Page 78 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

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Bahrain Partners With UNDP to Drive Digital Transformation for Human

Development

The United Nations Development Program NHDR: Mapping Bahrain’s Digital technologies for both social and economic
(UNDP) in Bahrain and the Bahrain Center Transformation. The NHDR on Digital progress, alongside the challenges and
for Strategic, International, and Energy Transformation will explore how digital considerations for ensuring safe and
Studies (Derasat) have signed a project advancements can propel human equitable implementation. The NHDR
document aimed at advancing Bahrain’s development across Bahrain, with a focus will not only assess Bahrain’s digital
National Human Development Report on key areas such as reducing the digital ecosystem but will also benchmark its
(NHDR). This strategic initiative focuses divide, enhancing privacy, strengthening progress against regional and international
on accelerating digital transformation to cybersecurity, and integrating digital standards. Through actionable insights
promote inclusive and sustainable growth, technologies into public services. This and recommendations, the report aims
aligning with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the comprehensive report will highlight to strengthen digital inclusion, privacy
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). the transformative potential of digital protection, and digital infrastructure
security to create a more resilient society.
Collaborating for a Digital and Inclusive
Future. UNDP’s partnership with Derasat,
alongside contributions from government
agencies, civil society, and private sector
entities, ensures that the NHDR is informed
by diverse perspectives and aligned with
Bahrain’s national goals. Together, these
stakeholders aim to lay the groundwork for
policies that integrate digital technology
to foster inclusive, sustainable growth
throughout Bahrain. UNDP Bahrain remains
committed to empowering communities
through digital transformation, ensuring
all citizens and residents have equitable
access to technology and opportunities.
With Derasat and the Kingdom of Bahrain
as key partners, UNDP looks forward
to driving impactful progress toward a
digitally inclusive and resilient society.

Pakistan’s Telecom Sector Faces Surge in Cyber Attacks

A recent report from Pakistan’s The report highlights the growing threat agencies, internet infrastructure, and
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) from Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) healthcare organizations. The report
reveals alarming figures in the country’s groups, considered the most sophisticated emphasizes that geopolitical factors
telecom and digital sectors, with 720 and dangerous cyber adversaries. influence these attackers” objectives, as
malware attacks recorded in 2023 alone. In APT groups continuously evolve their they seek to steal sensitive information
addition, the digital landscape experienced attack strategies, often staying ahead of and disrupt operations in critical sectors.
550 phishing attacks, 300 DDoS incidents, traditional defenses, and target high-value The telecom sector in Pakistan was
200 ransomware intrusions, and 150 sectors with geopolitical motivations, particularly impacted, with Gamaredon
insider threats. These figures underline posing significant risks to national responsible for 20 attacks, Donot with 14,
the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity security. Notable APT groups targeting Bitter with 13, and Kimsuky and Lazarus
measures to protect Pakistan’s rapidly Pakistan in 2023 include Gamaredon, each conducting 8 attacks. Sidewinder
expanding digital economy and secure Donot, Sidewinder, and Lazarus, which accounted for 7 incidents, along with 17
user data and critical infrastructure. have primarily focused on government attacks from various other APT groups.

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