Arab Region Presses for Heightened Cyber Security
The ITU Regional Cybersecurity Forum ended today following the adoption of the Doha Declaration on Cybersecurity. Cyber security has global implications that require regional and international efforts as well as close collaboration between governments and industry.
The Forum pressed for each country in the region to develop capabilities using a new ITU Cybersecurity Framework that can help to formulate national cyber security policies and protect critical information infrastructures.
Elements of the ITU Framework that form part of a comprehensive national approach to cyber security include:
- Developing a national strategy for cyber security
- Establishing government-industry collaboration
- Deterring cyber crime
- Creating national incident management capabilities
- Promoting a culture of cyber security
A related resource, the ITU National Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Toolkit was also examined. The toolkit is designed to assist national governments in reviewing and understanding their existing national cyber security policies.
The ITU Regional Cybersecurity Forum was held in Doha, Qatar, 18-21 February 2008 in collaboration with the Qatar Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) and the Qatar Centre for Information Security (Q-CERT).
Over 80 representatives from 18 countries in the Arab region participated, as well as key regional organizations including the League of Arab States, Gulf Cooperation Council, and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.
Read the full press release.
Source: ITU
