As Egypt navigates the complexities of a digital age, the importance of cybersecurity has become increasingly evident. With rising cyber threats institutions worldwide face ransomware attacks at an average rate of one every 11 seconds. The global cost of cybercrime was estimated at USD 8.4trn in 2022, with an annual cost expected to exceed USD 20trn by 2026.
In recent years, Egypt has managed to maintain low rates of online threats, despite vulnerabilities in web pages, emails, and web services. Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and other government entities to enhance cybersecurity, there is significant potential for further reductions in these threats through improved legislative frameworks, public-private partnerships, and education. This article will explore the threats, challenges, and opportunities of cybersecurity to enable Egypt to become resilient and capitalize on the large revenue potential of the sector.
Impacts of a Conducive Regulatory and Legislative Environment on Cybersecurity
An enabling regulatory and legislative environment is crucial for strengthening cybersecurity in Egypt as it creates safety measures for users, companies, and government entities. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been instrumental in enforcing stringent data protection and privacy practices, driving organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) provides support and guidance to member states, facilitating a unified approach to cybersecurity. Regional frameworks developed in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have provided use cases for implementing cybersecurity frameworks that both enable safety and encourage private sector participation for greater outreach and sectoral knowledge.
In Egypt, Law No. 151 of 2020 Promulgating the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) has put Egypt on the map, regionally, as it began to make serious efforts toward digital transformation and cybersecurity. However, four years after its issuance, the Executive Regulations of the law have not been issued, putting these efforts to a great halt, and leading Egypt to fall behind in developing its ICT sector, in comparison to its neighboring countries. With that being said, this allows Egypt to gather lessons learned from similar regulations on the regional and global levels, to create and lead the cybersecurity sector. Similarly, in 2018 Egypt issued Law No. 175 of 2018 on Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes and its Executive Regulations, which provided mandates on the basic standards that must be followed by any information technology service provider. However, as the cybersecurity sector evolves and new threats are on the rise, gap analysis on the existing systems would showcase new technologies and ensure solid compliance.
Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy by integrating the strengths and resources of both sectors. For Egypt, leveraging such collaborations can enhance its cybersecurity posture and create a more resilient digital ecosystem. The Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council (ESCC), part of the Egyptian Cabinet, has developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2023-2027. This strategy focuses on tackling the rising cyber threats from various sources while fostering human capital and building a strong national industry. Public-private partnerships are integral to this effort, as they will enhance collaboration and innovation, ultimately contributing significantly to Egypt's GDP. This collaborative approach also enhances situational awareness, enabling quicker identification of threats and more coordinated responses.
Collaborative development of cybersecurity standards and best practices is vital for ensuring consistent and effective security measures across sectors. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the creation of national cybersecurity guidelines that address specific needs and challenges faced by various industries. By working together to establish these standards, Egypt can ensure that they are practical, widely accepted, and effectively implemented, thereby strengthening overall cybersecurity resilience.
Cybersecurity Education and Awareness
Cybersecurity education and awareness are fundamental to building a resilient digital environment. The Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT) has launched multiple cybersecurity awareness campaigns aimed at schools with “cybersecurity for kids” campaigns to develop a robust cybersecurity environment. Moreover, Training programs should cover a wide range of topics, including basic cybersecurity concepts, threat identification, safe online practices, and incident response. These programs can be tailored to different audiences, such as executives, IT professionals, and general employees, to address their specific needs and responsibilities.
Public-private partnerships can support the development and dissemination of educational resources, such as online safety campaigns, workshops, and training programs. These initiatives help individuals and businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity, recognize potential threats, and adopt safe online behaviors.
Conclusion
As Egypt advances in the digital realm, the government can navigate the intricate balance between enhancing cybersecurity and protecting privacy. By refining legislative frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in education and awareness campaigns, Egypt can secure its digital frontier. The challenge is significant, but with a collaborative and holistic approach, Egypt can emerge as a leader in cybersecurity while upholding the values of privacy and security.