AMMAN — Jordan has emerged as a regional frontrunner in cybersecurity, ranking first in the Arab world and 20th globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). Experts say this achievement reflects the Kingdom’s deep commitment to building a digitally resilient and secure economy.
According to cybersecurity expert Hamza Akalik, Jordan’s approach goes beyond traditional network defense. “Cybersecurity in Jordan is not just about defending systems; it’s about linking technology with trust, sovereignty, and sustainable growth,” he said. The country’s National Cybersecurity Strategy (2025–2028) outlines four key goals: protecting Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), ensuring secure data governance, enhancing cyber skills, and promoting international collaboration.
The National Centre for Cybersecurity (NCSC), reporting directly to the Prime Minister, leads these efforts, ensuring cybersecurity is embedded into public and private sector operations. Akalik described this as a “security by design” mindset — a proactive shift where digital transformation and protection evolve hand in hand.
Expanding Threats in a Digitally Connected Nation
As Jordan’s digital footprint expands, so does its exposure to threats. The NCSC recorded 2,455 cyber incidents in 2023 — an 80% increase over 2022 — ranging from ransomware and data breaches to targeted phishing attacks. Akalik noted that global cybercrime, particularly ransomware, is growing rapidly, with attacks on critical sectors becoming more sophisticated and state-sponsored.
“Given Jordan’s strategic position, it is both a target and a model for cyber resilience,” he said. A successful attack on energy, healthcare, or financial systems could cause significant economic disruption and erode public confidence. To counter these risks, the government has adopted a sectoral defense approach under the National Energy Sector Strategy (2025–2028), creating specialized Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) units within key industries.
Akalik highlighted that this decentralized model strengthens national resilience by empowering each sector to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging threats.
Balancing Security, Freedom, and Accountability
Jordan’s cybersecurity framework is built on three cornerstone laws — the Cyber Security Law (2019), the Data Protection Law (2023), and the Cybercrime Law (2023) — which collectively establish a foundation for digital accountability, privacy, and protection.
While Akalik praised these legal frameworks, he acknowledged public concerns about overreach. “It’s crucial that enforcement protects citizens without stifling legitimate online expression,” he said, stressing transparency and public awareness as key to balancing safety with freedom.
Cybersecurity as an Engine for Economic Growth
The Kingdom’s cybersecurity advancement aligns with its Economic Modernisation Vision, which anticipates the ICT sector to expand by around 16% annually, reaching $5.68 billion by 2030. Akalik emphasized that cybersecurity should be seen as a driver of growth. “A secure digital environment attracts investment, boosts innovation, and builds confidence among global partners,” he noted.
He added that Jordan’s next phase of progress will depend on sustained collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector — ensuring that cybersecurity continues to power both protection and prosperity. “Jordan’s story shows that security and growth can coexist, building digital trust that benefits the entire region,” Akalik concluded.
