Issue 05
العربية

Esharat is a digital magazine, issued biannually and freely by Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) to provide information and raise community awareness about cyber security and technology, in line with DESC’s mandate to implement government strategy and support Dubai’s journey to becoming the safest cyberspace in the world.

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Amer Sharaf, DESC Director of Compliance, Support and Alliances, and Dr Bushra Al Blooshi, DESC Deputy Director of Information Services, respond to questions at the launch event.

Dubai now has a new and improved, minimal risk framework for industrial security: the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Standard, launched by the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) in March this year.

The ICS Security Standard aims to provide extra strength to the digital infrastructure of the city’s industrial sector, ensuring maximum protection against the international rise in cyberattacks, while also positioning Dubai as one of the safest cities in cyberspace. The emphasis of the new regulations is on industrial control systems and operational technologies.

The IT components of industrial facilities are becoming more and more connected to the internet. Of course, this has incredible benefits but increasing connectivity also makes these facilities more exposed to persistent cyberthreats. DESC’s new ICS Security Standard aims to provide advanced defence against such attacks.

Collaboration and expertise

The framework for the new standard evolved through a series of workshops with several prominent stakeholders and is aligned with the best international ICS security standards.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr Bushra Al Blooshi, Deputy Director of Information Services at DESC, expressed her appreciation for the rich expertise and comprehensive knowledge of various government entities, such as ENOC, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Airports, and the Roads and Transport Authority, and their role in co-developing and implementing the new standard.

“The UAE is committed to lead in the race towards digital transformation by adapting artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart technologies, especially ones that rely on 5G networks,” said Dr Al Blooshi. “The new standards are a crucial step towards protecting digital data across all sectors and at all cost.”

Accelerating safe progress

Amer Sharaf, Director of Compliance, Support and Alliances at DESC, confirmed that the strong ICS Security Standard is in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position the city as a leader in the cybersecurity sector.

DESC supports government entities to accelerate the growth of their projects while also maintaining the highest levels of electronic security standards within a safe and stable environment.

Icon The ICS standard aligns with DESC’s strategy of applying the highest security standards to ensure the safety of information systems and enables them to confront and tackle challenges in this domain. Icon

Amer Sharaf
Director of Compliance, Support and Alliances at DESC