Lebanon’s Cybersecurity Future Hangs in Balance: Boosting Cooperation and Coordination among Agencies
As Lebanon embarks on its Digital Transformation Strategy and National Cybersecurity Strategy, experts warn that strengthening security and intelligence services is crucial for success. The country has a unique opportunity to secure its digital economy and citizen services, but only if it can overcome the challenges of outdated systems, lack of foreign investment, and cybersecurity skills shortages.
Cybersecurity Recommendations
Fighting Cybercrime
The approved Cybersecurity Strategy has created an urgent need for Lebanon to prioritize cybersecurity, including fighting cybercrime. Improving cybersecurity will not only boost confidence in the country’s digital infrastructure but also enhance its position on the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index.
Maintaining Data Security Standards
Maintaining data security standards is essential for ensuring the protection of sensitive information and preventing high-profile breaches.
Preventing High-Profile Breaches
Preventing high-profile breaches requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity, including implementing robust security measures and developing incident response plans.
National Datacenter: A Necessity
A national data center is essential for hosting both public and private sector services, addressing challenges like electricity cuts and high operating costs. Such a center would:
- Resolve data residency issues
- Provide 24/7 operations
- Ensure business continuity
- Centralize management, analysis, and response
Cooperation Across Sectors
Public-Private Community Partnership
A public-private community partnership is crucial to empower the cybersecurity strategy and develop new business models. Locally developed solutions can bridge the gap between accessing affordable solutions and boosting the national digital economy.
Collaboration Among Agencies
Collaboration among agencies, including security and intelligence services, is essential for sharing information and resources, and developing a unified response to cyber threats.
Governance and Legislation
National Commission against Cybercrime
Establishing a National Commission against Cybercrime and for Strengthening Cybersecurity is crucial for monitoring interventions, sharing data among agencies, and planning further initiatives to combat cybercrime.
Sustainable Institutional Framework
A sustainable institutional framework is required to coordinate cybersecurity activities and ensure the effectiveness of cybersecurity strategies.
Cybersecurity Skills and Research
Capacity Building
Capacity building, knowledge sharing, and awareness raising are essential for meeting cybersecurity provisions in both public and private sectors.
Higher Education Institutions
Higher education institutions can play a key role in directing careers towards filling the skills gap and driving innovation in cybersecurity research.
Proactive Approach Needed
A proactive approach to cybersecurity is critical for preventing cyberattacks and ensuring continuity of operations. A nation-wide system capable of orchestrating a coordinated response within a unified framework incorporating technical and legal aspects is essential for combating all types of cyber threats and attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lebanon’s future in the digital age hangs in balance. Boosting cooperation and coordination among security and intelligence services, with support from higher authorities, is crucial for success. The country must prioritize cybersecurity, develop a national data center, foster public-private partnerships, strengthen governance and legislation, and invest in cybersecurity skills and research to ensure a secure and prosperous digital future.