SESAME marked a major milestone on December 2, 2024, with the successful launch of its new cybersecurity project during a kick-off ceremony at its facility in Allan, Jordan. Funded by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation (Germany), the initiative is a collaborative effort between DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) and SESAME, aiming to bolster SESAME’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The ceremony featured distinguished attendance, including Khaled Toukan, Director of SESAME, Bertram von Moltke, the Ambassador of Germany to Jordan, Rolf Heuer, President of the SESAME Council, and Frank Lehner, Head of the Directorate's Office at DESY. Their participation underscored the significance of this project and the strength of international collaboration behind it.
Titled "W.E. HERAEUS Proposal for Resilient Cybersecurity Infrastructure," the 12-month project is set to commence in December 2024 with a budget of €250,000. The initiative focuses on enhancing SESAME's cybersecurity capabilities through a blend of technological upgrades and strategic activities.
Out of the total budget, €200,000 has been allocated for procuring state-of-the-art servers and storage systems to reinforce SESAME’s computing infrastructure. The remaining €50,000 will fund key activities designed to foster collaboration and awareness, including the organisation of the International Photon and Neutron (PaN) Cybersecurity Conference in September 2025. Additionally, a user awareness workshop will be held alongside SESAME’s annual user meeting to provide vital training and insights for stakeholders.
This initiative represents a significant leap in SESAME’s ongoing efforts to maintain secure and robust systems in support of its mission to advance cutting-edge scientific research.
A major component of the project involves upgrading SESAME’s computing resources and issuing a tender for the supply and installation of advanced hardware and virtualisation platforms. Expert guidance will be provided by a dedicated Security Advisory Board, comprising representatives from ESRF, CERN, DESY, and SESAME.
This project reaffirms SESAME's dedication to technological excellence and operational security, ensuring that its infrastructure remains resilient and aligned with the demands of leading scientific endeavours.
