At the conclusion of the Milipol Qatar 2026 exhibition and conference, experts participating in a seminar on “Cybersecurity & Digital Transformation in National Security” highlighted the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and stronger integration of digital risk management to safeguard vital services.
Sarah al-Mawlawi, director of Corporate Information Security at Ooredoo Qatar, underscored the importance of expanding cybersecurity’s role beyond traditional governance and risk management. She advocated for embedding cybersecurity protections directly into business operations and technological processes. Achieving this, she noted, requires robust collaboration between cybersecurity teams and other corporate departments while maintaining the independence of risk assessments. Clear delineation of responsibilities and timely reporting of risks to senior management are essential to facilitate informed decisions on risk mitigation in alignment with business priorities.
Khalid al-Nasr, assistant director of the Information Security Department at the National Cyber Security Agency, emphasized preserving the autonomy of information security units to support proactive risk management. He pointed out that clear responsibilities and escalation procedures are key to minimizing confusion during security incidents. Al-Nasr also highlighted the necessity of integrating cybersecurity strategies with business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management frameworks. He stressed that responses to cyberattacks, especially those aimed at government institutions, must extend beyond IT infrastructure restoration to ensuring the continuation or timely resumption of critical government services.
Dr. Maryam Ahmed al-Faihani, director of the Cybersecurity Department at Qatar Central Bank, described cybersecurity as a shared institutional responsibility that demands a culture sensitive to digital risks. She explained that aligning protection efforts with an organization’s strategic goals and fostering effective awareness programs are vital. Furthermore, she called for enhanced communication and cooperation between cybersecurity experts and other departments to increase institutional resilience and sustain business continuity, particularly within the financial sector.
The seminar’s discussions reflect a growing recognition among Qatar’s public and private sectors that robust cybersecurity practices must be deeply integrated into organizational structures and planning processes. This approach aims to enhance national security by ensuring essential services remain operational in the face of evolving digital threats.