Tribune News Network
Doha
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) announced the issuance of recommendations for securing operational technology in the electricity and water sector, ‘ISA/IEC 62443’, in partnership with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), on October 25.
These recommendations aim to adopt best practices and international standards in the electricity and water sector. The adopted ‘ISA/IEC 62443’ is a global standard developed by the International Control Association, and the International Electrical Commission to enhance the operational technology’s ability to face cyber threats and offer a framework for entities to strengthen their resilience plans.
The recommendations also included the need to consider appointing an expert or specialist in operational technology security in all concerned organisations in the electricity and water sector. The role of the expert will include developing strategic plans and following up on their implementation with regard to assessing cyber risks, and best practices to confront them and raising the level of internal systems in the concerned organisations in terms of cybersecurity.
NCSA acknowledges the critical role of human resources and the necessity to bolster cyber readiness in Qatar’s electric and water sector. As a result, NCSA initiated the second training course in operational technology security standards, in collaboration with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation “KAHRAMAA”. This training is part of a program that commenced on October 15, 2023, and which its primary objective is to equip nearly 70 specialists in the field of information security and operational technology.
Eng. Dana Al-Abdulla, director of Governance and Assurance Affairs at the National Cyber SecurityAgency said, “As part of theNCSA’s role in developing and updating policies, governance mechanisms, controls and guidelines to enhance cyber security in coordination with relevant entities, monitor compliance and elevate cyber security in critical sectors, the second training course on implementing operational technology security standards in the electricity and water sector was launched this week, as part of a series of training courses that will continue until early next year.”
Al Abdulla emphasised the importance of collaborative work and a supportive approach to enhance cyber security in critical sectors, particularly in addressing the evolving threats and risks within the operational technology systems. This can be achieved by collaborating with strategic partners to establish key governance controls, build capabilities and strengthen resilience plans in critical sectors in order to protect the State of Qatar’s cyberspace. It also involves ensuring compliance and continuously monitoring adherence to these measures.
In addition, Eng. Mohamed Yosef Al Kubisi, director of Electricity Control Department at Kahramaa, praised this step for its strategic importance, whereas the strength of the electric and water infrastructure depends on the strength of its cyber security.
In a dedicated effort to enhance cybersecurity, Kahramaa is implementing a series of strategic initiatives. These include the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, strategic partnerships, rigorous employee training programs, and close collaboration with relevant entities. Furthermore, Kahramaa has invested in state-of-the-art cybersecurity technology for the national control centres overseeing electricity and water, ensuring adherence to stringent international and national cybersecurity standards.
