Qatar’s Cyber security Strategyby Fostering InternationalCooperation Amidst RisingThreats

Qatar is looking forward to take initiative and adapt to the ongoing
modifications in the cyber security system as the nation aims to create a secure
digital space and to promote the international collaboration against the rising
cyber threats.
Alya Al Kuwari from the National Cyber Security Agency offered advice for
safeguarding against the cyber threats on a podcast titled ‘Secure Your Data,’
which explored the importance of cyber security. She highlighted that the cyber
security is suitable not only to the internet specialist but also to everyone, from
casual users to those who overseeing complex systems. Cyber security contains
more than just the protection of computers, it applies to all electronic systems.
Cyber security represents a thorough collection of methods and processes
aimed at safeguarding the systems, networks, software, devices and data. It
serves as a defence mechanism against cyber-attacks and various threats. The
main objective is to guarantee the secure and uninterrupted flow of information,
based on two core principles that is safety and confidentiality, according to Al
Kuwari.
Safety guarantees that the information stays accurate and not changed by
hackers, while confidentiality protects the information from unauthorized
access, she noted.
Qatar ranks among one of the leading countries in the Global Cyber security
Index (GCI) 2024. The country made significant progress in GCI by being
appointed as a ‘Role-Model’ nation to worldwide in the area of cyber security.
The National Cyber security Strategy 2024-2030 seeks to effectively contribute
to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and to promote Qatar’s status as a
leader among nations aiming to ensure the secure usage of current and future
technologies.
Al Kuwari further discussed that cyber security needs to focus on several vital
areas, such as network security, which is crucial for network protection.
Infrastructure is also necessary for safeguarding key institutions like
government offices, hospitals, and private enterprises, as highlighted during
major events in Doha, including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.She stated, “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.”
Referencing the Internet of Things (IoT), which she identified as another
important domain of cyber security, she explained that this includes devices in
smart homes, such as smart locks, security systems, surveillance cameras, and
automated control of household appliances. A smart home system’s hack might
put the privacy and safety of the homeowners in grave danger. Information
security is also essential for safeguarding data as it moves across networks to
prevent it from being stolen or from an unauthorized modification.
Al Kuwari noted that in 2017, phishing (which is a type of cyber-attack where
scammer use email or text to trick people to get personnel information) and
cyber fraud offenses which arise mostly from a lack of user awareness counted
to 12.5% of all cybercrimes, citing statistics on cyber-attacks. This percentage
increased to 53% by 2022, meaning that these scams had more than doubled in
just five years. Despite notable progress in cyber security tools, the highest risk
continues to stem from users’ lack of awareness.
“Cyber security 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 mentioned.
Al Kuwari gave advice on how to reduce cyber dangers. She suggested setting
up reliable antivirus software, creating strong passwords for every account and
turning on the two-factor authentication in whatever the option is available.