National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) -UAE's Standard
NESA is a set of mandatory information security controls that organizations operating in the UAE must implement in order to protect their data and information systems from cyberattacks. The standard was developed by the National Electronic Security Authority (NESA), the federal authority in the UAE responsible for cybersecurity.
Key functions and responsibilities of NESA include:
Regulation and Compliance:
NESA establishes and enforces cybersecurity regulations and standards to ensure that critical sectors, such as energy, finance, healthcare, and transportation, comply with robust cybersecurity measures.
Incident Response and Coordination:
NESA oversees the response to cybersecurity incidents, coordinating efforts across various sectors to mitigate threats and minimize the impact of cyber attacks.
Capacity Building and Training:
NESA focuses on enhancing the cybersecurity skills and capabilities of professionals within critical sectors by providing training programs and initiatives.
Threat Intelligence:
NESA gathers and analyzes cybersecurity threat intelligence to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities, enabling proactive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.
National Cybersecurity Strategy:
NESA contributes to the development and implementation of the UAE's national cybersecurity strategy, aligning efforts to protect the country's digital assets and infrastructure.
The NESA Cybersecurity Standard consists of 188 security controls that are divided into two families: Management and Technical security controls. The Management controls are designed to establish and maintain an information security management system (ISMS), while the Technical controls are designed to protect information systems from specific cyber threats.
The NESA Cybersecurity Standard is based on international best practices, including the ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. However, it also includes additional controls that are specific to the UAE's unique cyber threat landscape.
Compliance with the NESA Cybersecurity Standard is mandatory for government entities, critical infrastructure operators, and companies in the private sector that are identified as critical infrastructure. However, all organizations in the UAE are encouraged to implement the standard, as it provides a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk management.
Here are some of the benefits of complying with the NESA Cybersecurity Standard:
Reduced risk of cyberattacks and data breaches
Improved protection of critical information and infrastructure
Increased trust and confidence from customers and partners
Enhanced compliance with other regulations and standards