Page 107 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Kuwait

Under the patronage of the National Cyber Security Center, the Kuwait’s cybersecurity market will generate an impressive revenue
Cyber First Kuwait Conference explored Kuwait’s cybersecurity of approximately $2.405 million. (June 11, 2024) www.kuwaittimes.com
landscape to unveil strategies for safeguarding the country’s
digital future, aligning with the New Kuwait Vision 2035 in digital In alignment with the directives issued by the Minister of
transformation. The conference gathered cybersecurity experts, Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific
including luminaries in information security, risk, compliance, Research, Adel Al-Adwani, emphasizing the importance of staying
forensics, and cyber law with the aim of fostering collaboration abreast of technological advancements and advancing towards
across public and private sectors in a shared goal to stand against e-government initiatives, the Ministry of Education has unveiled the
the threats posed by malicious cyber-attacks. During her keynote latest iteration of its mobile application tailored for smartphones,
speech, Taiba Al-Qabandi, Vice President for Governance and Risk tablets, and other mobile devices. According to an official
Management at NCSC, highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity statement released by the Ministry, the updated version of the
in this era, as cyber threats haven’t been just targeted toward application marks a significant milestone in delivering electronic
individuals, but toward institutions and entire countries. She services across multiple platforms. Initially available on iOS
stressed the National Cyber Security Center’s commitment systems, the application will soon be accessible to Android users.
to cooperating with local and international stakeholders in It boasts a range of distinctive services catering to over 500,000
cybersecurity so as to create a secure digital environment. This students, both male and female, approximately 140,000 teachers
collaboration aims to promote development, prosperity, and and administrators, along with numerous parents. Among the key
the digital economy while maintaining the trust of operators features provided by the application for students are access to
and investors in information and communication technology. private academic data, viewing academic certificates, checking
According to her, the importance of this event lies in providing attendance records, downloading medical referral forms, and
a platform to exchange and share best technological practices, receiving seat numbers for twelfth-grade exams, among others.
keeping abreast of the latest developments to enhance the security Similarly, parents can utilize the app to monitor their children’s
and protection of the digital environment against rapidly evolving academic progress, inquire about attendance records, download
cyber threats and attacks. Presenting panel discussions and medical transfer forms, update student account details in the
keynote presentations, the conference discussed various topics Teams program, and access various other services. Furthermore,
ranging from aligning Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Strategy the application offers Ministry employees, including teachers and
with Vision 2035 to navigating cybersecurity in the era of AI and administrators, the ability to access job-related information, track
securing critical infrastructure. In recognition of the cybersecurity, attendance and dismissal records, and avail themselves of other
leaders, innovators, solution providers, and influencers, the administrative services. This marks the initial phase of service
Cyber First Kuwait awards were granted to the cybersecurity provision, with plans for further expansion shortly. In addition
heroes. In response to escalating cyber threats, the Kuwaiti to catering to students, parents, and Ministry personnel, the
government has instituted the National Cyber Security Strategy, application also extends services to visitors, offering functionalities
prioritizing cybersecurity at the forefront of its national agenda. akin to those found on the Ministry’s website. Notable features
The collaborative efforts between the Kuwaiti government and include access to Ministry statistics and the academic calendar.
the private sector to enhance cybersecurity maturity are yielding The launch of the enhanced mobile application underscores
significant results. The introduction of the National Cybersecurity the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies
Strategy complements the private sector’s increased investment to enhance accessibility and streamline service delivery in the
in cybersecurity measures. Projections for 2024 estimate that education sector. (May 15, 2024) www.arabtimesonline.com

Morocco

The Moroccan government wants to connect educational than 200 campuses and 1.3 million students, educational and
establishments as part of its digital transformation ambitions. administrative staff. The campuses are equipped with Wifi 6
As of 2021, around 1.2 million SIM cards have been distributed to solutions from Cambium Networks both indoors and outdoors.
students for free internet access. The American wireless network These solutions were designed and deployed with 3GCOM, a
provider Cambium Networks announced the deployment of 18,000 service integrator partner of the global operator designated for
WiFi access points to provide high-speed Internet connectivity in this project. Partners integrated scheduling tools, touchless
12 large public universities in Morocco. The project covers more provisioning, streamlined installation and centralized cloud

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