Muscat,
More than 600 decision-makers, experts and specialists from 60 countries are taking part in the 12th edition of the Regional Cybersecurity Week which kicked off in Muscat today.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior.
The event is organized by the Regional Cybersecurity Centre of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The Regional Cybersecurity Week is hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. It focuses on major developments in the field of cybersecurity, threats and the risks involved in the information arena, notably information pertaining to governments, institutions and vital industries.
Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said in a speech during the opening ceremony that the Sultanate of Oman sticks to its pledge to support joint international cooperation realized by the ITU at various levels.
Since its launch in 2013, the Regional Cybersecurity Centre supported more than 190 projects and initiatives in more than 50 countries. More than 10,000 cybersecurity specialists benefited from the initiatives, said Al Ma’awali, who valued the strategic partnership with the ITU, its Arab Regional Office, the League of Arab States and its affiliate organizations.
Al Ma’awali outlined the week’s activities, which include the first GCC Cybersecurity Hackathon and Hadatha Cybersecurity Award, in addition to the felicitation of institutions and individuals who excelled in the Cybersecurity Programme.
The minister also announced the launch of CREST CAMP programme aimed to accelerate companies’ readiness to provide cybersecurity services. The programme, undertaken in cooperation with CREST organization of Britain, saw the inauguration of cybersecurity industry centres in partnership with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS).
The minister also launched the Cybersecurity Monitoring Centre, the first centre of its kind in the world to measure and monitor the growth of the cybersecurity industry sector.
Activities of the Regional Cybersecurity Week include the “12th Regional Cybersecurity Conference” during which international experts and speakers convene to exchange the best practices and learn about countries’ experiences in the field of cybersecurity industry. The event explores strategic opportunities and enablers that enhance innovation and digital security to support digital economy at regional and international levels. It also seeks to enhance cooperation between various entities and organizations specialized in the field of cybersecurity and the unification of efforts to address the growing threats.
An exhibition held on the sidelines of the Regional Cybersecurity Week showcases the products of companies operating in the field of cybersecurity, common risks and threats.
Activities of the Regional Cybersecurity Week include the first symposium for Arab and African countries, the 16th Annual Conference of the Islamic Cooperation Organization (ICO) Cybersecurity Centres and the 12th Regional Cybersecurity Exercise for Arab Countries and OIC Member States.
