Trailblazing pioneer in digital and cybersecurity education wins ISACA Sri Lanka award

WinSYS Networks Chairman Ziyam Abdeen has been honoured by the ISACA Sri Lanka Chapter for his outstanding contributions to the ICT industry, particularly in the field of digital education and cyber security.

ISACA is a global organisation with its head office in the USA, and local chapters worldwide that lead in digital trust. It focuses on cybersecurity, information security, governance, risk, compliance, and privacy. Over the past two decades, Ziyam’s relentless efforts have empowered nearly 23,000 students with the skills needed to combat the rising tide of cyber threats globally. This award not only recognises his achievements but also underscores the critical role cybersecurity plays in today’s world. With two decades of unmatched leadership and innovation, he has significantly shaped Sri Lanka’s digital education and cybersecurity landscape, enabling numerous organisations to recruit highly skilled employees.

 As one of Sri Lanka’s four National Trainers to ITC (UN), Ziyam’s influence extends beyond the classroom. He has provided free career guidance to over 40,000 students, helping them navigate the complexities of the tech industry. His visionary approach aims to establish Sri Lanka as a global hub for cybersecurity training, ensuring that students no longer need to seek education abroad.

One of Ziyam Abdeen’s key missions is to raise awareness about cybersecurity issues among all Sri Lankans. His vision is to create a secure society in cyberspace, where every citizen is informed and vigilant against digital threats. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, he aims to reduce vulnerabilities and protect the nation from potential cyberattacks.

In addition to strengthening national security, Ziyam’s efforts are poised to bring significant economic benefits to Sri Lanka. By positioning the country as a center of excellence in cybersecurity, he aims to attract more cybersecurity-related businesses to Sri Lankan soil. This influx of investment and expertise will not only enhance the country’s digital infrastructure but also contribute significantly to the national GDP, bolstering Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

Ziyam Abdeen is also an active participant in several key global and regional internet governance and cybersecurity forums. His involvement with organisations such as the Internet Society, APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre), APSIG (Asia Pacific School of Internet Governance), IGF (Internet Governance Forum), and LKNOG (Lanka Network Operators Group) demonstrates his commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity developments and advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures both in Sri Lanka and globally.

Moreover, Ziyam is actively engaged within Sri Lanka’s professional community. He is a dedicated member of FITIS (Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka) under the Communication Chapter, where he contributes to shaping the ICT landscape of the country. Additionally, he is a member of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka, further cementing his role as a leader and influencer in the national tech industry.

In the US, the 2024 elections were marked by a significant increase in cyber interference, with over 500 reported incidents of attempted breaches into election infrastructure. This growing threat landscape has prompted countries like the UK to ramp up their cybersecurity investments. Recent data highlights that the UK has become the third-largest investor in cybersecurity, following the USA and China. The UK Government’s 2024 Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis reveals a 13% increase in the sector’s annual revenue, now estimated at £11,859 million.

Abdeen’s work is particularly relevant in this context. His commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity education in Sri Lanka is not just a national initiative but a response to the global need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. His efforts are paving the way for Sri Lanka to play a significant role in the global cybersecurity arena, ensuring that the country is well-equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

By developing a robust cybersecurity ecosystem, Abdeen is not only enhancing national security but also positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in the global digital economy. This dual focus on security and economic growth is critical as the world navigates the complexities of the digital age. Abdeen’s journey is a testament to the impact that dedicated leadership can have on national security and education, and his work with WinSYS Networks continues to inspire, setting a benchmark for how education can be leveraged to address global challenges.