The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, organized the 7th International Conference on Data Analytics and Cyber Security (DACS 2024) from December 20 to 22, 2024. The conference aimed to bring together leaders from academia, research, and industry to discuss advancements in data analytics and cyber security. Focusing on cutting-edge research and the practical implications of secure and efficient data management systems, the event provided a platform for intellectual exchange.
 
The conference received an overwhelming response, with over 190 papers submitted. Of these, 64 were selected for presentation across 11 technical tracks aligned with the conference's overall theme. These tracks fostered in-depth discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas.
 
DACS 2024 attracted participation from prestigious institutions across the globe. Across India, contributions came from IITs, NITs, IIITs, Central Universities, IISER, and TISS. International participation included the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University from the United Kingdom; the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Tyler, the University of Central Missouri, Wayne State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from the United States; Nanjing University from China; the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University from Australia; and Umeå University from Sweden. Institutions from UAE, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bahrain also contributed significantly to the conference.
 
The first day of the conference began with an inauguration ceremony led by Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya. In her opening address, she emphasized the importance of research in shaping secure, data-driven systems. The conference conveners, Dr. Deepak Puthal and Dr. Samant Saurabh followed with their introductory remarks. The inauguration was succeeded by two engaging keynote sessions delivered by Prof. Sanjay K. Madria from Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA, and Prof. Prabin Kumar Panigrahi from the Indian Institute of Management Indore, India.
 
The second day featured two keynote sessions by Prof. Pradip Sharma from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and Prof. Nitin Singh from the Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, India. A highlight of the day was a panel discussion on the topic "The Future of Information Management: A Data-Driven and Secure Approach." Moderated by the conveners, the discussion included distinguished panelists such as Prof. Prabin Panigrahi (IIM Indore), Prof. Nitin Singh (IIM Ranchi), Prof. Madan Lal Yadav (IIM Bodh Gaya), Prof. Boudhayan Ganguly (IIM Bodh Gaya), and Prof. Pradip Sharma (University of Aberdeen). The day concluded with a vibrant cultural evening, showcasing India's rich heritage and diversity.
 
The final day of the conference featured two compelling keynote sessions by Prof. Somanath Tripathy from IIT Patna, India, and Prof. Prabhat Kumar from NIT Patna, India. The conference concluded with a valedictory session during which the best papers were awarded, recognizing outstanding contributions to the fields of data analytics and cyber security.
 
The 7th International Conference on Data Analytics and Cyber Security (DACS 2024) was a resounding success, fostering collaboration among researchers, scholars, and industry professionals. The event provided a platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in data analytics and cyber security.