Qcert workshop in progress.
Doha: Demand for cyber-security training has increased with an increasing number of participants registering for similar workshops with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, according to officials.
The fourth edition of National Cyber Drill (STAR-4) workshop, organised by Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team (Q-CERT), the cyber security arm of the Ministry, began here yesterday.
The four-day workshop aims to deliver specialised security training courses to IT professionals working with key sectors in the country.
“More than 250 trainees from 60 institutions from various key sectors like finance and energy, among others, are participating in the cyber security drill this year,” said Engineer Noora Al Abdulla, Q-CERT’s Cyber Security Training & Awareness Section Manager, at a press conference yesterday. “The first drill-STAR-1 held in 2013 saw the participation of only 20 institutions.”
“We organise cyber drill every year promoting the national cyber security objective of Qatar. The workshop this year will include discussions, simulation and workshop. The national drill will conclude on Thursday”, said Al Abdullah.
“The drill will focus on cyber security risks that different sectors in the country might face," said Assistant Undersecretary, Cyber Security, Khalid Al Hashimi.
“The drill hopes to strengthen tracking systems and combating cyber attack at the institutions in Qatar.”
“A team of experts from Q-CERT designed several risks based on cyber security issues to increase the readiness of the institutions, participating, to track these risks through simulations. The mock drills of the risks related to some key sectors like energy, finance, government institutions among others were also designed,” said Al Hashimi.
The Cyber Security Division offers a wide range of trainings and resources focused on protecting critical ICT infrastructure, businesses and citizens online.
Trainings focus on information security professionals within the country responsible for maintaining information security within Qatar’s key organisations. The trainings offered vary from short workshops to complete training tracks. All trainees receive attendance certificates and, where applicable, are qualified to sit for international examinations that lead to industry recognised certification.
