Cybersecurity Week Kicks Off in Rabat
The National Cybersecurity Week commenced on October 12, 2026, in Rabat, initiated by the Directorate General for Information Systems Security (DGSSI). This significant event, running through October 14, has brought together policymakers, industry experts, and representatives from various countries to discuss the pivotal issues surrounding information system protection, digital transformation, and the emerging threats linked to artificial intelligence.
Fostering Digital Trust Through Collaboration
Organized under High Royal Instructions, this year’s theme, "Cybersecurity in the Service of Digital Transformation and Development," underscores the vital connection between the advancement of digital services and the trustworthiness of the systems that support them. During the opening session, Abdeltif Loudyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, highlighted the importance of a secure environment as a prerequisite for sustainable digital transformation, which is essential for safeguarding data, networks, and critical operations.
Over three days, roundtable discussions and workshops will address various crucial vulnerabilities present in cyberspace. Topics of focus include the protection of vital infrastructure, national strategies, cloud security, and combating cybercrime, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, which is viewed as both a defensive tool and a potential vector for evolving threats. The event aims to share national experiences and enhance the understanding of how to maintain essential services in the event of significant cyber incidents.
Additionally, the conference emphasizes African collaboration and international exercises, providing training for Moroccan professionals alongside their counterparts from Arab and African nations. An interactive workshop facilitated by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is set to take place, along with a cybersecurity exercise conducted with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), involving representatives from approximately thirty countries.
The program includes a dedicated day to discuss the challenges faced across the African continent and potential collective responses. A cyber-diplomacy workshop will engage African embassies accredited in Morocco, featuring participation from Smart Africa and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). Meetings of the African Network of National Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA) are also planned to enhance dialogue among institutions and facilitate the sharing of experiences in this critical domain, where cyber threats can easily transcend borders.
In his remarks, Loudyi underscored that cyberattacks have become a common reality for nations worldwide and that the influence of artificial intelligence can exacerbate their effects. He advocated for a comprehensive approach driven by a national strategy, a robust legal framework, awareness, education, and enhanced detection and response capabilities. He outlined the DGSSI's ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of Security Operations Centers (SOCs), the development of audits and controls, and training for information systems security personnel.
The minister outlined four immediate priorities: cultivating talent, supporting industry stakeholders, better protecting critical infrastructure, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Loudyi emphasized that beyond technical measures, there is a shared responsibility among public and private sectors, asserting that digital resilience relies on continuous vigilance and sustained cooperation, both within Morocco and with regional and international partners.
As reported by quid.ma.
