Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ (MoTC) Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team (Q-CERT), has carried out the First GCC Cyber Security Drill.

Cyber defenders from four GCC countries participated in the event, which was held based on the recommendation from the GCC CERTS Committee of the Secretariat General of the GCC.
The drill aimed at exploring the best practices and tactics in terms of early and successful detection and blocking of cyber threats, in addition to testing the core elements of resiliency and strength throughout GCC cyber defence systems and networks, according to a press statement.
Also among the key objectives is to enhance co-ordination, communication, teamwork and GCC computer emergency response teams’ capabilities by sharing information, alerts and potential threats in order to ensure continued collective efforts against cyber threats.
The drill featured multiple mock cyberattacks that organisations counter. The aim was to learn, test and share how GCC government and private organisations responded to and handled such attacks rapidly and effectively, the statement noted.
GCC countries that participated in the mock exercises hailed the drill, noting that it was planned and managed efficiently by Q-CERT.
This First GCC Cyber Security Drill precedes the Regional Cyber Security Drill to be held next year with participation from some Arab countries and the ITU Regional Office, under the patronage of the MoTC and for which Q-CERT will design all mock cyberattack scenarios.