Zero Trust Masterclass Hosted as Part of “Jahiz”

The Cyber Security Council, along with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), hosted a specialised masterclass under the title “Zero Trust” in collaboration with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity. The masterclass was hosted under the umbrella of “Jahiz”, one of FAHR’s most strategic national initiatives.

Attended by several government entities, the masterclass equipped participants with the latest insights and strategies to bolster their cybersecurity posture in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Zero Trust, a security concept centred around the notion of “Never trust, Always verify,” has become paramount in today’s dynamic threat environment. The masterclass provided a unique opportunity for government entities to delve into the principles and implementation strategies of Zero Trust, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

During the masterclass, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by industry experts from Fortinet, gaining invaluable knowledge on:

– Understanding the core principles of Zero Trust architecture
– Implementing Zero Trust frameworks tailored to organizational needs
– Leveraging advanced technologies to enhance security posture
– Developing robust incident response strategies within a Zero Trust framework
– Addressing regulatory compliance challenges in the context of Zero Trust

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, stressed the importance of adopting the principles of “Zero Trust” to protect information systems and government data from advanced cyber threats.

He said, “The session, which was organised by the Cybersecurity Council in cooperation with FAHR and Fortinet, comes within the framework of the Council’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of best cybersecurity practices and enhance the capabilities of government entities to address digital threats”.

Her Excellency Laila Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, praised the level of cooperation between the Authority and the Cybersecurity Council, within the framework of the memorandums of understanding signed between the two sides, stressing the importance of the “Zero Trust” masterclass that serves the efforts of the UAE government, towards fortifying ministries and federal entities against any cyber threats.

She stated that “Jahiz”, the national initiative for the future of government talents and its digital platform, is one of the distinguished future-readiness projects locally and globally, as it was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him,” in November 2022 as one of the transformational projects that contribute to developing employees, investing in their capabilities, and enhancing the readiness of government talents with the skills of the future.

Alain Penel, Vice President of the Middle East, Turkey, and CIS at Fortinet, said, “We are delighted to have collaborated with the Cyber Security Council to deliver this impactful masterclass. As cyber threats continue to pose significant risks to government organizations, it is imperative to adopt proactive security measures such as Zero Trust. Through this masterclass, we empowered government entities with the knowledge and tools necessary to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.”
The masterclass concluded with a networking session, allowing participants to exchange ideas and best practices with peers and industry experts.