The governments of the United Kingdom and Kuwait have reached an agreement to support the functions of the Kuwait National Center for Cybersecurity. This agreement aims to establish a national umbrella responsible for securing and protecting information networks, telecommunications, information systems, and exchanging information operations using electronic means.
The head of the center, Major General Mohammad Bouaraki, stated in a July statement that the main goal of the center is to create a comprehensive cybersecurity framework within Kuwait. This framework will ensure the country’s ability to safeguard its critical infrastructure and information assets from cyber threats. With the signing of this agreement, the UK will provide the necessary support and expertise to help Kuwait achieve its cybersecurity objectives.
The agreement was signed by Major General Bouaraki and Juliet Wilcox, the cybersecurity ambassador for UK Defence and Security Exports at the Department for International Trade. As part of this collaboration, the UK will assist the center by providing the systems and capabilities required to protect its operations from potential threats. Additionally, the agreement includes a provision to coordinate incident response efforts, enhancing Kuwait’s ability to effectively handle cybersecurity incidents.
The decision to forge this partnership follows Kuwait’s commitment in 2015 to invest $1 billion in its cybersecurity objectives. This investment aimed to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure and establish close collaborations with US and UK counterparts. Taking inspiration from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, Kuwait aimed to centralize its cybersecurity activities under one organization.
In line with its cybersecurity strategy, Kuwait has prioritized the development of a national information sharing partnership. This partnership will involve government agencies, the private sector, and leading cybersecurity companies. By establishing relationships with cybersecurity vendors and enhancing its capabilities, Kuwait aims to improve its ability to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Commenting on the agreement, Juliet Wilcox emphasized that the establishment of the center provides Kuwait with a solid foundation to build the necessary expertise and capabilities in cybersecurity. The signing of the declaration reaffirms the commitment of both countries to collaborate and contribute to future advancements in cybersecurity. Wilcox expressed her enthusiasm for joint work with Kuwaiti partners, aiming to generate innovative ideas and approaches for addressing cybersecurity challenges.
This partnership between the UK and Kuwait highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing cybersecurity threats. With cyber incidents becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, countries recognize the need to pool resources and expertise to effectively combat these challenges. By sharing best practices, knowledge, and technological capabilities, nations can collectively enhance their cybersecurity resilience.
The agreement between the UK and Kuwait lays the groundwork for a long-term collaboration in the field of cybersecurity. Through joint efforts, both countries aim to foster innovation, develop cybersecurity talent, and build robust defenses against cyber threats. As technology continues to advance, the need for global cooperation in the realm of cybersecurity will only become more critical. By working together, nations can ensure a safer digital landscape for their citizens and protect the integrity of their critical infrastructure.