Key Aspects of the Seriousness of Emerging Cyberthreats: Emerging cyberthreats may be very serious due to three main aspects: They often deploy advanced and sophisticated technologies Few countries and large companies often have a monopoly on these technologies. Many of these technologies are top-secret and not available for export. Furthermore, the exportable versions of some technologies may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities that make them a source of additional threats. They can spread easily and rapidly Spreading malicious viruses, launching DDoS attacks and other advanced cyberattacks can occur very quickly and easily, due to the widespread use of ICTs, and because of the ease of launching these attacks remotely and transmitting viruses across borders from anywhere and at a low cost. It is also difficult and often impossible to trace the main origin of those threats and risks in time to address and overcome them. They can have a widespread impact Cyberattacks may have extensive direct and indirect impact on the infrastructure, causing substantial damage and losses. In addition, they may be executed remotely and expand suddenly in unpredictable manner, while potentially affecting critical entities and large numbers of citizens (thousands or millions). Cyberattacks and cybercrimes may transcend the geographical boundaries of countries, and usually rely on both traditional and technical organized crime networks. Confronting such attacks and crimes must therefore include the traditional mechanisms of international cooperation to combat crimes and face cyberthreats, as well as legislative and regulatory frameworks with special mechanisms to handle the emerging technical developments. Effective response to cyberattacks and cybercrimes necessitates cooperation and coordination at the national level, among partners providing and operating infrastructure at critical sectors, and partners providing services, including government agencies, institutions and companies. In addition, international and regional cooperation and coordination are highly essential, and need to include key international organizations, regional gatherings and professional and specialized international forums. 8 Strategic Objective “To confront cyberthreats and enhance confidence and security of the ICT infrastructure, and its applications and services in various critical sectors, in order to create a safe, reliable, and trusted digital environment for the Egyptian society.” Pillars of Strategic Direction to Face Cyberthreats The main preparedness pillars to face cyberthreats can be identified as follows: Strategic and Executive Political and Institutional Support: This includes raising awareness of the seriousness of cyberthreats and the need to address them as a priority and with the utmost urgency. This also entails placing an emphasis on preplanning, including developing strategic and operational plans, contingency plans and emergency coordination mechanisms; and preparing cadres and technical and logistic equipment. Legislative Framework: Establishing an appropriate legislative framework is essential for enhancing cyberspace security, combating cybercrimes, protecting privacy and digital identity and supporting information security, with the participation of key stakeholders, experts from the private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), guided by relevant international expertise, experiences and programs. This needs to be coupled with preparing and training professionals and specialists in law enforcement at judicial and police entities. 9