Trend Micro, the world leader in cybersecurity, has released alarming new statistics that demonstrate the increasing number of cyber threats that Qatar is facing.
In order to protect more than 4 million people and businesses in the nation, the organization identified over 4.1 million malicious emails and approximately 8 million malware attacks.
Companies may incur higher expenses as a result of cybersecurity threats, including cybersecurity software, insurance, and public relations assistance. Significant financial hardships can also result from ransomware.
In 2019, 6% of businesses had to pay a ransom. In order to stay in compliance with cybersecurity regulations, businesses might also need to hire attorneys and specialists.
Operational disruptions can lead to lost revenue because cyber criminals can sabotage regular business operations using a variety of techniques.
Reputational damage can also occur, as customers and suppliers may feel less secure leaving sensitive information in the hands of a company with broken IT infrastructure.
Qatar Enhances Cybersecurity Measures With National Drills
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) of Qatar is testing the security readiness of approximately 170 important organizations through cyber drills, which is a major step.
“The drills enabled Qatari Steel to test coordination, expertise, and response against a potential cyberattack in “a safe environment to verify, test and improve our skills, processes, and technologies,” the organization said in a statement.”
Through this initiative, national collaboration, resilience plan evaluation, and cybersecurity process practice are made possible for top executives.
Evaluating Readiness and Cyber Strengths
According to reports from the Qatari News Agency, the objectives of these exercises are to measure and detect cyber vulnerabilities, and assess the capacity to counter possible cyber threats and attacks.
Participants and Past Involvement
The Ministry of Transport and Qatari Steel have both participated in the cyber drills in the past. Participants for the current year are yet to be identified.
Following their participation in prior drills, Qatari Steel stressed the importance of the exercises’ role in evaluating coordination, knowledge, and cyber threat response capabilities.
As per their statement, the drills offer a secure setting for validating, evaluating, and improving abilities, procedures, and technologies.
In line with the National Cyber Security Strategy
The purpose of Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy is to enable organizations to effectively respond to, resolve, and recover from cyber incidents. This includes these drills. The approach prioritizes prompt information exchange, teamwork, and decisive action.
Take Charge of Your Cyber Safety!
These cybersecurity drills began in 2015, with 35 organizations participating in the first series. Even though strategies are being implemented to guard against these cyberattacks, it is imperative that each person take personal responsibility. We must learn to protect ourselves from cyber threats while coexisting with them.
We must understand that these cybercriminals are growing larger and more skilled every day with knowledge. Hence, it is imperative to exercise a little more caution.
Being more vigilant is the only way to keep yourself safe from hackers. How cautious you are about sharing information and responding to cyber threats is entirely up to you.
Anas Hasan
November 28, 2023
5 months ago
