Qatar Keen To Be Proactive In Cybersecurity Landscape Provides Safe Digital Environment

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Deepak John | The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar is keen to be proactive and keep pace with the continuous changes in the cybersecurity landscape as the country provides a safe digital environment and enhances international cooperation in the face of increasing cyber threats.

Cybersecurity goes beyond protecting computers, it extends to all electronic systems. Alya Al Kuwari from the National Cyber Security Agency shared tips for protection from cyber threats on a podcast entitled 'Secure Your Data' which delved into the impacts of cybersecurity. She emphasised that cybersecurity is not only relevant to experts and specialists, but it affects all, from everyday users to those managing complex systems.

Cybersecurity is a comprehensive set of procedures and techniques designed to protect systems, networks, software, devices and data. It protects against cyberattacks and threats. The primary goal is to ensure the secure and smooth flow of information grounded in two fundamental principles: safety and confidentiality, Al Kuwari said.

Safety ensures that information remains accurate and unaltered by hackers while confidentiality safeguards information from unauthorised access, she added.

Qatar is among the top-ranked countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024. The country achieved a major achievement in GCI as it was classified as a 'Role-Model' country at the international level in the field of cybersecurity.

The National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024-2030 aims to contribute effectively to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and to enhance the position of Qatar to be at the forefront of countries seeking to ensure the safe use of current and emerging technologies.

Al Kuwari further explained that cybersecurity must address several critical areas such as network security which plays a key role in protecting the network. Infrastructure is also vital for safeguarding crucial institutions like government departments, hospitals, private companies and others which was highlighted during major events in Doha such as FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

She added,“Cloud security has become indispensable as most of our data are saved in cloud spaces. Robust security measures are also essential to prevent unauthorised or data theft.”

Pointing out the Internet of Things (IoT), which is another critical area of cybersecurity, she said that this covers devices in smart homes such as smart door locks, security systems, surveillance cameras and the automated control of home appliances. If hackers gain control of a smart home system, residents' security and privacy could be severely compromised. Also, information security is essential for protecting data circulating across networks preventing it from being stolen or illegally modified.

Citing statistics of cyberattacks, Al Kuwari noted in 2017 phishing and cyber fraud crimes primarily driven by a lack of user awareness, accounted for 12.5 percent of all cybercrimes. By, 2022, the figure had skyrocketed to 53 percent meaning these crimes more than quadrupled in just five years. Despite significant advancements in cybersecurity tools, the greatest risk still lies in users' lack of awareness.“Cybersecurity is a national duty as your lack of awareness not only puts you at risk but affects your surroundings, your community, and the country. It is constantly evolving which means staying informed about the latest risks and threats is essential,” she said.

Sharing guidelines to combat cyber risks, Al Kuwari noted, start by downloading reliable antivirus software, using strong and unique passwords for each account and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible.

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