Latest news with #GlobalCybersecurityIndex
Observer
26-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Cracking down on illegal Wi-Fi networks is key for Oman's futureCracking down on illegal Wi-Fi networks is key for Oman's future
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been active across Muscat and beyond, conducting field inspections and seizing illegal wireless equipment. At first glance, it may sound like routine regulatory exercise. But in reality, it's a critical step to protect Oman's digital economy and the security of our online lives. Across neighbourhoods, unauthorised wireless networks are being set up — people sharing or selling Internet connections without a licence. It might seem harmless, even helpful. But in truth, these illegal networks are damaging: they degrade service quality, undermine telecom investments and expose users to cyber threats. Let's start with the basics. These unlicensed setups interfere with legitimate signals, slowing down speeds for paying customers. That's not just frustrating — it's unfair. Students, families and businesses all rely on stable Internet to get through the day. Unauthorised connections sabotage that. Worse still, they threaten long-term infrastructure development. Licensed providers depend on subscription revenue to fund upgrades — fibre networks, 5G rollouts and expanded coverage. Illegal reselling eats into that income. If providers can't invest, the whole country is stuck with outdated, unreliable services. This comes at a time when Oman's digital economy is expanding rapidly. The telecom sector grew over 15% this year, and there are now more than 8 million mobile subscriptions in a population of 4.5 million. The national goal is to increase the digital sector's share of GDP from 3% to 10% by 2040. But reaching that target depends on protecting the very infrastructure that supports it. It's also about fairness. Illegal Wi-Fi often appears in areas where residents are looking for cheaper options. That's understandable. But these shortcuts distort the market, discourage healthy competition and degrade quality for everyone. In trying to save, users end up with slower speeds, higher risks and fewer choices. Security is another major concern. When users connect to unlicensed networks, they're effectively handing over their data to an unknown operator. Emails, passwords, financial information — all can be compromised. Oman has already seen a rise in cyber scams this year, from phishing to identity theft. Many of these crimes start with illegally accessed data. Oman currently ranks among the world's top countries in cybersecurity, scoring 97 out of 100 in the Global Cybersecurity Index. But rogue networks create loopholes in that system. They're not just individual risks — they weaken the national digital firewall. There's also a legal risk. If someone uses your shared connection for illegal activity — hacking, pirated content, or worse — the consequences could fall on you. That's not a theoretical problem; it's a real one. That's why the TRA's crackdown is necessary. The law clearly prohibits operating telecom services without a licence, with penalties reaching up to RO 50,000 or jail time. But enforcement is only part of the effort. The TRA is also using detection tools, monitoring traffic patterns with licensed providers, and encouraging the public to report suspicious activity. Importantly, they're positioning this campaign not just as punishment, but as public education. Following the rules isn't just compliance — it's civic responsibility. At the same time, Oman is addressing the root causes. The national fibre rollout aims to reach 75% of buildings this year. Increased competition is helping to lower prices. And new policies for 2025 will continue modernising the sector. Oman's digital future depends on trust, rule of law and shared responsibility. Illegal shortcuts damage all three. Internet access for all is a national goal — but it must be achieved securely, legally and fairly. By acting today, Oman is building a safer, more connected future for every citizen.
TECHx
02-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Sheikh Mansour Reviews UAE Cybersecurity Council Plans
Home » Latest news » Sheikh Mansour Reviews UAE Cybersecurity Council Plans His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, reviewed the latest efforts of the UAE Cybersecurity Council. During a visit to the Council's headquarters, Sheikh Mansour was briefed on the progress of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The strategy is built on five key pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and partnership. Officials reported that the strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to raise cybersecurity awareness. It also aims to develop legal frameworks and build national talent to create a globally competitive workforce. The Council also revealed plans to: Strengthen public-private partnerships for integrated cybersecurity solutions Expand international cooperation to counter cross-border cyber threats Sheikh Mansour emphasized that cybersecurity is vital to economic and social stability, especially in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. He added that the UAE is committed to adopting global best practices and enhancing cooperation frameworks to ensure a secure digital environment. The UAE's cybersecurity efforts are closely aligned with its sustainable development goals. These initiatives also aim to boost investor confidence and reinforce global partnerships. Sheikh Mansour praised the UAE Cybersecurity Council's role in protecting digital infrastructure. He highlighted that these efforts helped the UAE earn a top-tier global ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He also stressed the importance of the recently launched development and investment initiatives, which support the growth of artificial intelligence. These initiatives align with the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the development of secure digital infrastructure such as the National Security Operations Centre (NSOC). Sheikh Mansour stated that protecting digital investments is key to building a sustainable, innovation-driven economy. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, highlighted the critical role of digital systems like the NSOC in defending the nation's digital infrastructure. He noted that these systems help protect the national economy from rising cyber threats. Dr. Al Kuwaiti reported that the UAE's cybersecurity approach enables proactive and rapid responses. He said the country's focus goes beyond infrastructure protection, aiming to empower society and the economy in a secure digital environment. He added that the strategy supports the broader national vision to use advanced technologies to serve communities and improve quality of life. The UAE aims to be a global model for digital security and innovation. Dr. Al Kuwaiti described the National Cybersecurity Strategy as a milestone in unifying all stakeholders to protect digital transformation. He said the strategy reflects the UAE's strong commitment to embracing digital opportunities while managing associated risks. He further stressed the value of international standards and national insights in reinforcing the UAE's status as a leading global digital hub. Dr. Al Kuwaiti concluded by noting that these efforts have secured the UAE's top position in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mansour bin Zayed reviews UAE Cybersecurity Council initiatives
During his visit to the Council's headquarters, His Highness was briefed on the progress of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which is built upon five key pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and partnership. Strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies The strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance cybersecurity awareness, developing legal frameworks, and building national talent capable of forming a globally competitive cybersecurity workforce. It also emphasises strengthening public-private partnerships to create integrated cybersecurity solutions and expanding international cooperation to confront cross-border cyber threats. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised during the visit that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar for ensuring economic and social stability, especially amid the rapid pace of global digital transformation. UAE is committed to adopting international best practices He noted that the UAE is committed to adopting international best practices and strengthening both national and international cooperation frameworks to build a secure digital environment that supports the country's sustainable development goals, while also enhancing the confidence of investors and global partners. His Highness Sheikh Mansour praised the efforts of the Cybersecurity Council in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and enhancing the UAE's global standing in the cybersecurity domain, efforts that have culminated in the country being ranked among the top tier globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He further stressed that the UAE's recently launched major development and investment initiatives, which serve as key drivers for the future of artificial intelligence regionally and globally, implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the development of advanced digital infrastructure, such as the National Security Operations Centre, an urgent necessity to ensure the protection of the country's digital ecosystem. Efforts represent a core foundation for protecting digital investments His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said that these efforts represent a core foundation for protecting digital investments, thereby reinforcing the development of a sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasised the crucial role of digital systems and platforms, particularly the National Security Operations Centre (NSOC), in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and protecting the national economy against escalating cyber threats. He highlighted the importance of enabling proactive and rapid responses to such threats, stressing that the UAE's commitment to cybersecurity goes beyond infrastructure protection to encompass the empowerment of society and the economy to thrive in a secure digital environment. Dr Al Kuwaiti added that these efforts build on the UAE's broader vision to leverage advanced technologies in serving communities and improving quality of life, reinforcing the nation's commitment to becoming a global model for digital security and innovation. Commenting on the National Cybersecurity Strategy, Dr Al Kuwaiti stated that the strategy represents a key milestone in establishing a comprehensive framework through which all stakeholders can work collectively to safeguard the digital transformation and preserve the nation's achievements. Reflects the UAE's keen commitment to harnessing digital opportunities He added that the new strategy reflects the UAE's keen commitment to harnessing digital opportunities while simultaneously addressing the associated risks. He also stressed the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and insights from various national frameworks and international standards, highlighting their role in strengthening the UAE's position as a leading global digital hub. Dr Al Kuwaiti reiterated that these efforts have cemented the UAE's leadership in cybersecurity, as demonstrated by the nation's first-place ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
Al Etihad
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Mansour bin Zayed reviews UAE Cybersecurity Council initiatives
1 July 2025 21:06 ABU DHABI (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, reviewed the efforts and initiatives of the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) aimed at strengthening and safeguarding the nation's digital his visit to the Council's headquarters, His Highness was briefed on the progress of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which is built upon five key pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance cybersecurity awareness, developing legal frameworks, and building national talent capable of forming a globally competitive cybersecurity workforce. It also emphasises strengthening public-private partnerships to create integrated cybersecurity solutions and expanding international cooperation to confront cross-border cyber Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised during the visit that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar for ensuring economic and social stability, especially amid the rapid pace of global digital Highness noted that the UAE is committed to adopting international best practices and strengthening both national and international cooperation frameworks to build a secure digital environment that supports the country's sustainable development goals, while also enhancing the confidence of investors and global Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed praised the efforts of the Cybersecurity Council in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and enhancing the UAE's global standing in the cybersecurity domain, efforts that have culminated in the country being ranked among the top tier globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).His Highness further stressed that the UAE's recently launched major development and investment initiatives, which serve as key drivers for the future of artificial intelligence regionally and globally, implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the development of advanced digital infrastructure, such as the National Security Operations Centre, an urgent necessity to ensure the protection of the country's digital Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said that these efforts represent a core foundation for protecting digital investments, thereby reinforcing the development of a sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-based Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasised the crucial role of digital systems and platforms, particularly the National Security Operations Centre (NSOC), in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and protecting the national economy against escalating cyber highlighted the importance of enabling proactive and rapid responses to such threats, stressing that the UAE's commitment to cybersecurity goes beyond infrastructure protection to encompass the empowerment of society and the economy to thrive in a secure digital Al Kuwaiti added that these efforts build on the UAE's broader vision to leverage advanced technologies in serving communities and improving quality of life, reinforcing the nation's commitment to becoming a global model for digital security and on the National Cybersecurity Strategy, Dr. Al Kuwaiti stated that the strategy represents a key milestone in establishing a comprehensive framework through which all stakeholders can work collectively to safeguard the digital transformation and preserve the nation's added that the new strategy reflects the UAE's keen commitment to harnessing digital opportunities while simultaneously addressing the associated also stressed the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and insights from various national frameworks and international standards, highlighting their role in strengthening the UAE's position as a leading global digital hub. Dr. Al Kuwaiti reiterated that these efforts have cemented the UAE's leadership in cybersecurity, as demonstrated by the nation's first-place ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
Tahawul Tech
29-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
SANS supports Qatar with targeted cybersecurity training
SANS Institute, the global leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, is set to return to Doha from May 10 to 15, 2025, with SANS Doha May 2025. Hosted at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha, the training event will feature four intensive courses, each tailored to the region's evolving security landscape and the urgent need to upskill cyber talent. Qatar's cybersecurity posture has come into sharper focus as the nation's digital infrastructure expands, demonstrating significant progress in enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure. Notably, the country achieved a leading position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, being classified as a model nation in cybersecurity. 'Events like SANS Doha play a vital role in helping organisations build frontline defences and future-ready workforces, and we are proud to bring world-class cybersecurity training to professionals at a time when resilience and readiness are more important than ever', said Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at SANS Institute. 'Through real-world labs, expert-led instruction, and practical exercises, our programs sharpen technical capabilities and inspire long-term strategies that strengthen organisational security from within'. SANS Doha May 2025 consists of four courses, and each course is available in both in-person and live-online formats to accommodate professionals across the region. SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling helps security professionals respond swiftly and effectively to breaches across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments. Students will simulate and analyse real-world attacks, developing skills they can apply from day one. ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials is designed for professionals managing industrial control systems, and addresses the cybersecurity needs of critical infrastructure. The course will emphasise risk mitigation, operational continuity, and the unique threats posed to OT environments. SEC566: Implementing and Auditing CIS Controls is a practical course for engineers, auditors, and compliance teams, teaching professionals how to adopt and manage the CIS Controls, prioritized security hygiene practices that strengthen defences across complex networks, including the cloud. FOR589: Cybercrime Intelligence is a new course that explores the world of cybercrime, from underground forums to cryptocurrency tracing. With over 20 labs and a capstone exercise, this course trains analysts to proactively gather intelligence and disrupt criminal networks before they strike. In addition to technical training, SANS will host a Cyber-Workforce Masterclass – Building a Cyber-Ready Workforce: Where and Why Should L&D Focus? on 14 May from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, aimed at Learning & Development and cybersecurity HR teams. With demand for cybersecurity professionals outpacing supply, the session will focus on building a skills-first development plan using the NICE Workforce Framework and Qatar Cybersecurity Framework, along with a hands-on tabletop exercise simulating a real data breach scenario. By offering tailored development opportunities, organisations can effectively close skill gaps, boost employee morale, and improve retention. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance. For more information and to register for SANS Doha May 2025, visit: To register for the Qatar Edition of the Cyber-Workforce Masterclass, visit: SANS Institute will return to Doha later this year with SANS Doha September 2025 (13-18 September). Image Credit: SANS Institute
