ICT Minister Witnesses Launch of NTI Cybersecurity Academy, Signing of MoUs with CyberX, BARQ Systems
Date: August 3rd, 2024
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat has witnessed the launch of phase one of the Cybersecurity Academy for Juniors and Youth program at the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) headquarters in Smart Village.
The program is a joint initiative between NTI and the Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT) of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA). Its goal is to enhance community awareness about safe internet usage by providing training in cybersecurity skills and fundamentals, including methods to prevent cyber-attacks and protect privacy and data. The program offers free training over two months for approximately 1,300 participants, ranging from 12-year-olds to university students and graduates from various academic disciplines and universities across Egypt.
The launch event was attended by the Vice ICT Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Transformation Raafat Hendy, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) Ahmed Elzaher, Advisor to the ICT Minister for Technological Talents Hoda Baraka, Chairwoman of the Information Technology Institute (ITI) Heba Saleh, Deputy of the ICT Committee in the House of Representatives Martha Mahrous, and officials from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and NTRA.
The Academy program includes age-specific competitions and sessions developed by experts from NTRA, NTI, CyberX—a leader in cybersecurity awareness—and BARQ Systems, a provider of cybersecurity and IT infrastructure solutions. For older participants, the program features hands-on activities and VR-powered games, designed to raise cybersecurity awareness, and implemented for the first time in Egypt.
In his remarks, the ICT Minister emphasized the global focus on cybersecurity due to the growing threats posed by cyber-attacks across various sectors, especially as nations increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver and manage essential services and utilities. He highlighted the global priority placed on building cybersecurity capacity as a crucial element of national security efforts. The Minister also noted that cybersecurity is a key pillar in the Egyptian government’s national security strategy.
MCIT is committed to organizing initiatives like this training program to raise awareness about cybersecurity and its associated risks among diverse segments of society, and to empower young people to effectively manage these risks, Talaat noted. He explained that the first phase of the program focuses on educating children and adolescents about the importance of cybersecurity and potential dangers. In subsequent phases, the Academy aims to identify and nurture exceptional talent in cybersecurity among university students and graduates, intending to expand the pool of specialists and professionals in this field. He also expressed gratitude to the partner companies for their support of the program.
The ICT Minister had an open discussion with the students enrolled in the first phase of the Cybersecurity Academy. He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to provide world-class training that aligns with global technological advancements. The students expressed their enthusiasm for the topics covered in the program and their interest in pursuing studies and careers in cybersecurity.
The training lasts for eight weeks. Each group of 50 trainees spends five working days acquiring skills in using social media safely, connecting to public WiFi networks, preventing cyber harassment, understanding the risks of electronic game addiction, social engineering, QR code security, and overall Internet safety.
NTI Director Ahmed Khattab stated that the training program will be implemented in three phases. The first targets 400 students aged 12 to 17 in pre-university education, who will be trained at NTI premises in Smart Village. The second phase aims to train 450 undergraduates at Creativa Innovation Hub in the New Administrative Capital. The third phase will train 450 graduates at the Hub in Giza, with plans to expand the program to include Creativa Innovation Hubs in other governorates. Trainees will receive certificates from NTI upon completion of the training.
NTRA President Mohamed Shamroukh, in the address delivered on his behalf by EG-CERT Executive Director Walid Zakaria, explained that the launch of this training academy is part of ongoing efforts to protect children and youth from the risks associated with Internet misuse. The academy aims to increase awareness of cybersecurity and Internet safety, helping users make the most of digital services while adhering to principles of security. Shamroukh emphasized the importance of preparing generations to be conscious of these principles in an era where the Internet is essential in various aspects of life. He also noted a study by the DQ Institute, which found that many children worldwide have been exposed to various cyber risks.
In a similar vein, the ICT Minister witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements between NTI and CyberX, as well as BARQ Systems. These agreements aim to establish the Cybersecurity Academy for Juniors and Youth as a model of collaboration between MCIT, its affiliates, and private sector partners.
The agreements outline the provision of awareness courses in cybersecurity and advanced technologies for students from pre-university age groups through to young graduates at NTI branches across various governorates. Additionally, they include meeting the needs of students and graduates enrolled in various training programs, offering on-the-job training based on each company's requirements, and collaborating on consultation and scientific research.
The agreement between NTI and CyberX stipulates the use of the HubX platform and includes making the training content and outcomes of each course available.
The agreements were signed by Khattab and Co-Founder and Managing Director of CyberX Reem Alzamil.
From BARQ Systems, Group Chief Sustainability and People Management Officer Farah Swailam signed the agreement on behalf of Group President and CEO Mahmoud Soliman.
It is worth noting that transportation will be provided from various locations in Cairo and Giza to trainees enrolled in the first and second phases of the program, which will be held in Smart Village and the New Administrative Capital.
