Staying Safe in Cyber Space


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Cyber SafetyOnline Safety, a Q-CERT Priority
Is navigating through cyberspace like driving a car? Maybe so. "In real life, you cannot drive a car, without learning how to drive, and knowing the traffic rules", says Ahmed Al Ashmawy. "Nevertheless, you are not required to know car mechanics to know how to drive, but only the basics. In cyberspace, you don't have to know technical computer details. Just the basic set of best practices will help you remain "safe".

Ashmawy, Outreach, Awareness and Training Manager for QCERT, ictQATAR's cyber security program, is helping lead efforts to reach out to the general public, to increase their awareness and understanding of how to stay safe in cyberspace. "In all what we do, we aim to influence people's daily behavior and how they interact with each other through technology, " explains Ashmawy. "By avoiding technical jargon and introducing simple messages to the general public, we introduce best practices that users need to follow in order to stay safe. That's the defining factor between security and safety. We want people to be aware and alert, but not alarmed".

One way Q-CERT is helping raise awareness of cyber security issues is by working with teachers to help them educate their students. Q-CERT has worked closely with teachers at the Aspire Academy, offering training workshops that address the educators' role in encouraging safe technology adoption. The workshops focused on four key topics: the educators' role in safe computing, mobile devices, social Networking and cyber bullying. The workshops were conducted in Arabic, to ensure the messages would be widely received.

The workshops presented materials that have been created in both Arabic and English which are specifically developed for parents and students. The materials are created for different age groups as well. For grades 1-3, the material is mainly visual, presenting messages in an appealing and compelling manner. For grades 4-6, the materials are more mature material, covering topics such as gaming online. For grades 7-12, the content moves on to discuss mobile devices, social networking and other age relevant issues. Copyrights, digital photography, online shopping, safe surfing and using search engines are topics discussed at this level.

Creating awareness is one goal, but "training the trainers" is also a target Q-CERT has been addressing. The center currently delivers professional training for critical sector organizations in Qatar, especially with the newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Administrative Development (IAD), where Q-CERT will be delivering its training courses for professionals in the institute.

Q-CERT has more plans to come. "We are also trying to work in a joint effort with other CERTs in the GCC region to create a GCC awareness initiative, to develop first hand Arabic awareness content", explains Ashmawy, "There is a real shortage in the Arabic content, which recognizes and addresses cultural context and even language and structure approach. There is a real need in this area".

Cyber security tips can be found at ictQATAR's website, by following this link.

- By: Mina Nagy





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