Bahrain has launched the “Cyber Ready Bahrain” initiative to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen cybersecurity awareness and improve readiness against rising digital threats targeting businesses.
The initiative was launched by the Bahrain Chamber in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST) during an orientation session held in Sanabis.
The programme reflects Bahrain’s growing focus on improving national cyber resilience and supporting private sector readiness as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated across digitally connected economies.
MSMEs Identified as High-Risk Cybersecurity Targets
According to NCSC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the initiative will initially train around 100 businesses through a pilot phase focused on building cybersecurity capabilities among both technical and non-technical employees.
The programme aims to improve what officials described as “cyber hygiene” by educating businesses on threat prevention, safe digital practices, and risk management frameworks.
Cybersecurity experts increasingly warn that MSMEs are particularly vulnerable to attacks due to limited cybersecurity resources, lower awareness levels, and weaker operational safeguards compared to larger enterprises.
The initiative will begin with cyber readiness assessments for participating businesses before moving into structured training programmes and practical simulations.
Multi-Phase Training Programme to Expand National Cyber Awareness
According to NCST academic vice principal Dr Mussab Zeyad Aswad, structured training sessions will begin in June following Eid Al Adha, with later phases including cybersecurity labs, simulations, pilot implementation, and broader rollout across private and government sectors.
The training programme will include five specialized tracks:
- Non-technical cybersecurity awareness
- Technical cybersecurity training
- DevSecOps training
- Application security
- Hands-on secure coding
Officials stated that the initiative is designed to help organizations strengthen operational resilience, improve incident preparedness, and better understand evolving cyber risks.
The programme also includes the National Cybersecurity Maturity Programme, which provides progressive learning pathways for cybersecurity professionals ranging from practitioner to expert levels.
Cybersecurity Becoming a National Economic Priority
Bahrain Chamber first vice-chairman Yousif Salahuddin Ebrahim emphasized that cybersecurity has become essential for economic stability, business continuity, and maintaining trust within the digital economy.
As digital transformation accelerates across the Gulf, governments and regulators are increasingly prioritizing cyber readiness not only for critical infrastructure and large enterprises, but also for SMEs that form the backbone of regional economies.
Cybersecurity consultant Ali Beshara warned that many smaller businesses incorrectly assume they are too small to become cyberattack targets, despite increasing ransomware and data theft incidents affecting companies of all sizes.
He urged businesses to implement basic security measures including multi-factor authentication, secure data backups, and designated cybersecurity responsibility within organizations.
Officials also advised businesses to immediately report cyber incidents through Bahrain’s national cyber response channels to improve recovery outcomes and limit operational damage.
Editor’s Note
Cybersecurity resilience is increasingly becoming a business survival issue rather than simply a technical compliance requirement. As Gulf economies accelerate digital transformation, MSMEs are emerging as one of the most vulnerable segments within national digital ecosystems. Initiatives focused on awareness, readiness, and practical cyber hygiene are becoming essential components of broader economic resilience and national digital security strategies.
