Vision
This strategy lays the foundation for a Secure and Trusted Cyberspace in Bahrain. A comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy is essential to effectively mobilize Bahrain’s people, businesses, and government in a coordinated effort to strengthen cyber resilience. The strategy outlines an ambitious vision and clear objectives to enhance cyber security across the Kingdom, covering government entities, critical national infrastructure (CNI) sectors, private enterprises, regional and international partners, and the entire population. Structured around five key pillars, this strategy provides a holistic approach to significantly advancing Bahrain’s cyber security over the next four years.
Five Pillars for a Cyber-Secure Bahrain
The National Cyber Security Strategy is built on five interconnected pillars that collectively address Bahrain’s cyber security needs. Each pillar represents a critical focus area, contributing to a unified framework that fosters a secure and trusted digital environment for the Kingdom.
Pillar 1: Strong and Resilient Cyber Defenses
This pillar focuses on enhancing cyber readiness and protecting systems and networks across CNI sectors. It involves deploying advanced security measures to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively. Key objectives include:
Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure: Implementing a risk-based approach to cyber security by defining requirements, assessing threats, deploying security controls, and conducting regular testing to ensure proactive threat mitigation.
Improving Cyber Incident Response: Establishing rapid-response mechanisms to contain attacks, minimize damage, and restore normal operations swiftly.
Boosting Cyber Preparedness: Developing threat scenarios, response plans, and training exercises to enhance the resilience of vital institutions.
Pillar 2: Effective Cyber Governance and Standards
This pillar establishes a governance framework to enforce cyber security policies, risk management, and compliance across organizations. It ensures strong leadership and accountability in cyber security practices. Key objectives include:
National Risk Management: Identifying critical assets, assessing risks, and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce cyber threats.
Cyber Security Policies & Compliance: Developing national standards and controls, along with enforcement mechanisms, to ensure adherence across sectors.
Developing Cyber Leaders: Providing guidelines and training programs to cultivate knowledgeable leaders who can drive cyber security initiatives.
Pillar 3: Building a Cyber-Aware Nation
This pillar aims to raise cyber security awareness among all Bahraini citizens, ensuring they can identify and counter online threats. It targets students, professionals, and the general public. Key objectives include:
National Awareness Campaigns: Launching education programs to empower individuals with cyber security knowledge, making them active contributors to national security.
Integrating Cyber Security into Education: Embedding cyber security concepts into school curricula to foster a tech-savvy generation aware of digital risks.
Pillar 4: Collective Defense Through Partnerships
This pillar promotes collaboration among government, private sector, and international partners to strengthen cyber defenses. Key objectives include:
Enhancing Cyber Threat Sharing: Establishing policies and procedures for exchanging threat intelligence at national, regional, and global levels.
Strengthening Collaborative Cyber Protection: Developing standardized response protocols to improve coordination, reduce redundancies, and refine best practices.
Pillar 5: Cyber Workforce Development
This pillar focuses on building Bahrain’s cyber talent pipeline through education, training, and industry growth. Key objectives include:
Building National Cyber Capabilities: Offering specialized training programs to develop skilled professionals who can meet Bahrain’s cyber security demands.
Supporting the Local Cyber Industry: Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in cyber security to drive economic growth and self-reliance.
Conclusion
By implementing these five strategic pillars, Bahrain will establish a robust cyber security ecosystem, ensuring long-term resilience against evolving threats while fostering a secure and thriving digital future for the Kingdom.