Hanane djoua
Doha
With online platforms and digital systems becoming increasingly integral to daily life and business operations, the risk of cyber threats looms large.
Cyber-security experts have called for staying vigilant and implementing strong measures to protect sensitive information.
In conversations with Qatar Tribune, cyber experts have provided valuable insights into the evolving nature of cyber threats and the measures in place to combat them.
Dr Gabriele Oligeri, Associate Professor at the College of Science and Engineering from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, highlighted several common misconceptions about cybersecurity. Many believe it’s only a concern for businesses, that antivirus software alone is sufficient, or that personal information isn’t valuable to cybercriminals.
“These beliefs are misguided,” Dr Oligeri explained. “Everyone is a potential target, and true protection requires more than just antivirus software. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup.”
Dr Oligeri emphasized that achieving a completely unbreachable cybersecurity infrastructure is unrealistic. Instead, organisations must balance resources against acceptable levels of security and privacy. Regular threat landscape analysis, asset prioritization, and risk management are essential for maintaining robust security. Training and awareness are crucial, as the human element often remains the weakest link in cybersecurity defences.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) networks are transforming the cybersecurity landscape.AI enhances threat detection but can also be exploited by cybercriminals for more sophisticated attacks.
Similarly, 5G increases connectivity and speeds but expands the attack surface due to its high-speed capabilities.
Phishing and online scams are becoming harder to detect due to advancements in AI.
Dr Oligeri advised vigilance in identifying phishing attempts by scrutinizing the sender’s email, content urgency, and inconsistencies in the email body. He recommended avoiding clicks on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
Public WiFi networks pose significant risks as they allow cybercriminals to access information and launch attacks.
Dr Oligeri suggested using end-to-end encryption methods, such as HTTPS and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to mitigate these risks. Although device identifier randomization technology has improved user privacy, caution is still needed when using public networks.
Social media platforms also challenge privacy. Users’ willingness to share information often clashes with the limitations of social media platforms in ensuring privacy boundaries. Dr. Oligeri stressed the importance of being cautious with friend requests, location sharing, and the content posted online.
Legal expert Waleed Abou Neda discussed the various motivations behind cybercrimes, including financial gain, revenge, political objectives, and entertainment.
He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about cyber threats and protecting personal and institutional data, especially as online business transactions become more prevalent.
To combat cybercrime, Qatar has established the Economic and Cyber Crime Combating Department.
This department manages reports of cybercrimes and is supported by Law No (14) of 2014, which outlines strict penalties for cybercriminals.This law provides comprehensive definitions of cybercrimes and their corresponding punishments.
Ahmed Ali Alneama, another legal expert,elaborated on Qatar’s legal measures to address cybercrime.
The Qatari legislator enacted Law No 14 of 2014 to combat various forms of cybercrime and Law No. 14 of 2016 for the protection of personal data privacy.
The latter law emphasizes the need for robust security systems and imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of breaching data privacy. Companies are held fully accountable for breaches of their security measures.
If a breach is proven to be due to a flaw in their security system, the company is liable under Qatari cybercrime laws.This regulatory framework aims to ensure that organisations prioritise and maintain strong cybersecurity practices.
