AMMAN – In a world increasingly defined by digital connectivity, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is making significant strides in strengthening its digital defenses. However, as the country continues its ambitious digital transformation, experts are highlighting a crucial, often overlooked component: the human factor.
According to prominent cybersecurity expert Hamzah Akalik, true cyber resilience is not merely a matter of technology; it is about building a well-informed and capable society. In a recent interview, Akalik pointed out that while Jordan’s governance and strategic frameworks have matured, the long-term success of its digital economy hinges on raising public awareness, fostering educational development, and nurturing local innovation.
The Awareness Imperative
With a national literacy rate exceeding 98%, Jordan has a strong foundation for education. Yet, as Akalik notes, “cyber literacy” remains a widespread challenge. Citizens must be equipped to recognize and defend against modern threats like online scams, phishing, and misinformation. In response, the government has integrated cybersecurity awareness into its public education and outreach, with new, targeted programs for diverse groups, including youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Akalik stressed the need for these efforts to evolve beyond basic password hygiene. The emergence of sophisticated threats like deepfakes and social engineering requires a more dynamic and comprehensive approach, making cybersecurity a shared social responsibility.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Jordan’s universities are on the front lines of building the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, with approximately 500 graduates each year from accredited programs. These students are often job-ready upon graduation, having earned professional certifications that meet international standards.
Despite this progress, a gap remains in advanced fields such as digital forensics, malware analysis, and threat intelligence. To address this, initiatives like the US-Jordan Cybersecurity Youth Academy are providing hands-on, real-world training. Furthermore, an upcoming amendment to the Cybersecurity Law will institutionalize a National Cybersecurity Academy under the supervision of the National Centre for Cybersecurity (NCSC), a move aimed at cultivating elite local expertise and reducing dependence on foreign specialists.
Cybersecurity as an Economic Engine
Beyond its role in defense, cybersecurity is emerging as a significant economic opportunity for Jordan. Akalik highlighted a domestic market for cybersecurity solutions estimated at $100 million and growing, fueled by demand from fintech, healthcare, and digital payment sectors.
Government initiatives, such as the LevelUP Accelerator, are already supporting local startups in developing innovative security tools. The government’s plan to grant the NCSC the autonomy to invest in and establish cybersecurity companies is a notable development. This model, inspired by global best practices, aims to commercialize Jordan’s expertise and create a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem.
Legal and Institutional Modernization
As Jordan’s digital landscape evolves with technologies like AI and the IoT, so must its legal and institutional frameworks. The 2025 draft amendments to the Cyber Security Law seek to grant the NCSC greater independence and the ability to fund its own research and development. This legislative agility is crucial for the country to stay ahead of new vulnerabilities.
Akalik concluded that Jordan’s future lies in a careful balance between innovation and protection, and between regulation and freedom. By continuing to invest in its people, modernizing its laws, and supporting entrepreneurship, Jordan can transform cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a key driver of national growth. The country’s digital strength will ultimately come from an informed and resilient society, ready to innovate and thrive in the digital age.
My Analysis: A Masterclass in National Digital Strategy
What we’re seeing in Jordan is not just a reactive measure to a growing threat but a proactive, integrated national strategy. The insights from Hamzah Akalik are a blueprint for any country seeking to build a sustainable digital economy. Here’s a breakdown of why this approach is so effective:
1. The “People First” Philosophy: The emphasis on cyber literacy and public awareness is a game-changer. Technology can only do so much; the weakest link in any security chain is often the human element. Jordan’s targeted educational programs for different demographics show a nuanced understanding of this challenge. The shift from “use strong passwords” to “understand social engineering” is a sophisticated and necessary evolution of public education.
2. A Full-Stack Approach to Talent: Jordan is addressing the cybersecurity skills gap at every level, from foundational university programs to advanced, specialized training. The planned National Cybersecurity Academy is a particularly bold move. By creating a centralized institution for elite training and R&D, Jordan can ensure a steady supply of high-level talent capable of tackling complex threats like malware analysis and threat intelligence, thereby reducing its reliance on foreign expertise. This is a clear indicator of a long-term strategic vision.
3. From Cost Center to Profit Center: The most compelling aspect of this story is the re-framing of cybersecurity from a defensive cost to a genuine economic opportunity. By fostering a domestic market for cybersecurity solutions and allowing the NCSC to establish its own companies, Jordan is creating a virtuous cycle. Public-sector expertise will be commercialized, and the profits will be reinvested into further innovation, fueling the startup ecosystem. This model is not only financially sound but also positions Jordan as a regional hub for cybersecurity services.
4. Agile Governance: The mention of the 2025 legal amendments is critical. In the fast-paced world of technology, a rigid legal framework can quickly become obsolete. By granting the NCSC greater independence and funding for R&D, Jordan is building an agile governance structure that can adapt to new threats and technologies. This forward-thinking approach to regulation is essential for a secure and competitive digital economy.
In sum, Jordan’s strategy is a masterclass in holistic national security. It combines technological investment with human capital development, institutional modernization, and economic incentivization. It’s a model that many nations, especially those in developing digital economies, would be wise to study and emulate.
