QATAR NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY 1. INTRODUCTION Qatar is rapidly developing its economy, in part by embracing information and communications technology (ICT) as a platform for innovation and prosperity. The adoption of ICT is expanding Qatar’s cyberspace, which has become integral to society, government, and businesses. Resilience and security in cyberspace are vital to Qatar’s continued success and growth; therefore, a comprehensive national strategy is required to address current and emerging risks and threats.1 While ICT facilitates a well-connected society, it also increases the risk of undermining our social norms. The interconnected nature of cyberspace also increases the threat from a variety of malicious actors. These threats come from hackers, hacktivists, organized criminals, and even foreign governments. Qatar currently relies on a small set of penal statutes to investigate, prosecute, and punish cyber crime; however, additional measures are needed to ensure more comprehensive protection against cyber incidents and attacks. To address current and emerging risks, Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS): §§Makes a commitment to protect Qatar’s interests in cyberspace; §§Institutionalizes a cyber security vision and objectives for the future; §§Is grounded in the key principles of leadership, shared responsibility, and ethical values; and §§Is informed by mandates, other national strategies and international best practices, as well as the rights and values of individuals. 1