyber security, for example to simulate attack scenarios, identify vulnerabilities or develop adaptive, self-learning defence strategies. Furthermore, the trustworthiness of AI in critical network environments is a central topic. What can be done to ensure transparency, explainability and robustness in AI systems making autonomous decisions in high-risk contexts? What ethical, legal and technical frameworks are needed to guide the responsible use of AI in network infrastructures?

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

• Intelligent Network Security
• Generative AI in Cybersecurity
• Trusted AI & Trustworthy AI
• Cyber Resilience & Security
• Ethical, Legal and Technical Frameworks
• Security in Wireless Systems

Cyber Resilience and Innovation Across the Maritime Ecosystem

Mini Track Chair: Dr. Kasey Miller, UNC-Wilmington, USA

As the maritime industry rapidly evolves with the adoption of smart technologies, autonomous vessels, and integrated digital infrastructure, the need for robust cyber resilience has never been greater. This mini track focuses on cybersecurity challenges and innovations spanning the entire maritime ecosystem — from shipboard systems and port operations to global supply chains and regulatory frameworks. The track invites exploration of cutting-edge developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data-driven decision-making that are reshaping maritime operations. It will highlight the intersection of these technologies with cyber risk, digital forensics, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Discussions will also cover the security of communication, navigation, and sensor systems, alongside the growing landscape of the Maritime Internet of Things (MIoT). Emphasis will be placed on holistic risk management strategies, policy development, and integrating cybersecurity into workforce development and training. The track aims to bridge technical, operational, and regulatory perspectives, promoting dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.  By bringing together thought leaders from academia, industry, and government, this track seeks to foster innovation while ensuring the resilience and security of maritime systems in an increasingly interconnected world.  Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Maritime Autonomy, Robotics, and Smart Systems
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cybersecurity, Risk Management, and Digital Forensics in the Maritime Domain
• Communication, Navigation, and Sensor Systems Security
• Maritime Internet of Things (MIoT), Infrastructure, and Emerging Cybersecurity Technologies
• Policy, Regulation, and Workforce Development in Maritime Cybersecurity

Interdisciplinary Research in Cybersecurity

Mini Track Chair: Dr. Char Sample, Marshall University, USA

The dynamic and interconnected nature of cyber security touches and influences many aspects of life.  This inter-relatedness suggests that other disciplines might influence, or even possibly impact, cyber events.  For example, geo-political events, environmental events, culture, psychology or economic disciplines may offer new ideas on how cyber events are viewed and understood. These disciplines also, provide models and frameworks that, when applied to cybersecurity may possibly provide new solutions to long standing challenges. This track is dedicated to crossing the traditional disciplines of academia and examining cyber events within the context of another academic discipline.   Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Decision science and cybersecurity
• Data science in cybersecurity
• Natural disasters and cyber events
• Conflict and cyber events
• Environmental resources and cyber events
• Financial events and cyber events
• Cyber-Physical systems security
• Complexity modelling in cybersecurity