CyberMACS Students Engage in On-Site Workshop at KPMG Turkey, Exploring Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Risks

Program Overview 

This informative workshop aimed to equip CyberMACS Master’s students with a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and the evolving cyber risks they present. Through presentations delivered by KPMG Turkey specialists and interactive workshops, students gained valuable insights into the potential impact of cyber threats on organizations. 

Program Details 

• Welcome and Introductions: The program commenced with opening remarks from KPMG Turkey representative Ümit Şen. 

• Emerging Technologies and Cyber Risks: KPMG experts presented the growing adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), highlighting the corresponding cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

• Understanding Cyber Risks: This session delved into the concept of cyber risks, exploring various cyberattacks and the potential financial and reputational damage they can inflict. 

• Networking Coffee Break: A dedicated coffee break facilitated networking between students and KPMG Turkey representatives, allowing students to introduce themselves and engage in discussions. 

• Interactive Workshops: Students participated in two focused workshops. The first workshop explored a specific cyber risk scenario, analyzing its potential impact on an organization and available preventative measures. 

• Idea Exchange and Discussion: Students actively participated by posing questions and sharing their insights with KPMG representatives, fostering a productive exchange of ideas. 

• Program Conclusion: The program concluded with a Q&A session for students and closing remarks from KPMG Turkey. Prof. Dr. Hasan Dağ presented a custom CyberMACS bag and accessories to Ümit Şen, followed by a commemorative photo session. 

Key Takeaways 

This KPMG Turkey visit offered a valuable learning experience for CyberMACS Master’s students. The program enhanced their understanding of emerging technologies and associated cyber risks, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape and effectively manage these risks. 

Speaker: Ümit Yalçın Şen Bio 

Ümit is a Partner focusing on Cybersecurity Services at KPMG Türkiye. He is leading a team of experienced professionals who provide consulting services to clients across various industries, such as telecommunications, technology, e-commerce, fintech, insurance, media, banking, and energy. With around 20 years of experience in information security, technology risk, data protection, and IT governance, Ümit helps clients design, implement, and monitor effective cybersecurity strategies and solutions that align with their business objectives and regulatory requirements. 

His core competencies include information security management, privacy and data protection compliance, operational technology (OT) and IoT security, payment systems security, IT due diligence and post-merger integration, business continuity and resilience, and IT audit and assurance. He holds several professional certifications, such as CISSP, CISA, PMP, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and ISO 27701 Lead Auditor, and has published articles on cybersecurity topics in various media outlets.  

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Information Systems Design and Management, both from Istanbul Technical University.