Researchers including Dr. Najwa Aaraj developed ML-FEED, a new exploit detection framework using pattern-based techniques. The model is 70x faster than LSTMs and 75,000x faster than Transformers in exploit detection tasks, while also being slightly more accurate. The "ML-FEED" paper won best paper at the 2022 IEEE International Conference on Trust, Privacy and Security in Intelligent Systems and Applications. Why it matters: This research enables more efficient real-time security applications and highlights growing AI expertise in the Arab world.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj has been appointed as the new CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), succeeding Dr. Ray O. Johnson. Dr. Aaraj previously served as Chief Researcher at TII's Cryptography Research Center (CRC) and the Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC). TII has 10 research centers specializing in fields like AI, robotics, and quantum technology and is known for the Falcon LLM series. Why it matters: This appointment signals a continued focus on R&D and innovation in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for advanced technology research.
MBZUAI's Women in AI (WAI) club, founded by master’s students Asma Hashmi and Ameera Bawazir, aims to increase female representation in AI at MBZUAI and the UAE. The club aligns with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, addressing the underrepresentation of women in AI globally (22%). MBZUAI reports 31% female students in its first cohort and hopes to increase this, supported by faculty like Prof. Najwa Aaraj. Why it matters: This initiative highlights efforts to close the gender gap in AI within the UAE's leading AI university, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj from MBZUAI and TII discussed the impact of quantum computers and machine learning on cryptographic algorithms. The talk covered post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) schemes, standardization efforts, and the role of machine learning in advancing cybersecurity solutions. Dr. Aaraj also highlighted the challenges of transitioning current cryptographic systems to quantum-resistant alternatives. Why it matters: As quantum computing advances, understanding and implementing post-quantum cryptography is crucial for maintaining secure communications and data protection in the UAE and globally.
Najwa Aaraj, Chief Researcher at the Cryptography Research Centre at TII, has joined MBZUAI as the first female faculty member in the Machine Learning Department. Aaraj leads R&D of cryptographic technologies, including post-quantum cryptography and lightweight cryptographic libraries. Her research will focus on the intersection of cryptography, cybersecurity, and machine learning, including using ML for cryptanalysis and protecting ML models with cryptography. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's expertise in a critical area of AI security and cryptography, fostering cross-disciplinary research and innovation in the UAE.