Doha – An awareness workshop led by cybersecurity trainer Farhan Alsadi, under the framework of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), emphasized the pressing need for individuals and organizations in Qatar to fortify their digital defences amid a sharp rise in cyber threats.
Held at the Qatar Press Center, the session highlighted the fast-evolving risks facing personal data, national infrastructure, and digital assets. Alsadi stressed that cybercrime is no longer confined to governments and corporations, but also impacts everyday users in an increasingly connected world.
“Cybersecurity is not just firewalls and passwords,” Alsadi said. “It is a structured set of practices and technologies to protect systems, networks, and information from malicious attacks.” Participants were introduced to the core objectives of cybersecurity, including:
- Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or misuse.
- Securing networks and infrastructure against cyberattacks.
- Using encryption to safeguard confidentiality during data transmission.
- Establishing strong security policies to prevent malware threats.
- Ensuring rapid response and recovery in case of breaches.
The session framed cybersecurity as a continuous, multi-layered effort aimed at building resilience and digital trust.
Alsadi also underscored the human element, noting that awareness, training, and institutional programmes remain the first line of defence. He cited the NCSA’s role in training national cadres, advancing cybersecurity research, and cooperating internationally to keep pace with global threats.
The workshop further clarified the complementary roles of the NCSA and the Ministry of Interior: while the NCSA focuses on awareness, prevention, and technical frameworks, the Ministry investigates cybercrimes, gathers evidence, and works with global agencies such as Interpol.
Concluding the session, Alsadi urged participants to adopt a proactive approach: “Cybersecurity is not a one-off task but an ongoing responsibility. Every click, every password, and every data transaction carries a risk — and also an opportunity to protect.”
