Oman needs to enhance its cybersecurity resilience, say experts

MUSCAT, FEB 26

In a gathering of top industry experts and cybersecurity professionals, the Oman American Business Council (OABC) spearheaded an influential discussion in partnership with Benjamin Lotto, a distinguished US Fulbright Scholar conducting research in Muscat. The event, themed “Oman’s Cyber Landscape: Trends, Threats, and Opportunities,” delivered unparalleled insights into Oman’s cybersecurity terrain and strategic initiatives aimed at fortifying its cyber defenses.

Hosted at the Outward Bound Oman, the panel boasted a lineup of esteemed speakers. James Shires, co-director of European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative, profoundly dissected the dynamic cyber threats hovering over Oman, stressing the imperative for a multifaceted approach that encompasses individuals, organisations, and national interests. He pinpointed cybercriminal activities, sophisticated persistent threats, and the critical lack of security awareness as frontline challenges confronting Omani organisations.

Sara al Kindi, the cyber defense head at Petroleum Development Oman, underscored the paramount significance of cybersecurity in safeguarding human health and safety. Amidst the surging technological reliance of Omani enterprises, Al Kindi advocated for proactive cybersecurity measures as a bulwark against the mounting cyber perils.

Connor Evans, a Muscat-based cybersecurity consultant, painted a vivid picture of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities plaguing Omani enterprises. With a resounding call for heightened cybersecurity awareness on both personal and organisational fronts, Evans emphasised the pivotal role of awareness in promptly detecting and neutralising cyber threats.

Haitham al Hajri, a distinguished senior cybersecurity professional from Muscat, shed light on Oman's accelerated technological progress and its escalating susceptibility to cyber threats owing to its rising geopolitical significance. Al Hajri underscored the urgent need for collaborative cybersecurity efforts among neighboring Middle Eastern countries to counter the malevolent actors targeting Oman's digital infrastructure.

Unifying their voices, the panelists championed the cause of cybersecurity awareness, education, and stringent regulatory frameworks as cornerstones in fortifying Oman’s cyber resilience. They echoed the clarion call for a joint front in tackling cybersecurity challenges and called for enhanced investments in cybersecurity capabilities to shield critical infrastructure and data.

Oman is ranked 3rd in the Arab world and 21st globally out of 193 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index, according to a report issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Oman also shares third place with Australia and Malaysia, behind Canada and the United States among the countries best prepared for cyberattacks. Meanwhile, Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, said in its report that Oman thwarted more than 12 million cyber threats in 2022.

The consensus reverberating through the panel discussion underlined cybersecurity in Oman as a non-negotiable priority for both governmental bodies and private enterprises. Amidst the dynamic cyber threats looming large, proactive cybersecurity measures, heightened awareness, and collaborative endeavours emerged as the bulwarks safeguarding Oman’s digital assets and nurturing a secure and thriving society poised to counteract the evolving cyber challenges.