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Lebanon Takes a Major Step in Cybersecurity with National Strategy

In a move that has generated unprecedented interest among local media and policymakers alike, Lebanon’s cabinet recently endorsed a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. The plan, six months in the making, aims to bolster the country’s defenses against cyber threats and establish a robust cybersecurity agency.

Key Components of the Strategy

The strategy consists of two main sections: preparation of a cybersecurity strategy and establishment of a national cybersecurity agency.

Preparation of Cybersecurity Strategy

  • Defending against external and internal threats
  • Fostering international cooperation
  • Expanding state capacity in information and communications technology (ICT)
  • Promoting exports of Lebanese cybersecurity companies

Establishment of National Cybersecurity Agency

  • Creation of an agency under the Higher Defense Council to oversee long-term implementation of the strategy
  • Responsibility for managing cybersecurity threats, developing cybersecurity capabilities, and coordinating with other agencies

Collaborative Effort

The development of the national cybersecurity strategy was a collaborative effort between the National Cybersecurity Committee, chaired by Secretary-General of the Higher Defense Council Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Asmar, and ICT advisor Lina Oueidat. The committee held industry workshops, engaged local stakeholders, and conducted an observation mission to Estonia, a global leader in e-governance.

EU Support

The European Union (EU) played a crucial role in bringing the strategy to fruition through its CyberSouth program, which aims to foster legislation and policy development to expand institutional capacity for managing digital threats. The EU provided financial support for the implementation of the strategy over four years and dispatched communication technology experts to counsel the National Cybersecurity Committee.

Future Plans

Lebanese policymakers are also pushing for the development of indigenous cybersecurity capabilities. Talks are underway with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to establish a homegrown computer emergency response team, while plans are in place to develop a cyber risk assessment tool for state institutions and streamline security operations center services for government agencies.

Measures to Boost Cybersecurity

The National Cybersecurity Committee is also considering measures to boost the number of cybersecurity professionals, including:

  • Establishing a Cyber Academy to train advanced analysts
  • Bolstering Lebanon’s feeble data privacy laws to refine its cybersecurity doctrine

Conclusion

The adoption of a national cybersecurity strategy marks a significant milestone in Lebanese technology policy. As Beirut builds on this foundation, it is essential that policymakers tackle lingering policy gaps and prioritize the development of indigenous cybersecurity capabilities to ensure the durability of Lebanon’s cybersecurity initiative.