(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Sachin Kumar | The Peninsula
Doha: The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) launched yesterday the National Information Security Standards Framework that will further boost cybersecurity in the country.
'Most of our government systems are provided by international suppliers with varying levels of sophistication and security. It is our duty as owners and operators of these systems to ensure that our systems have the necessary flexibility against cyber attacks, said Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, addressing the ‘National Information Security Accreditation & Certification' event held at Sheraton Hotel, yesterday.
'We are pleased to announce the launch of the National Information Security Standards Framework, which is our approach to aligning ICT programs, systems and services with best practices for the protection of digital information and data in accordance with our laws and regulations, through the issuance of licence certificates, documentation and accreditation in accordance with our national standards, he said.
He said this step will help institutions from all sectors to secure information systems and improve maturity in the implementation of information security policies leading to the creation of a safer and more vibrant cyber environment.
He stressed that this compliance mechanism includes the launch of a new standard, designed to ensure the quality and security of government digital services.
It will empower our government institutions to provide more sophisticated services to all citizens and residents.
'Our wise leadership has recognised very early on the need to work to protect this technical system well, said the Minister. 'Accordingly, a National Cybersecurity Committee has been set up to promote public-private cooperation and the formulation of a clear national strategy for cybersecurity, as well as the development of national policies and standards, the conduct of information security assessments and the provision of relevant programs to help everyone protect information technology systems and electronic assets in both sectors Public and private sectors, he added.
Mechanisms for compliance with national information security standards include the launch of an IT audit certification program that allows any organisation wishing to obtain a compliance certificate to engage with an accredited control service provider to support it and to ensure that the compliance certificate is obtained quickly and efficiently.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications Assistant Undersecretary Eng Khalid Sadiq al Hashmi, said in a press conference held on the sideline of launch ceremony that the ministry's new initiative will help institutions from all sectors to secure information systems.
Al Hashmi added that the aim of these standards, in addition to maintaining the security of government information, is to stimulate the local private sector by developing mechanisms and rules, which leads to the development of services provided to achieve a level of performance equivalent to major global companies.
MENAFN1102201900630000ID1098100654
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.