The World Bank mission meets the Maldives' newly formed National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA).  Establishing the NCSA marks a crucial step towards a safer Digital Maldives. The NCSA is currently operating under the administration of the NCIT, a key stakeholder of the D’MADD project. The World Bank team was led by Mr. Jerome Bezzina (Task Team Leader, Sr. Digital Development Specialist), and included Ms. Anna Metz (co-Task Team Leader, Sr. Digital Development Specialist) along with Dr. Ibrahim Waheed (Project Manager, DMADD Project).

The CEO of NCSA, Dr. Ahmed Naufal Abdul Hady, shared insights, progress made within the last month, and current challenges to strengthen the institution. One of the areas he highlighted was improving organizational resilience by acquiring technology and skilled people. He also shared the plans for the formation of the National Computer Incident Response Centre and the National Network Security Operations Centre.

He also shared his strategic objective of improving the national cybersecurity index within the next four years. The immediate focus was on public awareness of the dangers of cyberspace and the introduction of dedicated cybersecurity academic programs at local universities and colleges. The vision also includes conducting national-level cyber drills and building capacity regarding the workforce and how it is utilized daily. He also elaborated on details of his plans for the NCSA in collaboration with organizations such as the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Maldives Police Service.

Furthermore, Dr. Naufal highlighted the ongoing process of introducing national cybersecurity law.

The Mission team expressed that, based on the information provided, NCSA seemed to be headed in the right direction and offered technical support by an expert on reviewing the National Cyber Security bill draft.