Jordan hosted its first Cyber Security Summit in 2023, where experts and officials gathered to address global cyber risks. The summit was organized by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) and took place in the capital city of Amman.
The main focus of the summit was to discuss cyber policies and strategies, cooperation mechanisms to combat international cyber risks and threats, and to learn from the expertise and progress of other countries in achieving cyber security and digital safety. Government institutions from various sectors, as well as Jordanian, regional, and international companies specializing in cybersecurity, participated in the event. The participation of financial companies and banks, whose operations require protection against cyber risks, was particularly crucial.
Bassam Maharmeh, head of the NCSC, emphasized the urgency of the summit given the growing financial, social, and political costs associated with cyber risks in the region and the world. He described the summit as an important platform for regional and global dialogue and cooperation in addressing these challenges.
Nidal Bitar, CEO of Intaj, highlighted the broad participation of leaders from various sectors in the summit. The event saw the attendance of around 400 to 450 leaders from sectors such as finance, insurance, water, electricity, and telecommunications. The summit featured 23 discussion sessions and workshops covering topics such as the global cybersecurity market, cloud security solutions, and protection against viruses and malware.
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Palestine, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, participated in the summit to discuss local and international legal issues related to data protection and the significant impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity.
The summit aimed to position Jordan as a distinguished regional center in the field of cybersecurity. The country possesses the necessary qualifications, including human capabilities, academic institutions, industrial sectors, and pioneering organizations, to achieve this goal.
Overall, the Cyber Security Summit provided a crucial platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange to address the pressing challenges posed by cyber risks in Jordan and the wider region. The event highlighted the importance of proactive measures and cooperation among governments, institutions, and companies to ensure a secure digital environment.
