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Rahul Preeth
Doha
A robust regulatory framework, empowered human resources and collaborative efforts are critical in preventing havoc-wreaking cyber-attacks, according to a senior official of Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team (Q-CERT).
“Hope can’t be an effective strategy against cyber risks,” said Dana al Abdulla, Q-CERT’s Compliance and Data Protection Director, while addressing a forum on risk management at Bin Jelmood House in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Sunday.
The annul forum, which was in its seventh edition this time, was organised by Msheireb Properties (MP).
“If you are not targeted today, it doesn’t mean you won’t be,” Abdulla warned corporations, urging them to identify and address vulnerabilities that can make a cyber attack possible.
She used the malware attack on AP Moeller-Maersk, the world’s biggest shipping container conglomerate, to drive home the point.
On June 27, 2017, Maersk came under one of the most devastating cyber-attacks in history. A malicious malware called NotPetya blanked out nearly 45,000 computers connected to its IT network across the world, disrupting operations of a company that has a ship docking at a port every 15 minutes. It took the shipping giant nearly $300 million and 10 days to get the systems back online.
Abdulla said QCERT, which is part of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, has several checks in place to ensure readiness among companies in Qatar against potential cyber attacks.
National cyber drill is an example, she said. Being conducted every year for the last six years, the drills simulate an attack on companies to highlight vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
Giving insights into the risks and opportunities stemming from disruptive technologies, Darshan Mehta, the managing director of Protiviti-Middle East, said: “Whereever there is a risk, there is an opportunity.” Samsung, he said, is a prime example of it. Known mostly for its cheap, knock-off phones and TVs, Samsung today is the largest smartphone maker, competing and sometimes excelling Apple — the company that brought disruption to the smartphone industry.
The forum also featured Simon Horst, a business risk manager of Capricorn Investment.
The seventh edition of the Risk Management Forum was attended by entrepreneurs and experts from prominent Qatari companies. The 2019 edition took place under the theme “Managing Risk in the Information Age”.
This year’s forum explored the role practitioners play in managing new and emerging risks, and opportunities presented in today’s information age. The discussions shed light on other key points, including cyber-risk, social media risk, and the risk presented by disruptive new technologies.
Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties Ali al Kuwari said, “When it comes to risk management, the best cure is prevention and comprehensive planning. As Qatar moves towards a knowledge-based society, it is important to understand the risks different industry sectors might face.
Doha
A robust regulatory framework, empowered human resources and collaborative efforts are critical in preventing havoc-wreaking cyber-attacks, according to a senior official of Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team (Q-CERT).
“Hope can’t be an effective strategy against cyber risks,” said Dana al Abdulla, Q-CERT’s Compliance and Data Protection Director, while addressing a forum on risk management at Bin Jelmood House in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Sunday.
The annul forum, which was in its seventh edition this time, was organised by Msheireb Properties (MP).
“If you are not targeted today, it doesn’t mean you won’t be,” Abdulla warned corporations, urging them to identify and address vulnerabilities that can make a cyber attack possible.
She used the malware attack on AP Moeller-Maersk, the world’s biggest shipping container conglomerate, to drive home the point.
On June 27, 2017, Maersk came under one of the most devastating cyber-attacks in history. A malicious malware called NotPetya blanked out nearly 45,000 computers connected to its IT network across the world, disrupting operations of a company that has a ship docking at a port every 15 minutes. It took the shipping giant nearly $300 million and 10 days to get the systems back online.
Abdulla said QCERT, which is part of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, has several checks in place to ensure readiness among companies in Qatar against potential cyber attacks.
National cyber drill is an example, she said. Being conducted every year for the last six years, the drills simulate an attack on companies to highlight vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
Giving insights into the risks and opportunities stemming from disruptive technologies, Darshan Mehta, the managing director of Protiviti-Middle East, said: “Whereever there is a risk, there is an opportunity.” Samsung, he said, is a prime example of it. Known mostly for its cheap, knock-off phones and TVs, Samsung today is the largest smartphone maker, competing and sometimes excelling Apple — the company that brought disruption to the smartphone industry.
The forum also featured Simon Horst, a business risk manager of Capricorn Investment.
The seventh edition of the Risk Management Forum was attended by entrepreneurs and experts from prominent Qatari companies. The 2019 edition took place under the theme “Managing Risk in the Information Age”.
This year’s forum explored the role practitioners play in managing new and emerging risks, and opportunities presented in today’s information age. The discussions shed light on other key points, including cyber-risk, social media risk, and the risk presented by disruptive new technologies.
Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties Ali al Kuwari said, “When it comes to risk management, the best cure is prevention and comprehensive planning. As Qatar moves towards a knowledge-based society, it is important to understand the risks different industry sectors might face.
