Preface: reflecting our desire to return to in-person events — and PEN’s vision of transitioning to a hybrid format that rotates the in-person host location — our April 7 discussion will serve as a pilot, with a small in-person audience in St. Paul and the majority of attendees participating online throughout our four-state region.
For those online, we’re working to provide a similar experience to what you’ve come to expect the last couple of years — high quality content delivered in an efficient, convenient, accessible and interactive format. For those participating in-person, our audience will be limited (50 people for this session), so first-registered-first-served! And we will be abiding by the COVID protocols described below.
We appreciate our members’ understanding, support, and flexibility through these last two years, and we look forward to learning along side you all as to what provides “the best of both worlds” with future hybrid events.
Digital threats are real, and cyber attacks — against organizations and us as individuals — are increasing. So the need for us to protect what is often considered our most precious asset — information — is also growing, both in a professional and personal setting.
The Performance Excellence Network — in partnership with the Wisconsin Center for Performance Excellence and the St. Paul Area Chamber — is pleased to host a hybrid discussion on Thursday, April 7: “Cybersecurity in the Modern Age.” We are excited to feature Dr. Faisal Kaleem, professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, as the discussion facilitator.
Cybersecurity is the application of technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from cyber-attacks. It aims to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect against the unauthorized exploitation of systems, networks and technologies. This discussion will explore how we all can better prevent, recognize and respond to cyber threats on both business and personal levels. No IT experience is needed: this discussion is for all of us!
For those attending in person, please join us after the event for a tour of the MN Cyber Range located on the Metropolitan State University campus!
COVID-19 Statement
Biography
Faisal Kaleem, PhD is professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. Faisal Kaleem received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL. Since 1998 he has served as an educator in different institutions. Currently, he is serving as a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Metropolitan State University. Dr. Kaleem is an experienced lifelong cybersecurity practitioner. His current research work is to identify key characteristics of cyber security learners through the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in addition to identifying AR’s privacy issues. His other research interests include multiple aspects of cybersecurity including cybersecurity and forensic curriculum development, Computer and Network Security, mobile device security and forensics, and mobile malware analysis and attribution. He is the recipient of many grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Security Agency (NSA) and Intel Corporations, as well as grants from the state of Minnesota. Dr. Kaleem has also established MN Cyber—a statewide institute for Cybersecurity and forensics research and education. He is currently serving as the Executive Director of MN Cyber. He is also the co-founder and executive member of Minnesota Cyber Career Consortium (MNC3) whose mission is to address Minnesota’s cybersecurity workforce needs and to help assist Minnesota businesses in handling cyber risks.
Dr. Kaleem has established a solid track record in teaching and has received numerous awards including the best professor and the best course awards (cybersecurity) from various graduating cohorts. In recognition to his teaching, he has also received university-wide Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Kaleem also serves as an advisory board member to various organizations as well as the faculty advisor for the Cybersecurity and Forensics Students Organization (CSFSO) at Metropolitan State University. He also leads the university’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) at Metropolitan State University. During his free time, he also provides various Internet Safety workshop for parents and children. He continually appears on various local news channels discussing various issues in the area of cybersecurity and currently holds various industry certifications such as CISSP, CEH, Security+, MCT, CCLO, and CCPA.
