Ajman University wins ICANN grant for DNS security project

Photo: WAM

Ajman University has achieved a great milestone by winning a special international grant worth US$410,300. This grant has been given by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It is the first time ICANN has given such a grant, and Ajman University won it in this very first cycle.

Who Made This Possible?

This amazing success became possible because of the hard work and dedication of Professor Rao Naveed Bin Rais. He is from the College of Engineering and Information Technology at Ajman University. He and his team worked day and night to prepare a project plan that could impress ICANN and meet global standards.

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What is This Project About?

The project aims to create a new system that will work all the time, 24/7. This system will collect, archive, and study global data related to DNSSEC. DNSSEC stands for Domain Name System Security Extensions. It is a very important cybersecurity protocol that protects the Internet’s infrastructure. DNSSEC makes sure that when we search for something online, the results we get are genuine and have not been tampered with by hackers.

Why is This Project Important?

Currently, there is no proper global system to check how well DNSSEC is being used worldwide. Many countries and organisations have not adopted it fully, which is a risk to global internet security. Ajman University’s new project will create:

• A platform that works 24/7 to collect and analyze DNSSEC data

• Tools for diagnosing problems with DNSSEC

• Visual analysis tools that make it easy to understand data

These tools will help researchers, cybersecurity experts, and Internet bodies to see where DNSSEC is lacking and how to fix those gaps.

How Rare is This Achievement?

This grant is highly competitive. A total of 247 institutions from around the world applied, but only 23 were selected. Out of these 23:

• Only three are from Asia, including Ajman University

• Ajman University is the only institution from the Middle East

• Only five universities globally were selected, and Ajman University is one of them

This shows how strong and capable Ajman University is in the fields of cybersecurity and Internet governance. It can compete with the best universities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

What Does the Grant Allow Ajman University To Do?

Because of this grant, Ajman University will:

• Build a high-tech hardware lab on campus

• Develop a passive system that collects DNSSEC data without affecting the Internet’s work

• Create new research opportunities for students and teachers

• Allow students to access real-world data for learning

• Train graduates with technical and analytical skills needed for future jobs

This project is the first of its kind in the world. Once the system is ready, experts from all over the world will start using it to check and improve DNSSEC. This will also make Ajman University more famous at the international level.

How Did Ajman University Qualify for This Grant?

To apply for this grant, an institution needs to have U.S.-equivalent charitable organisation status. Ajman University achieved this status before applying. This means it is recognized as a non-profit academic institution that works for public good. This new status will also help Ajman University to apply for other international grants in the future.

Why is DNSSEC Important for the World?

DNSSEC is like a security guard for websites. It makes sure that when we visit a website, we are visiting the real site, not a fake one created by hackers. Global Internet bodies like ICANN and IETF strongly recommend every country and every website to use DNSSEC for better safety.

However, there are many challenges in using DNSSEC everywhere. The biggest problem is the lack of visibility. Many countries do not know how well or how poorly DNSSEC is used globally. Ajman University’s project will bridge this gap by collecting and analysing data from all over the world.

What Will This Project Bring For Students?

For students at Ajman University:

• They will get hands-on experience with real data

• They will learn how to build and manage big data systems

• They will gain knowledge about global cybersecurity standards

• They will get better career opportunities after graduation because of their advanced skills

This project will also encourage more students to join courses related to Internet security, data analysis, and computer science.

How Will This Benefit the World?

Once the project is completed:

• Internet bodies like ICANN can easily see where DNSSEC is not used properly

• Countries can improve their Internet safety by learning from the data

• Hackers will find it harder to attack websites, making the Internet safer for everyone

Ajman University’s Commitment to a Better Future

This achievement shows that Ajman University is committed to solving global challenges through scientific research. It wants to create a better, safer, and more connected world by using knowledge and technology.

Being the only university from Asia and the only institution from the Middle East to win this grant is a matter of pride for Ajman University, its students, and the UAE.

This project will not only make the Internet safer but also strengthen Ajman University’s position as a leader in research and innovation. It is a big step towards building a secure and sustainable digital future for everyone.