In a significant stride towards fortifying digital security, the Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) officially inaugurated its new Cyber Defense Center.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the SFD headquarters, was presided over by His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Director of the Sharjah Finance Department. Sheikh Rashid, along with Saqr Al Ali, the Director of the Information Security Office at SFD, and several SFD directors and employees, marked the official launch of the Cyber Defense Center by pressing the ceremonial inauguration button.
Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) Inaugurated a New Cyber Defense Center
In his address during the ceremony, Sheikh Rashid highlighted the significance of the new center. He noted that while the Cyber Defense Center had been operating in a trial capacity since 2023, its official opening underscores its pivotal role in addressing escalating cyber threats.
The center’s mission is to provide comprehensive support to various SFD departments and affiliated offices, ensuring heightened levels of digital security and fostering a robust, effective cyber defense system.
The Cyber Defense Center is envisioned as a critical asset for Sharjah’s government institutions, enhancing the governance of crucial data, safeguarding sensitive information, and securing electronic systems. This initiative responds to the growing threats in the digital realm, driven by rapid technological advancements and an increasing dependence on digital and artificial intelligence applications.
Sheikh Rashid emphasized the urgent need for continuous effort and investment to bolster cybersecurity capabilities. The center, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a highly skilled team, is designed to proactively address and manage potential cyber threats. Its core functions include real-time threat monitoring, prompt incident response, and adherence to global best practices and standards in cybersecurity, reported Sharjah24.
The Cyber Defense Center Will Empower Education and Training
The center is not just about defense; it is also a hub for education and training. Sheikh Rashid outlined that the center would play a crucial role in developing national talent in cybersecurity. It will focus on educating individuals and institutions about the importance of cybersecurity, providing them with guidance on protecting their data from online threats. This educational aspect aims to foster a unified security culture within the SFD and the broader community.
Saqar Al Ali, Director of the Information Security Office at SFD, also addressed the increasing incidence of cyberattacks faced by organizations worldwide. He attributed this surge to rapid digital transformation and the growing reliance on digital systems. According to Saqar Al Ali, updating cybersecurity strategies to keep pace with new threats is essential.
The Cyber Defense Center’s services include network monitoring, threat detection, technical consultations, and specialized training, all of which leverage cutting-edge threat intelligence technologies and advanced platforms for big data analysis and artificial intelligence. These capabilities are aimed at early detection of cyberattacks and mitigating their impact effectively.
The inauguration of the cybersecurity center marks a significant advancement in Sharjah’s cybersecurity landscape. By integrating advanced technological services with a strategic focus on education and national capacity building, the center is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding digital infrastructure and enhancing overall cyber resilience.