Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) in Oman has introduced a series of robust cybersecurity guidelines to bolster information security across governmental bodies. These guidelines aim to safeguard valuable information assets and standardize security measures within government entities.
Central to these initiatives is the Basic Information Security Controls Guidelines, which outline essential security standards that governmental organizations are expected to follow. These standards are designed to fortify the protection of critical information assets, thereby enhancing the security framework of these agencies.
In response to the vulnerabilities associated with social media, the ministry has also crafted a Social Media Security Guide. This guide provides specific recommendations to secure government-managed social media accounts while ensuring compatibility with internal security protocols.
To combat the threats of hacking and impersonation, the ministry is proactively enhancing the security of official social media platforms and websites through ongoing updates to security protocols and guidelines.
The Cybersecurity Governance Guidelines introduce a cohesive framework for managing governance, risk, and information security, aligning cybersecurity efforts with broader security strategies and detailing procedures for effective cybersecurity management.
Additionally, the Information Security and Systems Classification Guide helps public agencies classify their data and systems in accordance with Royal Decree No 118/2011, determining necessary security measures for different data types.
The ministry has also released the Free Software Adoption Guide, developed in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, to help governmental agencies optimize their technology spending with cost-effective software solutions.
Addressing child safety online, the Guide to Protecting Children Online outlines strategies to shield children from online hazards.
Furthermore, the ministry has provided crucial resources such as the Guide and Template for Preparing an Information Technology Strategy in Government and the Digital Participation Guide for the Government Sector. These tools support digital transformation and effective IT strategy development within government entities.
Lastly, the Basic Cybersecurity Controls document lists essential security measures that governmental units must implement to ensure robust protection of their information assets. This is part of a comprehensive effort to maintain stringent cybersecurity standards across all governmental sectors in Oman.
