University President Attends Educational Symposium on “Cybersecurity and National Security” within the Framework of Joint Practical Training “Saqr 153”

Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of Damietta University, attended today, Monday, August 18, 2025, the educational symposium organized by Damietta Governorate and hosted by the University at the “Farouk Shousha” Grand Conference Hall, under the title “Cybersecurity – National Security.” The event comes as part of the joint practical training for crisis and disaster management (Saqr 153), carried out by the Governorate in cooperation with the Armed Forces from August 17 to 19.

The symposium was attended by a number of executive and military leaders, including:

Major General Mohamed Hammam, Secretary-General of Damietta Governorate.

Major General Abdullah Ashour, former Assistant Secretary-General and current Secretary-General of Luxor Governorate.

Major General Staff Dr. Bahgat Farid, former Director of the National Defense College .

Major General Atef Allam, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications.

Brigadier General Staff Mohamed Saad, Assistant Commander for Military Advisors.

Brigadier General Staff Mohamed Tolba, Head of the Planning and Training Branch for Popular Defense.

Brigadier General Staff Mohamed Khalifa, Military Advisor to Damietta Governorate.

The event was also attended by a number of faculty deans, faculty members, students, and a large gathering from Damietta Governorate.

The event was presented by Professor Dr. Mohamed Maher, Head of the Arabic Language Department at the Faculty of Arts, who welcomed the distinguished guests and attendees.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie, President of Damietta University, expressed his pleasure in the University hosting this important national event, extending thanks and appreciation to the Governor of Damietta and the officials for choosing Damietta University to host the symposium. He also welcomed the distinguished military and executive leaders, offering special congratulations to Major General Abdullah Ashour on his appointment as Secretary-General of Luxor Governorate.

The University President affirmed that Egypt is facing challenges and conspiracies from various directions, noting that such symposiums enhance young people’s awareness of national issues and strengthen the cohesion of society. He highlighted that Egypt has stood firm throughout its long history against challenges and conspiracies, citing historical events such as the withdrawal of the French campaign from Egypt in 1805. He stressed that the Egyptian state will always remain resilient with its strong army, which is a source of pride and honor for all Arabs.

He also commended the vision of His Excellency President Abd Al Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, which has been distinguished by strategic foresight and proactive measures in strengthening and equipping the Egyptian Armed Forces to face various challenges. He affirmed that the political leadership has positioned Egypt among the countries capable of protecting their national security against both internal and external threats.

Major General Dr. Bahgat Farid then delivered a lecture on national security, in which he addressed the concept of national security, its domains, and its different circles. He explained the challenges facing Egypt’s national security, while shedding light on national interests and their level of importance in light of regional and international developments.

Eng. Moataz Bellah Mohamed delivered a lecture on cybersecurity, covering the definition of cybersecurity and the concept of cyberspace. He explained the different types of cyberattacks and technical vulnerabilities that could be exploited to breach systems, providing practical examples of cyberattacks and their impacts on institutions and individuals. He also presented methods for prevention, risk mitigation, and mechanisms for responding to attacks if they occur, in addition to reviewing Egyptian legislation and laws that help combat cybercrime.

The symposium concluded with a lecture by Major General Atef Allam, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, who reviewed the Ministry’s efforts in confronting electronic threats, referring to laws regulating cybercrimes and the precautions for using electronic devices within government institutions. He also addressed ways to enhance information security in both public and private institutions and emphasized the importance of promoting societal awareness to counter cyber threats.

The event concluded with the playing of the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt.