des experts plaident pour la création de structures dédiées à la cybersécurité au sein des entreprises
Urgent Call for Strategic Cybersecurity in Algeria’s Finance Sector
On Saturday in Algiers, experts and professionals emphasized the critical need for a strategic approach to cybersecurity within companies, particularly in the financial sector. This call was made during a workshop titled "The Security of Information Systems in the Financial Circuit: From Resilience to Regulation," organized by the Algerian Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies (UAR) and the Association of Former Students of the Institute of Customs and Financial Economics (AIEDF).
The Need for Dedicated Security Structures
Participants highlighted the importance of establishing dedicated security structures, such as Security Operations Centers (SOCs), in response to the increasing complexity of cyber threats as the country moves towards digital transformation. Youcef Benmicia, president of UAR, underscored that strengthening the resilience of information systems is a "strategic challenge" for all sectors, particularly finance. He noted the increasing interconnectivity of systems, the growth of payment methods, and the management of vast amounts of data as critical vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
Benmicia advocated for a comprehensive strategy for managing cyber risks, which should include prevention measures, protection plans, business continuity strategies, and tailored insurance solutions. He cautioned that financial institutions face similar cyber risks as their international counterparts, including malware attacks, system sabotage, and data theft—all of which can lead to significant operational disruptions or financial losses.
Proactive Measures and Risk Anticipation
Mourad Sidane, CEO of the Algerian Telecommunications Industrial Company (Sitel), emphasized the importance of anticipating risks such as hacking, data theft, and ransom demands through the establishment of SOCs within each enterprise, particularly in finance. These SOCs, staffed by security analysts and engineers, are equipped with monitoring tools that can detect, analyze, and prevent cyber attacks. Sidane stressed the need for coordination among these centers to form an effective "digital shield" that protects the national economy.
He praised Algeria’s existing legal framework for cybersecurity but pointed out that the responsibility for securing information technologies lies with each individual organization, which should rely on specialized expertise.
Aligning Security Policies with Strategic Goals
Bouchera Bibi Triki, a consultant in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), also contributed to the discussion. She urged businesses to adopt security policies that align with their strategic objectives. Bibi Triki emphasized the need to mitigate internal cyber risks through staff training and awareness programs. This proactive approach is essential to safeguard sensitive information against both external and internal threats.
Conclusion
The workshop served as a crucial platform for discussing the pressing issue of cybersecurity in Algeria’s financial sector. As threats become increasingly sophisticated, experts agree that a strategic, well-coordinated response involving dedicated security operations and comprehensive risk management is essential for protecting vital economic infrastructures. Recognizing and addressing these cyber vulnerabilities is not just a technical necessity; it has become a strategic imperative for businesses in the digital age.
