Rabat – Morocco’s cybersecurity strategy must focus on prevention, early detection and rapid response rather than dealing with attacks only after they occur, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi said today.
Speaking at the opening of National Cybersecurity Week in Rabat, Loudiyi said securing information systems and strengthening their resilience had become a necessity driven by digital transformation.
“Cybersecurity is a means through which we seek to build a secure digital space,” he said, describing digital transformation as a national priority and a driver of economic and social development.
The event, organized by the General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI), which operates under the National Defense Administration, runs from October 12 to 14 under the theme “Cybersecurity in the Service of Digital Transformation and Development.”
Loudiyi said cyberattacks had moved beyond hypothetical risks discussed at specialist meetings and had become a reality affecting countries worldwide, including developed economies. The damage caused by these attacks has also raised awareness among public and private institutions of the role cybersecurity plays in managing risks and maintaining operations.
He said cybersecurity should no longer be treated as an additional expense but as a core part of institutional governance, necessary to protect interests and ensure business continuity.
Morocco’s response, he added, requires a clear national vision built around five areas. These include a legal and regulatory framework defining responsibilities and obligations, investment in human, technical and financial resources, greater public awareness, stronger detection and response capabilities, and expanded regional and international cooperation.
Loudiyi stressed that responsibility for cybersecurity extends beyond the DGSSI. While the directorate has duties defined by law, every owner of an information system must also protect it and allocate the resources needed to do so.
He also identified four priorities for the coming period, namely training specialized cybersecurity professionals, supporting Moroccan companies operating in the sector, protecting critical infrastructure and addressing the relationship between AI and cybersecurity.
AI presents risks as well as opportunities, Loudiyi said, noting that attackers can use the technology to develop threats while defenders can apply it to detect attacks earlier and accelerate their response.
He called for continued investment in preparedness, including regular reviews of security measures and tests of systems’ readiness. Since cyber threats and attackers’ methods continue to change, he said, resilience requires ongoing work rather than a project that can be completed once and left behind.
The minister also pointed to international cooperation as an important part of Morocco’s approach. Under the vision of King Mohammed VI, he said, Morocco seeks to participate actively in initiatives and mechanisms that strengthen cooperation between countries, with particular attention to its African and Arab surroundings.
National Cybersecurity Week will bring together policymakers, experts and industry professionals for roundtables and workshops examining key challenges facing the sector. The program is intended to provide a space for discussion and the exchange of expertise on cybersecurity and its role in supporting digital development.
