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A Doha-based tech expert has called on companies to prepare for a new wave of cybersecurity challenges in 2026, warning that threats driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and regulatory shifts will reshape the digital landscape.“The challenges coming now in 2026 are only becoming more complex,” noted CIELTECH chairman and president Dr Salah A Rustum in a statement to Gulf Times, emphasising that “insights and predictions” play a key role in helping organisations start the year “on the right footing.”He also cautioned companies “to keep in mind the effect of AI on security roles and its respective capabilities since AI is also accelerating the offensive cycle, such as ransomware, info stealers, and supply chain compromises, all executed at machine speed and global scale.”As early as the pandemic era and in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Dr Rustum had reiterated to this newspaper his calls for firms in Qatar to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, stressing resilience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).He pointed out: “It is true that the small businesses shall feel the pressure most, and the gap between vulnerability, disclosure, and exploitation will close completely. However, survival shall depend on instant visibility, strong segmentation, and adaptive control.“Over and above, as more work shifts to the browser, different types of attacks shall follow. We shall also see surges in browser hijacking, extension abuse and session token thefts. In brief, hackers in 2026 will not break in, but will log in instead.”Dr Rustum’s latest forecast builds on the previously mentioned pre-cautions, and warned about the “explosive growth” of ransomware-as-a-service and double extortion schemes; “research will keep accelerating, citing Q-Day might arrive sooner than many”, and that “AI will keep empowering attackers, enabling highly convincing phishing, automated code exploitation, and faster vulnerability discoveries”, among other threats and challenges.Dr Rustum explained that one of the most critical changes will come on "March 15, 2026", when the validity of Secure Sockets Layer or Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) certificates will be reduced "from 365 days to 200 days", eventually reaching just "47 days". He cautioned that this will impose significant technical burdens on all organisations, regardless of size.“It also goes without saying that the validity of other certificates, such as the 'Domain Validation', shall be affected, as well”, he further explained.Dr Rustum also emphasised that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) remains “the last unbreakable pillar of cybersecurity”. According to Dr Rustum, compliance should be seen not as a burden but as a “genuine driver of business growth”.“In 2025, we saw some significant changes in the global IT compliance and regulatory landscape, including things like DORA, NIS2, and the AI Act, and changes to the EU Cybersecurity Act (CSA). However, in the US, the government is also reacting to AI with executive orders and updates to NIST’s cyber framework,” he said.Dr Rustum also emphasised that success in 2026 will depend on adaptability, prioritisation, and early action. He urged organisations to avoid “analysis paralysis” and begin their compliance journey immediately: “Threat actors move as fast as competitors, often faster.” 

Ooredoo has signed a strategic partnership agreement with AI-driven cybersecurity firm Darktrace.The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by Thani Ali I A al-Malki, Chief Business officer at Ooredoo, and Thomas Johnson, Channel director, META at Darktrace.Through this collaboration, Ooredoo’s B2B customers will gain access to the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform, an adaptive cybersecurity platform powered by Darktrace’s real-time Self-Learning AI, designed to protect businesses from both known and emerging cyber threats.Al-Malki said: “Cybersecurity is now an essential foundation for digital transformation. Our partnership with Darktrace strengthens our managed cybersecurity portfolio and ensures that organisations in Qatar can rely on advanced, Self-Learning AI to protect their operations. This collaboration supports our commitment to providing intelligent, future-ready security solutions that empower businesses to operate with greater confidence and resilience.”Eloina Pesce, VP of Partner Sales, EMEA + APJ, added: “By combining their deep regional expertise with Darktrace’s AI-driven approach, we’re giving customers across Qatar the confidence that their critical systems are protected against threats no matter how they evolve.” 

Vodafone Qatar chief technology officer Ramy Boctor has delivered a lecture on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity and telecommunications network resilience before postgraduate students at Barzan University College.The session formed part of its MA Cyber Security programme. In his lecture, Boctor emphasised the growing complexity of protecting national digital infrastructure as 5G, IoT, and cloud technologies continue to expand. He noted that AI-driven attacks, such as deepfake social engineering, automated malware, and large-scale ransomware, are changing today’s threat landscape.The lecture also delved into ways telecom operators are utilising machine learning, automated incident response, and predictive analytics to enhance threat detection and operational resilience.Boctor said, “AI is redefining both the scope of cyber risk and the tools we use to protect national networks. Working with academic institutions like Barzan University College is crucial to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts for this rapidly changing landscape. Vodafone Qatar is committed to advancing national capabilities through knowledge-sharing and hands-on industry engagement. ”Vodafone Qatar continues to support initiatives that promote industry–academia collaboration and contribute to a more secure, future-ready Qatar, in line with the country’s digital transformation journey and Qatar National Vision 2030. To learn more about Vodafone Qatar’s services and solutions, visit https://www.vodafone.qa/en/business/home. 

His Excellency the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) President Eng Abdulrahman bin Ali al-Farahid al-Malki received Belgian Minister of Security and the Interior Bernard Quintin during an official visit to discuss co-operation in cybersecurity and exchange expertise.During the meeting, the NCSA chief outlined key national experiences and practices in developing Qatar’s cybersecurity infrastructure.Both sides discussed shared cross-border challenges, ways to enhance digital readiness, and future initiatives of mutual interest.Quintin expressed his appreciation for the NCSA’s significant progress in cybersecurity and affirmed Belgium’s interest in expanding co-operation to support joint efforts and strengthen digital security in both countries. 

Qatar hosted Saturday the first Arab Cyber Exercise, held as part of the National Cyber Drill organized by the National Cyber Security Agency in its 12th edition under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks." The exercise, which brings together 21 Arab countries and the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, aims to enhance joint co-operation among Arab states in the field of cybersecurity, strengthen collective action, and promote the exchange of expertise in a way that supports cyber readiness and digital security and stability in the region.On this occasion, General Director of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Ahmed Mohammed al-Hammadi stated that the nature of cross-border threats targeting the region's digital infrastructure has created a new security reality that requires specialised preparedness and proactive awareness.**media[384645]**Al-Hammadi emphasised that the scenario designed by the National Cyber Security Agency this year was crafted with great precision to account for the specific operational environments of official cybersecurity institutions and centers in each country.**media[384646]**He explained that National Cyber Drills in Qatar have been conducted since 2013 and serve as a benchmark for assessing the readiness of institutions and entities in responding to cyber risks. These exercises enhance institutional and economic development and have become an annual national practice and an important management tool aimed at identifying and addressing gaps, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of response and recovery strategies to minimize impacts on the society, the economy, and the sustainability of national stability.For its part, the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers affirmed the importance of the exercise in strengthening co-operation among Arab countries and exchanging expertise in cybersecurity as a strategic step toward advancing the region's cybersecurity ecosystem. The First Arab Cyber Exercise 2025 comes as part of a strategic approach to strengthening the joint Arab cybersecurity framework and confronting cross-border digital threats.

His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) Eng Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad al-Farahid al-Malki affirmed that the First Arab Cyber Exercise embodies Qatar's steadfast commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity framework in the region. In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency al-Malki stated that the first Arab Cyber Drill, hosted in Doha under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, serves as a joint operational platform aimed at enhancing digital readiness, boosting cyber incident response capabilities, and developing coordination mechanisms among Arab states.He added that organizing this exercise reflects a strategic Arab vision to confront growing cyber threats, especially those that transcend borders, which require an advanced regional co-operation infrastructure, effective information sharing, and the use of cutting-edge tools and technologies in threat detection, digital forensics, and offensive and defensive testing.He emphasized that NCSA believes Qatar's cyberspace security is an integral part of the broader Arab cybersecurity system. He noted that the agency is committed to fostering strong partnerships with sister Arab nations to elevate the level of Arab cyber integration and to build national and regional capabilities capable of countering any digital threats or attacks targeting critical infrastructure or information domains.He explained that this exercise represents a pivotal step in enhancing joint Arab cybersecurity and contributes to solidifying Qatar's position as a leading regional hub in supporting digital protection initiatives and promoting cyber stability in the region.The Arab Cyber Exercise is being held for the first time with Qatar as host, as part of its initiatives within the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, in line with a strategic approach to bolster joint Arab cybersecurity.The exercise was held on the sidelines of the 12th edition of the National Cyber Drill, which began on November 16 under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks," with the participation of numerous national entities and institutions in a simulation exercise reflecting real-world challenges facing critical digital infrastructure.Through its annual cyber drills, NCSA aims to enhance the efficiency of national entities and institutions and raise their cyber readiness by identifying vulnerabilities, addressing them, and fortifying systems, thus contributing to the establishment of an advanced national cybersecurity framework.

The State of Qatar participated in the C8 Conference and Exhibition on Cybersecurity Advancements, Innovations and Technologym, organized by Jordan, with the participation of a select group of specialists and stakeholders in the field of cyber security.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by HE President of the National Cyber Security Agency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki.His Excellency also participated in a high-level dialogue session titled: Arab Cybersecurity Strategy: Core Pillars and Regional Application, which discussed the importance of adopting a unified Arab approach to enhancing cybersecurity, and joint cooperation among Arab countries in developing strategies capable of confronting the growing challenges in cyberspace.During the session, His Excellency touched on the most prominent national and regional efforts and initiatives, stressing the importance of collective action and the exchange of experiences among Arab countries, as a key factor in enhancing cyber readiness and supporting digital security and stability in the region.The C8 conference is a specialized platform that highlights the latest developments and advancements in cybersecurity, as well as showcasing technological innovations and modern solutions to address cyber threats.

The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation - Kahramaa has successfully concluded the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, marking the end of month-long initiative filled with educational and interactive activities. The campaign saw record participation from Kahramaa employees and played a vital role in fostering a culture of digital protection and embedding cybersecurity principles into the foundation of a sustainable digital work environment. Throughout the campaign, Kahramaa organised a series of educational workshops attended by over 1,005 employees. These workshops addressed critical topics including the safe use of AI technologies, data classification, database security, and securing digital presence. In addition, 773 employees participated in knowledge-based quizzes, while 398 engaged in interactive games, each contributing to a deeper understanding of modern cybersecurity concepts. A key highlight of the campaign was the phishing awareness initiative, which drew participation from 2,812 employees and resulted in 2,793 accurate reports. These figures reflect a high level of awareness and precision in identifying cyber threats. Overall, the campaign engaged 4,988 employees, underscoring Kahramaa’s growing commitment to cybersecurity excellence. Kahramaa hosted a closing ceremony at the KM2 headquarters. Abdulla bin Ali al-Theyab, president of the Corporation, attended the ceremony, which featured the distribution of appreciation certificates, awards for outstanding participants, and a showcase of the campaign’s key achievements — honouring the dedication and contributions of Kahramaa’s workforce. Turkih Trad al-Hothal, head of Information Security & Risk Management at Kahramaa remarked, “The campaign witnessed a noticeable improvement in security awareness and the spread of cybersecurity culture among Kahramaa employees.” She further emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that demands continuous collaboration and vigilance, and that employee engagement was instrumental in achieving the campaign’s objectives.

The State of Qatar emphasized the importance of the international community continuing to intensify its efforts to enhance cybersecurity and expand avenues of cooperation, particularly between developed and developing countries, in order to ensure the utilization and preservation of digital gains. Qatar stressed that cyberspace and its related uses provide vast opportunities for promoting economic development and achieving human well-being. This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani before the UN General Assembly's First Committee at its 80th session on Other Disarmament Measures and International Security, held at UN headquarters in New York. Sheikh Abdulrahman explained that progress in the digital and technological fields has offered smart and low-cost solutions to many development-related issues, while also enhancing social communication through modern and advanced networks. He noted that while such progress offers wide-ranging opportunities in various areas of technology, it also brings increasing cybersecurity risks, which now pose threats to all forms of digital activity — including attacks targeting vital telecommunications and digital infrastructure, resulting in serious material and moral damage, privacy violations, and obstacles to economic development efforts. He added that information security and cybersecurity have become major concerns for the international community — particularly for governments, public institutions, banks, financial bodies, and private sector entities. He pointed out that growing global awareness of these threats led to the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which Qatar signed during the official ceremony held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Oct. 25, 2025. He further added that, as part of its efforts to exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of information and communications technology at both regional and international levels, the State of Qatar has continued its active participation in the meetings of the Open-ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communication Technology (2021-2025), whose work concluded in July 2025, pointing out that the State of Qatar welcomed the group's consensus-adopted final report, expressing hope that its recommendations would be implemented to strengthen cybersecurity and international cooperation in the safe use of ICTs - including the future permanent mechanism on ICT security in the context of international security. He also noted that, reaffirming the State of Qatar's commitment to promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace, the National Cyber Security Agency organized a side event titled "Qatar's Successful Experience in Implementing the UN Norms for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace" on July 7, 2025, during the Eleventh Substantive Session of the Open-Ended Working Group. The event, he said, aimed to highlight Qatar's successful model in adopting UN cybersecurity standards through its achievements and implemented initiatives. The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, referred to Qatar's participation in the Fourth Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity, held on Sept. 8, 2025, in the sisterly State of Kuwait, during which the execution plan for the GCC Cybersecurity Strategy, as well as the framework for international cooperation among GCC member states in the field of cybersecurity were approved.

The State of Qatar participated in the fifth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, under the theme "Scaling Cohesive Advancement in Cyberspace" on Oct. 1–2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki. The 2025 edition of the Forum brought together decision makers, senior government officials, and international experts to engage in a series of strategic dialogues and high-level meetings addressing cyberspace issues from a comprehensive perspective. On the sidelines of the Forum, the National Cyber Security Agency also participated in the Cyber Diplomatic Dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. The program included a roundtable discussion on "Joint Collaboration in Cybersecurity between GCC Countries and the European Union on Combating Hybrid and Cyber Threats", where participants explored opportunities for developing strategic partnerships, exchanging expertise, and strengthening collective efforts to address emerging cyber challenges.

The National Cyber Security Agency announced Wednesday the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, observed every October, under the theme "Secure Your World, Protect Your Future." The campaign will be rolled out across the agency's social media platforms in partnership with the Government Communications Office, alongside outdoor advertisements in high-traffic public areas such as Msheireb, Doha Corniche, and major commercial malls including Place Vendome Mall, Doha Festival City, and others. Throughout the month, the National Cyber Security Agency aims to engage all segments of society: the elderly, young people, and children—by addressing key topics such as the importance of cybersecurity, phishing and electronic fraud, and others. A highlight of the campaign will be the agency's mobile pavilion, offering families and children interactive educational activities and awareness games every weekend at selected malls, including Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar, and Doha Festival City. In addition, the agency will organize a series of awareness workshops, as well as dedicated sessions targeting the Asian Village, with the aim of strengthening cybersecurity awareness among the workforce. This campaign underscores the agency's commitment to fostering a culture of digital safety by raising awareness of cyber threats, promoting best practices for prevention, and contributing to a safer cyber environment for all members of society.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) on Monday inaugurated the 4th Annual Cyber Governance and Assurance Conference, in the presence of several of Their Excellencies the ministers, senior officials, and representatives of government entities, private companies, and cybersecurity service providers. The two-day conference is held under the theme "Navigating the Cyber Horizon: Resilience through Preparedness and Innovation." During the opening, NCSA launched the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework and the National Institutional Framework for Cyber Crisis Management, aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of Qatar's cyber ecosystem. The frameworks are designed to manage cyber crises at the national level in coordination with relevant authorities, mitigate their impact, ensure rapid response and recovery, and guarantee the continuity of vital services. These initiatives reflect NCSA's commitment to implementing projects under the Third National Strategy and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024-2030. His Excellency NCSA President Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki said the conference provides a rich platform for exchanging expertise and exploring the latest global trends in specialized cybersecurity fields. His Excellency announced the signing of a Professorship Chair agreement between NCSA and Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST), aimed at promoting knowledge transfer, advancing education and research, and adopting best practices in cybersecurity, particularly in protecting critical technological infrastructure and operational technology. HE Al Malki also announced NCSA's accession to the Security Compliance Institute of the International Society for Automation (ISA), which will strengthen international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. He stressed that the Agency recognized early on that achieving strategic objectives depends on capacity building, developing national competencies, and empowering them with specialized training and knowledge tools. This, he said, ensures the sustainability of Qatar's cybersecurity system and enhances its readiness to confront emerging threats. His Excellency emphasized that analyzing challenges and opportunities, and anticipating the future of cyberspace, requires building national capabilities that enhance resilience and stability in the digital environment, investing in innovation and training, and fostering strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. This, he added, ensures the protection of vital assets, reinforces confidence in technological infrastructure, and supports Qatar's leadership in a secure and reliable cyberspace. For her part, Eng. Dana Yousef Al Abdullah, Director of Policy Affairs at NCSA, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the cybersecurity landscape in Qatar, highlighting key current realities and future trends shaping the sector. Mohammed Murshid Al Mannai, Director of the Cyber Resilience, Risk, and Insurance Department, presented on the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework and the National Institutional Framework for Cyber Crisis Management, outlining their role in strengthening national readiness and resilience. During the conference, His Excellency the NCSA President honored several entities that obtained accreditation and compliance certificates for the National Information Assurance Standard. In addition, Duncan Hill, British Deputy Ambassador to Qatar, honored companies graduating from the CREST Development Program, which aims to accelerate the maturity of companies in delivering cybersecurity services. The conference also witnessed the signing of a Professorship Chair agreement in cybersecurity between NCSA and Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST). This strategic cooperation forms part of national efforts to promote scientific research and academic innovation, and to develop national competencies capable of addressing the growing challenges of cyberspace. The agreement includes the allocation of a Professorship Chair within UDST's College of Computing and Information Technology, sponsored by NCSA and managed by the university. The Professorship Chair will encompass teaching a cybersecurity course, supervising research projects, and delivering research seminars for industry partners and the wider community.The first day featured four panel sessions covering the institutional framework for cyber crisis management, certified technologies and supply chain advantages for enterprises, the cybersecurity "trilogy" of government, industry, and community partnerships, and compliance and assurance certifications for cloud computing.It also included three workshops on national strategy collaboration and open dialogue, adoption of the National Information Assurance Standard for cybersecurity officers in government agencies, and the AI-powered "Capture the Flag" challenge in partnership with Scale AI.On the second day, the National Cyber Security Agency, in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank, will launch the Cyber Prerequisites Program for SMEs. The initiative aims to support Qatari small and medium enterprises in enhancing their compliance with basic cybersecurity controls, tailored to the nature and scope of their operations. It forms part of NCSA's wider efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of local businesses.The program will be accompanied by three panel sessions addressing the challenges and opportunities of the Cyber Prerequisites Program for SMEs, the intersection of artificial intelligence, industrial security, and privacy in the post-quantum era, with a focus on the role of policies and regulations, and the integration of the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework with the National Incident Management Framework.In addition, two technical presentations will be delivered on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) security and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance cyber resilience. A debate will also examine the integration of cybersecurity with information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).The program will conclude with four specialized workshops covering a range of advanced cybersecurity topics.