Rabat Hosts Discussions on Digital Transition, Cybersecurity Challenges

07 February 2024 Printable Version

Rabat - The challenges and complexities inherent in cybersecurity, along with the criticality of cooperation in this domain, took center stage on Wednesday in Rabat, at the 5th "Cyber Security Conclave - Morocco" seminar, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Information Systems Security (DGSSI), under the National Defense Administration, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Council.

Addressing the gathering, Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, underscored Morocco's full embrace of digitization, given its significant potential for job creation and service modernization.

The Minister pointed out the intrinsic connection between cybersecurity and Morocco's digital transformation journey, highlighting the synergy between the National Cybersecurity Strategy—currently undergoing a revamp by the DGSSI—and the National Digital Transition Strategy "Maroc Digital 2030," nearing finalization.

In parallel, Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, emphasized that cybersecurity has evolved into a vital competency in the professional sphere. He underscored his ministry's steadfast commitment, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Department of National Defense Administration and the Department of Digital Transition, to fortify this domain, which safeguards national sovereignty.

Miraoui recalled the integration of cybersecurity into specialized university curricula, a longstanding endeavor that has accredited numerous programs at Bachelor's, Master's, Engineer's, and Doctorate levels, aimed at equipping future generations with the requisite skills for navigating the digital landscape.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, stressed the imperative of collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber threats. He advocated for fostering a cybersecurity ethos to underpin the advancement of digital transformation across various sectors.

Al Kuwaiti also emphasized the urgency of securing the digital transition, particularly in strategic and critical sectors, and establishing robust standards in this domain. He noted the escalating frequency of cyberattacks, particularly with the proliferation of AI and cloud technologies.

The two-day seminar features an extensive agenda comprising lectures and panel discussions led by prominent national and international cybersecurity experts, alongside a "Cyber-drill" session that brings together academic and professional teams for practical exercises.