King Mohammed VI has appointed General Abdellah Boutrik as head of Morocco’s General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI), the authority charged with safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure. The move reflects Morocco’s heightened focus on cyber defence amid escalating digital threats targeting public institutions, financial platforms, and strategic sectors.
Boutrik, a graduate of the Meknes Royal Military Academy with an engineering degree from the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, brings a blend of military and technical expertise. His previous roles at DGSSI, including Director of Assistance, Training and Monitoring and Deputy Inspector of Communications, provide him with deep knowledge of Morocco’s cybersecurity landscape.
Experts say the appointment underscores Morocco’s recognition that cyber-warfare is now part of hybrid conflicts, requiring leadership with both technical proficiency and strategic defence training. According to researcher Mohamed Tayyar, the decision signals that digital security now ranks at the top of Morocco’s national security priorities.
The DGSSI, under the National Defence Administration, is finalizing an updated national cybersecurity strategy focused on reinforcing digital resilience, coordinating with public and private institutions, and protecting critical sectors such as energy, banking, and media. Morocco has faced rising cyber threats, with 644 documented attacks in less than a year, including sophisticated malware campaigns like PlayPraetor.
Despite laying strong institutional and legislative foundations since 2011, challenges remain — from limited budgets and outdated infrastructure to shortages of highly specialised experts in malware analysis and reverse engineering. Boutrik’s leadership is expected to spearhead Morocco’s push for digital sovereignty, ensuring a more secure environment to support the country’s long-term digital transformation.
