President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has authorized the creation of a special agency to manage the cyber security affairs of the country.
The President has created the National Cyber Security Agency to oversee all matters related to cyber security of the state and the people and to act as the focal point at the national level.
The agency will also help enhance the cyber defense capacity of public institutions by setting rules and standards to be followed in the field of cyber security in Maldives.
The Cyber Security Agency is scheduled to study the cyber environment and carry out early identification of cyber-attacks that could threaten the state and share information about such attacks with state security agencies, as well as taking the necessary measures to prevent such attacks.
Some of the responsibilities of the cyber security agency:
- - Conduct assessments of the cybersecurity of networks and server infrastructure of government agencies, then instruct the agencies to address the issues identified by the assessments and provide the agencies with the necessary technical assistance to address the issues.
- - Review the standards adopted by international agencies related to cyber security in countering cyber threats and attacks, and shape cyber security measures in Maldives in accordance with these standards.
- - Establishment of the National Network Security Operations Center and the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team to maintain the operational capability of this team at a high level.
- - Raise the extent of Maldives’ participation in setting international standards on cyber security, representing Maldives in international cyber security-related forums, and implementing the provisions of international agreements and conventions related to cyber security to which Maldives is a party.
- - Provide technical assistance to the relevant authorities in drafting duplicate laws in the field of cyber security and formulate and disseminate rules and standards in the field of cyber security.
- - To undertake national efforts to obtain the necessary tools and resources to enhance Maldives’ capacity in the field of cyber security to protect against cyber threats and mitigate the damage caused by cyber-attacks.
- - Plan and conduct public awareness programs on cyber security and raise public awareness of the latest cyber threats (vulnerabilities) and possible measures to protect against them.
- - Identify areas where Maldives needs professionals in the field of cyber security and work with the relevant authorities to build the capacity of the individuals.
- - Conduct scientific research and publish research papers related to cyber security at international, regional, and national levels.
The agency is also responsible for taking immediate preventive measures in the event of a cyber security attack on the state agency, preventing further damage from such attacks and providing technical assistance to the agencies to continue their vital work without interruption.
The agency will also assess the damage caused by such attacks, assist agencies in their investigations to identify the perpetrators, and set and meet cybersecurity standards for government agencies to develop and operate information websites, online service systems, applications, and databases.
The newly created National Cyber Security Agency will be run by the President under the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.