Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), part of Digital Dubai, has launched the Cyber Node initiative, in partnership with Thales Group, a global leader in cybersecurity technologies and data protection.
The new initiative aims to develop an advanced and specialised cyber-workforce that fosters innovation, supports digital economic growth and contributes to the development of new technologies.
Cyber Node is the first initiative under the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park, which was launched earlier this year during GISEC 2022.
Cyber Security Strategy
The launch of Cyber Node comes as a result of DESC’s continuous efforts to achieve the objectives of Dubai’s Cyber Security Strategy, which focuses on building a cyber smart society.
Cyber Node provides the necessary ecosystem for upskilling the cyber workforce, in addition to protecting Dubai's critical information infrastructure from the ever-changing cyber risks. Cyber Node will become a hub for cyber experts from the public and private sectors, and academic institutions.
Commenting on the launch of the new initiative, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai said: "DESC's latest initiative Cybernode is in line with the objectives of Dubai government and the aspirations of the wise leadership for Dubai to be a global model for a digital lifestyle. Nowadays, cybersecurity emerges as one of the challenges we seek to include in the comprehensive digital life we aspire for.
Future full of digital transformations
“Cyber Node initiative is important in this regard. We at DDA are proud to join efforts with DESC and foresee a future full of digital transformations. Cyber Node, the result of a strategic partnership with an international company like Thales, is now in full readiness to welcome cybersecurity experts, academics, and graduates aspiring to be part of an advanced cybersecurity hub."
On his part, Yousef Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, said: “This partnership with Thales comes as part of our efforts to equip Dubai’s cyber professionals and citizens with the right skills and provide training programs that meet the highest international standards. It will help develop specialised competencies, at the local and national level, to ensure the security of the cyberspace in the Emirate of Dubai and support the process of digital transformation across the emirate.
Through the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park, we seek to form and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders in the field of cybersecurity. The new initiative will also facilitate the further development of a world-class integrated cybersecurity ecosystem, that will enhance Dubai’s position as a pioneer in innovation, safety and security,” added Al Shaibani.
Safe and effective environment
The Cyber Node initiative, which is managed and operated by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, is based on a safe and effective environment which tests the capabilities of electronic security, by developing complex scenarios drawn from practical reality, with the aim of training participants to solve them professionally.
Additionally, Cyber Node provides a series of specialised training courses and educational programmes on cyber security, where individuals are trained on dealing with the latest cyberattacks using comprehensive training based on the cyber domain environment.
Bernard Roux, CEO Thales in the UAE said: “Thales is honoured to be nominated by DESC for this strategic partnership that meets Dubai’s highest security expectations within the cyberspace. Due to Thales’ technological expertise in fields such as Security, Defence, Aerospace, Space, Transportation, AI and Big Data, we offer a unique differentiation in Cybersecurity. Our legacy is behind our cybersecurity expertise and resilience to new threats not only on our own solutions but also on any other solutions in the market.”
Research and knowledge arm
The Dubai Cyber Security Innovation Park (DCIP) is the research and knowledge arm of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre.
It was recently launched in line with Dubai's vision to achieve economic prosperity that supports the emirate's digital transformation, consolidating the security of its cyberspace and protecting it from risks and threats. DCIP provides an integrated system of cybersecurity innovations, and aims to empower the next generation of cyber security experts.-- TradeArabia News Service