Oman is entering a critical phase of cybersecurity progress, with industry leaders stressing that the nation’s future resilience depends on consistent implementation of its strong strategic foundations. Speaking at the Cysec Oman Forum, specialists highlighted that while national frameworks, regulations, and the Cyber Defence Centre have advanced governance, gaps remain between planning and execution across key industries.
The financial sector has made notable progress due to strict Central Bank cybersecurity requirements that align with international standards. However, other sectors face slower deployment, uneven capability, and limited coordination. Experts warned that cybersecurity must be treated as an evolving, continuous process rather than a one-time compliance exercise.
A major challenge raised was the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. With both government and private companies competing for limited talent, operational stability and response readiness are at risk. Experts emphasized the need for stable personnel, modern tools, and proactive processes to maintain effective defense against persistent threats.
Panelists noted that cyber resilience is not attained through policy alone — it requires strong cultural adoption, continuous investment in technology, and empowered employees. Despite the challenges, Oman remains ahead of many regional markets, with opportunities for growth in automation, AI-driven monitoring, and stronger public-private collaboration.
The forum concluded that Oman is well-positioned for the next stage of digital protection, but resilience will depend on faster implementation, deeper cooperation across sectors, and long-term leadership commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
