The 3rd Regional Cybersecurity Summit wrapped up yesterday. The Summit, organised by Information Technology Authority (ITA) represented by Oman National CERT (OCERT) in cooperation with International Telecommunication Union (ITU), IMPACT and French business information group naseba, enabled regional cyber security experts to meet together in one location and formulate comprehensive, forward thinking plans to defend the Middle East and North Africa region -- and specifically its critical infrastructure -- from possible cyber threats.
Offering comment on the discussions that took place over the course of the 2-day Summit, Ms. Aziza Sultan Al Rashdi, Acting Director of Director of Cybersecurity Professional Services, OCERT, said: "Our chief objective for this Summit was to facilitate knowledge sharing of key issues of interest to specialists in the field of cybersecurity, as well as stakeholders in the field of providing information security in countries across the region. With more than 20 countries represented at the Summit, we are happy to report that the underlying theme strongly present among the conference speakers and attendees focused on building strategies and enhancing regional cooperation."
Enhancing cybersecurity readiness and the future of information security controls, as well as capacity building in the field of cybersecurity for organizations, were other themes that took precedence during the Summit. Day 2 of the conference was opened by Thomas Garnett, Country Manager - Oman from BAE Systems Applied Intelligence. In his opening keynote, he said: "Sophistication of attacks is ever increasing as is the quantity. To counter such sophisticated threats a 4-step approach is required: evaluate the issue, understand the risk, create awareness and adopt the right procedures."
With the power of the virtual world increases every day, confidence and security in using ICTs is fundamental to building an inclusive, secure and global society. Cyber threats, as well as their victims, are global and to curb these threats legal and technical measures at an international level are required.
The first panel discussion of the day touched upon forming strategic alliances and knowledge sharing to enable a global cyber secure environment. During the discussion Taekyoon Kim, Chief of International Cooperation in Cyber bureau of Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), spoke about the initiatives taken by KNPA, saying, "The risk of cyber threats has provided KNPA an opportunity to handle and take charge of all cyber defence issues. The involvement of the National Police Agency has led to more public awareness and financial backing from the government - which has led to a more secure South Korea."
The telecommunication industry plays a critical role in today's society by connecting every citizen to everyday information. "With the world increasingly becoming mobile, the security of a telecommunications network is of prime importance," Mustapha Huneyd, Ooredoo's Head of Corporate Information Security, noted. He continued, saying, "The relationship between a government authority and telecom providers is key. Q-CERT plays an active role in creating awareness about any type of cyber state and works in collaboration with us to detect any attack that comes through via ISP and telecommunications line."
Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, Executive Chairman of Consultancy Support Services (CS2) concluded the panel discussion. He pointed out, "Lack of global initiatives is not the problem, but the fact that they don't address all fundamental questions and their bureaucracy end up in a lot of wasted time. There is no need for new initiatives, but a need to step up the current ones and streamline their processes."
The following panel discussion spoke about enhancing cybersecurity readiness by raising awareness and capacity building. Mohammed Nayaz, Director from Ernst & Young, Oman, Fadi Morjanh, Director of Governmental Computer Center of Palestinian Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology and Yusuf Mohamed Ali Mothanna Head of Information Security Infrastructure, Central Informatics Organisation - Bahrain featured on the panel discussion, which was moderated by the DG of National Information Security & Safety Authority (NISSA) Libya, Khaled Gamo.
Mohammed Nayaz stressed on the importance of staying ahead in the game and focusing on creativity and innovation in cyber security, saying, "To stay ahead of the game, investment has to be made. For instance, Saudi Arabia alone will be spending USD 33 billion within the next 10 years to enhance cybersecurity capabilities."
The last session of the summit showcased the best case studies of critical national infrastructure protection. CERTs showcasing were: Egypt CERT and Pakistan Information Security Agency. The CERTs were represented by Dr. Samir Gaber and Ammar Jaffri respectively.
Running concurrently as part of the Summit, were three well-attended workshops: Malware Analysis, CIRT Operations, and Global Cyberlympics Preparation.
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ITA is a Public Authority created by Royal Degree 52/2006. ITA endeavours to consolidate and implement the Digital Oman strategy to transform the Sultanate of Oman into a knowledge-based economy for the achievement of social and economic benefits to Omani society. ITA's vision is 'Transforming Oman, Empowering You'. For more information, visit www.ita.gov.om or email to eoman@ita.gov.om.
For more information or media clarification, please contact:
Susan Moores
Media & Communications Specialist
Information & Awareness Division
Telephone: +968 2416 6842
Fax: +968 2416 6604
Email: susan.moores@ita.gov.om
