Rabat – Securing information systems and strengthening their resilience is no longer a choice, but a necessity driven by digital transformation, stressed Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the National Defense Administration, on Monday in Rabat.
Speaking at the opening of the National Cybersecurity Week, “Morocco CyberSecurity Week,” organized in accordance with Royal Directives by the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI), under the National Defense Administration, Mr. Loudyi indicated that cybersecurity is a means of building a secure digital space, conducive to the success of the digital transition as a priority project and catalyst for socio-economic development in the Kingdom.
In this regard, he stated that this national week, themed “Cybersecurity in the Service of Digital Transformation and Development,” aims to be a space for constructive dialogue on cybersecurity challenges and how to address them through common approaches. He noted that the impact of cyberattacks cannot be ignored, especially since these attacks are no longer hypothetical risks discussed only in meetings of specialists, but a reality faced by all countries without exception, including developed nations.
Speaking of the damage caused by these attacks, which have contributed to raising awareness among both public and private institutions regarding the role of cybersecurity in risk management, Mr. Loudyi pointed out that cybersecurity is no longer a luxury, but occupies a central place in institutional governance and is essential for the continuity of their operations and the protection of their interests.
These challenges require continued efforts within the framework of a clear national strategy, setting priorities and directions while ensuring coordination among stakeholders, he continued, noting that this vision rests on five complementary pillars: a clear legal and regulatory framework, the development of human, technical, and financial capacities, awareness-raising and the dissemination of a cybersecurity culture, and the strengthening of detection and response capacities, as well as regional and international cooperation.
These significant efforts constitute the pillars of a coherent national system that requires complementary roles, Mr. Loudyi pointed out, emphasizing that through this complementarity, “we are building our collective resilience.”
He added that the expected resilience is the result of sustained work that requires adaptation to new developments, given that threats are constantly evolving while cyberattack perpetrators continue to demonstrate ingenuity. It is therefore important to strengthen vigilance, review protection measures, and assess system reliability, he said.
In this area, it is not enough to prepare for current threats; one must anticipate future ones, he maintained, indicating that field experience and lessons learned highlight four fundamental challenges that must be prioritized in the next phase.
These are: talent development, support for companies within the national cybersecurity ecosystem, protection of critical infrastructure, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
He further emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation, recalling that Morocco, in accordance with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, actively participates in initiatives and mechanisms aimed at strengthening cooperation between countries, with particular attention to the Kingdom’s African and Arab environment.
“Building a secure digital space is a shared responsibility that requires continuous effort, strengthened coordination, investment in skills, and the establishment of a culture of vigilance and anticipation,” he stated, noting that cybersecurity is the essential pillar of “the trust we are building together.”
Held from October 12 to 14, National Cybersecurity Week brings together decision-makers, experts, and cybersecurity professionals for a comprehensive program of roundtables and workshops.