Dr Ali Abdullah S. AlQahtani | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor, Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ali Abdullah S. AlQahtani is an esteemed cybersecurity researcher and academic affiliated with Prince Sultan University. His expertise spans digital authentication, cybersecurity, IoT applications, and machine learning. He has contributed significantly to authentication systems, including zero-effort two-factor authentication and continuous authentication mechanisms. Dr. AlQahtani has authored numerous high-impact publications and has been cited widely for his research in secure digital identification and privacy protection. His contributions extend to academia and industry, where he has collaborated on innovative security solutions.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

1. Strong Academic Background – Dr. AlQahtani holds a Ph.D. in Engineering (Cyberspace Engineering) from Louisiana Tech University, along with master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer & Information Science (Cybersecurity & Privacy). His education is well-aligned with cutting-edge cybersecurity research.
2. High Citation and Research Impact – He has multiple peer-reviewed publications, including papers in IEEE Access and leading cybersecurity conferences. His work on machine learning, cybersecurity, digital authentication, and IoT security has received substantial citations, indicating strong influence in the field.
3. Innovative Research Contributions – His work on Zero Effort Two-Factor Authentication (0E2FA) and Beacon Frame Two-Factor Authentication (BF2FA) demonstrates significant contributions to authentication mechanisms, enhancing security with minimal user interaction.
4. Focus on Emerging Topics – Dr. AlQahtani’s research spans biometric authentication, IoT security, AI-driven cybersecurity, and location-based authentication systems, aligning with global challenges in cybersecurity.
5. Diverse Research Collaborations – He has worked with multiple researchers across different institutions and has interdisciplinary collaborations in cybersecurity, AI, and IoT security, enhancing the practical applicability of his research.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. Industry Collaboration & Patents – While his research is strong, expanding collaboration with industry leaders in cybersecurity and obtaining patents on his authentication systems could enhance the practical impact of his work.
2. Government & Policy Influence – Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity policies, contributing to government regulations or cybersecurity frameworks could further solidify his global recognition.
3. Large-Scale Real-World Implementation – While his research on user authentication and IoT security is promising, implementing his solutions at scale (e.g., national security, enterprise cybersecurity, or smart cities) would further validate his innovations.

EDUCATION

🎓 Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Cyberspace Engineering) – Louisiana Tech University, USA (2017-2020)
📝 Dissertation: “0E2FA: Zero Effort Two Factor Authentication”
📊 GPA: 3.667/4.00

🎓 Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering – Louisiana Tech University, USA (2017-2019)
📊 GPA: 3.667/4.00

🎓 Master of Science in Computer and Information Science – Southern Arkansas University, USA (2016-2017)
🔬 Concentration: Cybersecurity and Privacy
📊 GPA: 3.90/4.00

🎓 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Grambling State University, USA (2013-2016)
📊 Major & Math GPA: 4.00/4.00 | Overall GPA: 3.90/4.00

EXPERIENCE

With a diverse background in academia, research, industry, and military service, I have gained extensive expertise in cybersecurity, computer science, and leadership roles. As an Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at Prince Sultan University and previously at North Carolina A&T State University, I have taught graduate and undergraduate courses, mentored students, and led research initiatives. My research spans cybersecurity, authentication systems, and artificial intelligence, securing over $1.9M in funding. I also held leadership roles as Projects Director at King Saud University and Founding Director of CyberNex Lab, spearheading cybersecurity initiatives. My industry experience includes working as a Software Engineer Intern at CenturyLink, developing innovative mobile applications. Additionally, I served in the Royal Saudi Air Force (2004-2011), gaining expertise in technical operations and leadership. My multidisciplinary experience enables me to contribute effectively to academia, research, and industry collaborations.

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Best Research Paper Award – Multiple conferences on cybersecurity and authentication
🏆 Outstanding Research Contribution – Recognized for innovations in digital authentication
🏆 Cybersecurity Excellence Award – Honored for advancements in secure IoT applications
🏆 Best Academic Performance – Awarded for excellence in computer science education

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔐 Cybersecurity – Enhancing digital security frameworks
🆔 Digital Authentication – Developing zero-effort and two-factor authentication models
📡 IoT Applications – Securing IoT networks and devices
🤖 Machine Learning in Security – Applying ML for authentication and threat detection

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES📚

📝 Distinguishing Human-Written and ChatGPT-Generated Text Using Machine Learning
📝 0EISUA: Zero Effort Indoor Secure User Authentication
📝 A Survey on User Authentication Factors
📝 Zero-Effort Indoor Continuous Social Distancing Monitoring System
📝 COVID-19 Zero-Interaction School Attendance System
📝 TS2FA: Trilateration System Two Factor Authentication
📝 BF2FA: Beacon Frame Two-Factor Authentication
📝 A Cheat-Proof System to Validate GPS Location Data
📝 Comprehensive Survey: Biometric User Authentication Application, Evaluation, and Discussion
📝 IoT Devices Proximity Authentication in Ad Hoc Network Environment
📝 Analysis of the Design Requirements for Remote Internet-Based E-Voting Systems
📝 0EI2FA: Zero Effort Indoor Two Factor Authentication
📝 CI2FA: Continuous Indoor Two-Factor Authentication Based On Trilateration System
📝 Architecture for Continuous Authentication in Location-Based Services
📝 A Weighting System for Building RSS Maps by Crowdsourcing Data from Smartphones
📝 Leveraging Machine Learning for Wi-Fi-Based Environmental Continuous Two-Factor Authentication
📝 Navigating Cybersecurity Training: A Comprehensive Review
📝 Comparative Analysis of Underwater Positioning and Navigation Systems
📝 Two Methods for Authentication Using Variable Transmission Power Patterns
📝 Securing IoT-Based Healthcare Systems Against Malicious and Benign Congestion