Algeria has introduced a strengthened national framework to protect its public information systems against escalating cyber threats, following the adoption of Presidential Decree No. 26-07 on January 7, 2026. Published in the Official Gazette on January 21, the decree defines the organisation and operation of cybersecurity structures across public institutions, administrations and agencies.
The new framework mandates the creation of dedicated cybersecurity units within every public entity. These units will remain separate from technical IT operations and will report directly to the head of each institution. Their remit extends to supervised agencies and includes the coordination of all actions related to data protection and system security.
Under the decree, cybersecurity units are tasked with designing and overseeing institutional cybersecurity policies, mapping risks, and deploying remediation plans. Continuous monitoring, regular audits, and the immediate reporting of incidents to competent authorities are now compulsory.
The framework also enforces compliance with personal data protection legislation in coordination with the national supervisory authority. It further requires alignment with public procurement and internal security bodies to embed cybersecurity clauses into outsourcing contracts and reinforce the protection of personnel and equipment.
The move comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in cyberattacks. In 2024 alone, Algeria recorded more than 70 million cyber incidents, according to Kaspersky, placing the country 17th globally among the most targeted. Security systems blocked over 13 million phishing attempts and neutralised nearly 750,000 malicious attachments, underscoring the scale of the threat landscape.
Authorities expect the new framework to deliver lasting improvements in cybersecurity governance across the public sector. As digital systems continue to expand, the operational model aims to safeguard public services, critical infrastructure and sensitive data, while strengthening trust among citizens and economic actors in Algeria’s digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya and adapted into English by Ange J.A. de Berry Quenum.
