Digital Dubai, represented by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), has organised a training activity simulating a global cyberattack scenario with 18 Dubai- based government and private sector entities.

 

The exercise sought to promote agile cybersecurity practices, boosting the participating entities’ ability to counter cyberattacks. 

 

It forms part of the Cyber Node initiative, launched by the DESC to develop an advanced and specialised cyber-workforce through awareness courses and training programmes targeting all segments of community, as well as by establishing a secure and effective environment to test cybersecurity capabilities. 

 

Inspired by real events

This is achieved by simulating scenarios inspired by real events to train participants on tactics and preparing them for various other cybersecurity threats.

 

The training was attended by cybersecurity leaders from a number of Dubai government and private sector entities, who will be responsible for overseeing cybersecurity procedures in their respective entities and protecting their establishment in the event of a cyberattack. Participants included representatives from: Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Dubai Customs, Dubai Culture, Dubai Statistics Centre, and du.

 

Also on the list were Dubai Courts, Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Department of Finance, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Community Development Authority, along with the Dubai Electronic Security Centre.

 

Sign of readiness

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “A robust cybersecurity ecosystem is a prominent sign of readiness in the digital age, reflecting business sustainability and continuity of life under all circumstances.

 

"It has become synonymous with holistic and comprehensive digital transformation, and with that in mind – and under the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park initiative – our team at Digital Dubai will be undertaking enormous and dedicated efforts to increase cybersecurity levels across the city, which include continuous awareness and training exercises amongst other activities.”

 

First product

“The Cyber Node initiative is the first product of the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park,” Al Mansoori continued. “It provides an integrated training system for cybersecurity leaders in government and private sector entities in the Emirate of Dubai, complete with a customised training environment that simulates realistic cyberattack scenarios that allow for a thorough evaluation of the speed and effectiveness of each entity’s response to cyberthreats.

 

"This, in turn, enables us to develop and improve cybersecurity processes, in line with our leadership’s vision for Dubai to become a global leader in cybersecurity and other latest technological innovations.”

 

The Cyber Node initiative was launched as a result of the DESC’s efforts to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, which strives to build a “cyber smart” society, with advanced awareness of cyberthreats. 

 

The initiative helps establish the necessary ecosystem for upskilling the cyber workforce, in addition to protecting Dubai’s critical information infrastructure from the ever-evolving risks and challenges in the cybersecurity field. Ultimately, Cyber Node is designed to become a hub for cyber experts from the public and private sectors, as well as academic institutions.

 

Economic prosperity

The Dubai Cyber Security Innovation Park (DCIP) is the research and knowledge arm of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. 

 

It was recently launched in line with Dubai’s vision to achieve economic prosperity that supports the emirate’s digital transformation, consolidating the security of its cyberspace and protecting it from risks and threats. DCIP provides an integrated system of cybersecurity innovations and aims to empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts.-- TradeArabia News Service