Leading regional cybersecurity firm Paramount has partnered with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) of Bahrain to introduce MITRE D3FEND cybersecurity training, marking a major step in advancing regional cyber defense education and professional capacity-building. The agreement was signed during the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS).
The partnership was formalized by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa, Deputy CEO for Cybersecurity Operations at NCSC, and Ashok Chandrasekharan, Chief Operations Officer at Paramount. Together, they aim to empower Bahrain and the wider Gulf region with advanced cyber defense capabilities, equipping professionals with globally recognized skills and certifications aligned with the MITRE D3FEND framework.
Strengthening Regional Cyber Resilience
Under the agreement, NCSC led the initiative’s strategic direction and governance, while Paramount acted as the Training Delivery Partner, providing technical content, curriculum development, and certification services.
The collaboration comes amid rapid digital transformation and rising cyber threats, with the GCC cybersecurity market projected to grow from USD 5.7 billion in 2024 to USD 9.0 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.1%.
“This partnership has strengthened our commitment to elevating cybersecurity excellence in Bahrain and the Gulf,” said Sheikh Abdulla. “By combining institutional leadership and technical expertise, we’re preparing practitioners to safeguard the region’s most critical digital assets.”
Advanced Training and Certification
The MITRE D3FEND training program delivered hands-on instruction across 245 defensive countermeasures, spanning seven tactical domains such as behavioral analysis, system hardening, network isolation, deception technologies, and threat mitigation.
2-day technical workshop: Deep dive into defensive countermeasures with lab-based exercises.
2.5-hour executive session: Tailored for senior leaders, covering strategy, regulatory compliance, and critical infrastructure protection.
Participants received joint certification from NCSC and Paramount for MITRE D3FEND framework implementation.
“As digital threats evolve, structured and evidence-based defense is critical,” said Ashok Chandrasekharan. “Our partnership with NCSC provides professionals with the expertise to translate theory into actionable defense strategies, enhancing organizational resilience.”
Building a Sustainable Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The program represents a landmark effort in developing a sustainable talent pipeline and fostering a cybersecurity-first culture in the Gulf. By equipping professionals and decision-makers with world-class training, the initiative strengthens the region’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats while bolstering its position as a leader in digital security and innovation.
