Algeria has adopted a new presidential decree to strengthen cybersecurity governance across public institutions, responding to the sharp rise in digital threats facing the country.
Presidential Decree No. 26-07 of January 7, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on January 21, defines the organisation and operation of cybersecurity structures within public institutions, administrations, and agencies. The framework is designed to improve the anticipation, prevention, and management of cyberattack risks.
Under the decree, every public entity is required to establish a dedicated cybersecurity unit, structurally independent from technical information systems management. These units will report directly to the head of the institution and will coordinate all actions related to data protection and system security, including across supervised agencies.
The units will be responsible for defining and implementing cybersecurity policies, mapping risks, and deploying remediation plans. The framework also mandates continuous system monitoring, regular security audits, and the immediate reporting of any incident to the relevant authorities.
The decree further requires strict compliance with personal data protection laws, in coordination with the national supervisory authority. It also promotes closer coordination with public procurement and internal security bodies, ensuring cybersecurity clauses are embedded in outsourcing contracts and that personnel and equipment receive stronger protection.
The move comes against a backdrop of escalating cyber threats. In 2024, Algeria recorded more than 70 million cyberattacks, according to Kaspersky, ranking the country 17th globally among the most targeted. Security solutions blocked over 13 million phishing attempts and neutralised nearly 750,000 malicious attachments, underscoring the scale of risk facing both users and organisations.
Authorities expect the new framework to deliver a lasting strengthening of cybersecurity governance across the public sector and to support Algeria’s digital transition through tighter institutional oversight. As digital systems expand rapidly across the country, the operational cybersecurity framework aims to safeguard public services, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data, while reinforcing trust among citizens and economic actors in Algeria’s digital ecosystem.
