.jpg?20260304')
Entrepreneurs looking to open new businesses in Bahrain, whether physically or virtually, are being urged to invest in cybersecurity measures while they are building a web page for their business ... and not risk waiting in an attempt to save money.
This was recommended yesterday during the Middle East DNS Forum, a two-day conference being held at the Wyndham Grand Manama, which has brought together experts to discuss the latest developments in the global domain name sector and the best ways to strengthen systems across the GCC and Middle East.
It was hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in collaboration with organisers, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Speaking during the session titled ‘The Evolution of the Information and Communications Technology Sector in Bahrain’, Batelco director Khalid Al Rumaihi has urged new businesses to invest in cybersecurity, as attacks can happen anytime.
He spoke alongside TRA technology manager Amjad Elnayal and Etisalcom Bahrain chief executive Rashid Alsnan.
“Cybersecurity is a major part of any online business or platform,” said Mr Al Rumaihi.
“It is crucial to invest in the latest technology because hackers are always coming up with new methods to bypass measures.
“Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) for example can help find security gaps, and it has to be done while the website is being built.
“Cybersecurity has to be implemented by design, building it after the website is finished is no good as it can leave you vulnerable.”
When asked why some new businesses might skimp on cybersecurity measures, Mr Alsnan stated that it more often than not came down to a perception that action taken would be an expense rather than an investment.
“It is seen as a cost instead of a benefit,” said Mr Alsnan. “But the real cost only shows itself when the business is hit.
“Hackers are always evolving and coming up with new ways to attack and, the worst part is, you have no idea when it’s going to happen.
“Investing in cybersecurity is not just necessary, it is imperative.”
Mr Elnayal, meanwhile, recommended methods allowing Bahrain and small and medium enterprises to keep their businesses safe online.
“The first step is to have flexible regulations and be ready to adapt at a moment’s notice to new technology,” said Mr Elnayal. “Then, we have to ‘double down’ on collaboration efforts, not just between the private and public sectors, but also national and international organisations, as well as new start-ups.
“There are more large and medium businesses with domain names than ever before. Thus, the TRA has streamlined registration processes in order to protect new businesses.
“Cybersecurity should be part of every industry. It is essential to make sure we protect digital assets and educate people on how to be safe online.”
Other lectures from yesterday’s event included talks on the Domain Name Industry in the Gulf Region, ICANN’s Multifaceted Response to DNS Abuse, and DNS Abuse Mitigation Practices.
The forum concludes today with lectures and presentations on How to Register and Host an Arabic Domain Name, Expanding the Domain Name Space in the Arab Region, and Blockchain Name System Technologies.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))