LONDON: In a remarkable leap, Jordan has ascended to the 27th position on the latest Global Cybersecurity Index, a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 71st just four years ago, as announced by the head of its National Cybersecurity Center, Bassam Maharmeh, on Saturday.
During his address at the prestigious Jordan Economic Forum, Maharmeh credited this impressive advancement to the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity law in 2019, along with the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC). He emphasized the critical importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures in light of Jordan’s ongoing digital transformation, which has accelerated the adoption of technology across various sectors.
Jordan’s remarkable score of 98.6 percent on the 2024 index marks a substantial increase from a modest 71 percent in 2020, categorizing it within the “T1 — Role-modeling” segment—a designation that underscores Jordan’s exemplary efforts in the realm of cybersecurity.
According to Forum president Mazen Hamoud, the strides made in cybersecurity are expected to significantly enhance Jordan’s attractiveness to potential investors, while simultaneously boosting confidence within the private sector amid an era of rapid technological advancement.
A 2023 report released by the International Monetary Fund highlighted the alarming trend of cyber threats, revealing that over the past twenty years, more than 20,000 cyberattacks have targeted the global financial sector, resulting in staggering losses exceeding $12 billion.
The NCC is at the forefront of cybersecurity efforts, providing round-the-clock monitoring of data traffic and offering advanced services such as penetration testing and emergency response to mitigate potential threats. Additionally, the agency places a strong emphasis on supporting institutions and fostering youth engagement through training camps and competitions, as reported by the Jordan News Agency.
The notable rise in the 2024 rankings can be attributed to a concerted effort involving key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, various universities, and the Central Bank of Jordan, all working in tandem to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity posture, the report stated.
**Interview with Bassam Maharmeh, Head of Jordan’s National Cybersecurity Center**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bassam Maharmeh. Your recent announcement about Jordan’s significant improvement in the Global Cybersecurity Index is impressive. Can you tell us what specific steps were taken since the 2019 cybersecurity law was enacted?
**Bassam Maharmeh:** Thank you for having me. The 2019 cybersecurity law provided a solid framework for our cyber defenses, allowing us to implement a variety of strategies and initiatives. This includes investing in advanced technology, enhancing our workforce capabilities, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
**Editor:** It sounds like a comprehensive approach. How has the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) contributed to this success?
**Bassam Maharmeh:** The NCC plays a pivotal role in coordinating our national efforts in cybersecurity. It serves as the central hub for expertise, intelligence sharing, and incident response. By uniting various stakeholders, we’ve been able to respond more effectively to threats and vulnerabilities, leading to enhanced resilience.
**Editor:** According to your presentation at the Jordan Economic Forum, what are some of the key challenges that still lie ahead for Jordan in terms of cybersecurity?
**Bassam Maharmeh:** While we’ve made significant strides, challenges remain, such as keeping up with rapidly evolving cyber threats and ensuring ongoing public awareness and education. Additionally, as we advance our digital transformation, we must safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain trust in our digital services.
**Editor:** Given these improvements, how do you see Jordan’s role in the broader global cybersecurity landscape?
**Bassam Maharmeh:** Our rise to 27th in the Global Cybersecurity Index reflects our commitment and dedication to building a secure cyberspace. Jordan aims to become a regional leader in cybersecurity, sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration to collectively address the challenges we face.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bassam, for sharing these insights. It is encouraging to see Jordan making such progress in cybersecurity.
**Bassam Maharmeh:** Thank you for having me. We’re excited about our future and look forward to building a safer digital environment for everyone.
