Ajman University Secures International Grant to Advance DNSSEC Cybersecurity Research

On July 11, 2025, Ajman University announced its success in obtaining a prestigious international grant from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), amounting to $410,300. This achievement was accomplished through the devoted efforts of Prof. Rao Naveed Bin Rais from the College of Engineering and Information Technology and marks a vital boost for the university's initiatives in cybersecurity.

The primary goal of the project is to develop a continuous operational platform that focuses on the analysis of historical data pertaining to DNSSEC, which is critical for the protection of Internet infrastructure. By identifying security vulnerabilities and gaps in the global application of this essential cybersecurity protocol, the initiative aims to create diagnostic tools equipped with visual analysis to promote broader adoption of DNSSEC across the globe.

Ajman University stands out as the sole institution from the Middle East to receive this grant and is one of only 23 organizations selected from a larger pool of 247 global applicants. With just three entities from Asia recognized and AU among five universities worldwide to receive this honor, it underscores the university's ability to operate at the forefront of cybersecurity and Internet governance.

This significant milestone not only enhances Ajman University's international reputation but also signifies its attainment of U.S.-equivalent charitable organization status, which is essential for accessing such grants. This designation aligns with the university's identity as a non-profit academic institution and enables it to seek further international funding to support its educational and community initiatives.

As the only awardee from both the Middle East and Asia, the initiative highlights Ajman University's capability to compete globally in advanced fields. The grant will contribute to the development of a comprehensive system for collecting and analyzing DNSSEC data, projected to increase AU's visibility to the international Internet community upon its introduction.

Additionally, the project will establish a state-of-the-art hardware lab on campus, enhancing the university's capacity for applied research and innovation in digital infrastructure. This endeavor is expected to produce valuable research and training experiences for AU graduates while providing access to essential datasets for current students and researchers, thereby enriching their analytical and technical expertise.

This initiative directly addresses a crucial global challenge regarding the implementation of DNSSEC, a protocol endorsed by key global Internet organizations like ICANN and IETF to protect the DNS ecosystem. Through this innovative system, Ajman University aims to close the existing gaps in monitoring and analyzing the worldwide adoption of DNSSEC among Internet domain names, reflecting its unwavering commitment to addressing scientific challenges that benefit the global community.