Plekhanov University Team Among the Top 10 Winning Teams at the GISEC GLOBAL 2025 Cybersecurity Competition in the UAE

A team of students from the Higher School of Cyber Technologies, Mathematics, and Statistics of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, together with students from the Plekhanov University in Dubai, ranked among the top ten winning teams at the cybersecurity competition held during GISEC GLOBAL 2025. The event took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The championship is the largest cybersecurity event in the Middle East and Africa. This year, the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), in partnership with GISEC and Techfirm, launched the first edition of the unique School of Cyber Defense (CTF) competition, which has already attracted significant attention from universities across the country.

In total, over 300 applications were submitted from leading universities across the UAE and international university branches based in the country. Out of these, 130 participants advanced to the next round. After two days of intense qualifying rounds, the top 50 competitors — including the Plekhanov University team — reached the final stage, which was held on May 8.

During the qualification phase, participants tackled real-world cybersecurity challenges — from protecting network systems to threat management and incident response. An automated scoring system, powered by advanced platforms, displayed real-time results, ensuring full transparency and dynamic competition.

The championship was organized by DESC in collaboration with GISEC and Techfirm, with support from AMD. The use of Secure Boot technology created a threat environment that closely simulated real-life conditions.

The CTF competition became a major milestone in building a sustainable digital future and training the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Over 25,000 professionals from more than 160 countries took part in the School of Cyber Defense (CTF), making it one of the defining events shaping the cyber landscape of tomorrow.