(Ecofin Agency) - The Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council (ESCC), presided by the country’s ministry of communication, officially launched the 2017-2021 national cybersecurity strategy. The aim of this strategy is to create a safe and secure environment for integrated electronic services in various sectors vital to Egypt’s economic development.  

The main cyber threats and challenges that Egypt wants to face via this strategy are the threats of intrusion and sabotage of IT infrastructures, cyberterrorism and cyberwar, threats on the digital identity and theft of private data. During the validity period of this strategy, six specific programmes will be implemented by the government to guarantee the security for citizens on internet and electronic networks.

It is a strong legislative framework for the development of a national integrated system for the protection of cyberspace and securitisation of IT infrastructures, the improvement of the protection of digital identity to establish trust in electronic transactions, develop the human capital in cybersecurity, support scientific research, develop the cybersecurity industry, sensitize on the importance of electronic services and cybersecurity to protect citizens.

In the 2017 Global Cybersecurity Index, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranked Egypt as the leader in Cybersecurity in Africa. The country should keep that direction to preserve itself from any vulnerability and fulfil its ambition to transform the digital world into a pillar for the economy and good governance.