The Cyber Security Network (CSN) is an initiative generated by Q-CERT, the center for information security for Qatar. Q-CERT's mission is to improve national information security by working with organizations that are critically important to the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of Qatar or to the effective functioning of its government (the Critical Sector Organizations (CSOs)).
The Cyber Security Network has been created to bring together the CSOs in Qatar, to better understand their information security requirements, and to enable Q-CERT to focus its output to meet these requirements.
Q-CERT can help CSOs add value to their organizations by
Cyber security is not confined to national boundaries. Q-CERT has established working relations with the major international security organizations, such as the CERT® Coordination Center and FIRST, as well as direct connections to many of the most active national programs around the world. These links enable Q-CERT to maintain awareness of global trends, vulnerabilities, and threats, and to provide coordination services for events that go beyond organizational or national boundaries.
Q-CERT provides a range of services, such as assessments of current security practices, advice and training on how to improve organizational incident response and recovery, and an early warning system of advisories on emerging threats and security trends. Q-CERT can help organizations improve their internal "first responder" practices to minimize damage and expedite recovery operations.
To join the program, an organization must first complete a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) because security incidents tend to involve very sensitive topics. As part of the agreement, each organization will establish formal points of contact who will serve as the connection for incident reporting and alerting services. Q-CERT will conduct the essential orientation briefings and offer ongoing training at both the management and technical levels. Q-CERT will provide for long-term process improvement through its Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) program, with an emphasis on risk management and international security standards.