Qatar is taking proactive steps to fortify its cybersecurity defences as the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) conducts its annual cyber drills. These exercises involve approximately 170 key organizations, providing a platform for executives and decision-makers to test and enhance their cybersecurity processes, national collaboration, and resilience plans. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of these cyber drills and how they align with Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy.
The NCSA initiated its first series of cybersecurity drills in 2015, involving 35 organizations from critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, energy, government, transportation, aviation, and health. Over the years, these drills have become a crucial component of Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy, aiming to strengthen the ability of organizations to respond to, resolve, and recover from cyber incidents and attacks.
The primary objectives of these cyber drills include identifying cyber weaknesses, assessing cyber readiness, and measuring the ability to address cyber attacks and threats. The exercises contribute to the overall goal of enhancing the cybersecurity posture of vital entities within the country.
While participants for the current year were not named, previous involvement from organizations such as the Ministry of Transport and Qatari Steel highlights the diverse sectors engaged in these drills. For instance, Qatari Steel emphasized the importance of testing coordination, expertise, and response against potential cyberattacks in a controlled environment. These drills provide a unique opportunity for organizations to verify, test, and improve their skills, processes, and technologies.
The latest edition of the National Cyber Drill, titled “Secure Your Data,” runs from November 20 to 29. The drill involves approximately 170 entities and features separate scenarios for both management and technical teams. This approach allows the NCSA to assess the cybersecurity capabilities of entities from both perspectives, offering a comprehensive evaluation of their readiness.
Image source: https://tdv.motc.gov.qa/Investment-Catalogue/Cyber-security
Khaled Al Hashimi, Director of National Cyber Enablement and Excellence Affairs at the NCSA, emphasized the uniqueness of this year’s drill, focusing on data security and including scenarios for both management and technical teams. This approach enables a more thorough evaluation of entities’ cybersecurity readiness.
Mohammed Al Mannai, Director of National Cyber Programme Delivery Department, highlighted the importance of the drill in identifying gaps, assessing response strategies, and minimizing the impact on national cyber stability, society, and the economy. The exercises also contribute to raising awareness on data security and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Qatar’s commitment to cybersecurity is evident through the annual National Cyber Drills organized by the NCSA. These exercises play a crucial role in assessing, improving, and fortifying the cybersecurity capabilities of vital entities within the country. As cyber threats continue to evolve, such proactive measures are essential to safeguarding national interests, critical infrastructure, and sensitive information. The National Cyber Drill serves as a testament to Qatar’s dedication to staying ahead in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.
Sources:
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/672219/qatar/national-cyber-drill-is-on
https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/qatar-cyber-agency-runs-national-cyber-drills
Author: Akos Sipos UPS, PTMSZK