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DOHA: The newly launched National Incident Management Framework by the National Cyber Security Agency is designed to improve cooperation and communication between entities and establish clearer roles among partners when an incident occurs in Qatar, an official remarked.
“We have developed procedures, incorporating seven key elements based on this framework, which was created after thorough research, Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director of National Cyber Security Operations Affairs told The Peninsula.
NCSA examined international and national standards to implement the framework in the country, while also factoring toward its specific regulations and guidelines. Al Hammadi said, “This framework has been customised to suit Qatar, with careful consideration of its unique infrastructure.”
The framework’s seven key components include Command and Control, Detection and Monitoring, Investigation, National Strategic Response, Recovery and Restoration of Systems, Regulations, Standards, Compliance, Partnerships, and National Incident Review.
The officials outlined the five practical stages of the framework including Notification and Categorization; Incident Initiation; Response and Investigation, Remediation and Recovery; and Closure and Review.
The launch ceremony of National Incident Management Framework witnessed the participation of global visitors from across the globe and the wider international community. The Director of National Cyber Security Operations Affairs noted that the panel discussions are poised to provide more insights into this framework and its purpose.
Al Hammadi explained, “It’s worth mentioning that the framework consists of four categories, and based on these categories, we will be able to identify the necessary human resources to be deployed to the framework in Qatar.”
However, the primary goal is to ensure an effective response to any incident, including proper analysis, containment, and evidence gathering in the right manner, said the official. The procedures will facilitate coordination between all companies across the country.
The inauguration featured a three-panel discussion on topics such as ‘Cyber Incidents and the Role of Law Enforcement,’ ‘The Importance of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in National Cyber Security Incidents,’ and ‘Incident and Crisis Management Frameworks.’
He further underscored that the incident management framework initiative is aligned with the national cybersecurity strategy, which was launched last year.
This is the second cybersecurity strategy hosted in the country and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. “We have a clear track and roadmap in place.
Following the announcement of the Incident Management Framework, we will introduce more initiatives and directives to further enhance the framework. We will also organise additional workshops to ensure that the framework is implemented correctly in Qatar, meeting its intended purpose,” Al Hammadi added.
NCSA's National Incident Management Framework also offers thorough strategy for handling cyber incidents on a national scale.
