(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Deepak John
|
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The National cyber Security Academy aims to enhance cybersecurity and digital safety indicators in Qatar, contribute to the development of a secure cyber environment and raise awareness to the highest international standards.
Highlighting the significance of the National Cyber Security Academy which will be launched this year, Director of National Cyber Security Enablement and Excellence Affairs at National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Khalid Al Hashmi said the academy is one of the initiatives of the agency which supports the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Speaking to Qatar TV, Al Hashmi said,“We aim to qualify and train national cadres in the field of cybersecurity using the best international methods and standards and to raise awareness among various groups in the country about cybersecurity risks.”
With the aim of enhancing digital safety capabilities and raising the level of cyber awareness among employees of government and private entities,“we aspire to become a regional centre for research, development, innovation, and support for local institutions in Qatar.” This approach will enable trainees to gain real hands-on experience in dealing with various digital threats. The academy will offer a range of training programmes, including short-term courses and certificates of participation with the aim of developing the skills of employees in various sectors.
Underscoring the different training programmes that the academy will provide, Al Hashemi said,“We have unique programmes in collaboration with global companies because the field of technology requires continuous cooperation and development to keep up with the latest technologies in various fields.”
“We also have specialised programmes for professionals working in information systems and cybersecurity fields which includes specialised tracks for government personnel to develop them in specific fields and professional career paths to enhance their capabilities. Also, specialised programmes are designed for non-cybersecurity departments to gain an understanding of the importance of cybersecurity in preserving the institution's systems, productivity and efficiency,” he added.
Additionally,“we have programmes specifically designed for executive managers to prepare for global and local cybersecurity challenges and focus on how to protect the institution from challenges in place.”
The official also explained the cooperation between NCSA and Ministry of Education and Higher Education in establishing this academy.
“We have ongoing communication with the ministry in providing courses for students in schools. Our cybersecurity curriculum is implemented from first grade to grade twelve in private and government schools. The courses are prepared by educational trainers and technicians from the national agency and include materials tailored for each age group and educational stage. There is also collaboration in providing orientation courses for students and school staff, including teachers and ministry employees,” he said.
The curriculum aims to raise awareness of general concepts related to cybersecurity and digital safety and to equip a young generation of Qatari youth with dealing efficiently and safely with technological tools.
The academy will serve as a leading regional hub combining theoretical education with practical training. For example, it will include studies on how to handle devices and technology related to cybersecurity practices and protection against breaches across different programming languages.
The training will emphasise both theoretical and practical aspects, including real-life scenarios where trainees will experience and apply these scenarios, preparing them to face cybersecurity risks and challenges, he reiterated.
The National Cyber Security Agency was established by Amiri Resolution No.1 of 2021 issued on March 25, 2021. The agency, headed by His Exellency Abdul Rahman Ali Muhammad Al Farahid Al Maliki, reports directly to the Council of Ministers.
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