Bahrain has launched a new national program, “Cyber Ready Bahrain,” to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools and knowledge to defend against a rising tide of digital threats. The initiative is a joint effort between the Bahrain Chamber, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and the Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST).
Quick Facts
- New national cybersecurity initiative launched.
- Aims to train 100 MSMEs initially.
- Focuses on cyber hygiene and threat prevention.
MSMEs in the Crosshairs
Regulators are increasingly flagging MSMEs as highly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their limited resources, lower security awareness, and weaker operational defenses compared to larger corporations. Many smaller companies operate under the false assumption that they are too small to be targeted, despite a surge in ransomware and data theft incidents affecting businesses of all sizes.
According to NCSC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the “Cyber Ready Bahrain” initiative will begin with a pilot phase to train around 100 businesses, building up cybersecurity skills among both technical and non-technical staff. The program aims to improve what officials term “cyber hygiene” by educating businesses on threat prevention, risk management, and safe digital practices.
Cybersecurity consultant Ali Beshara urged businesses to implement foundational security measures, including multi-factor authentication, secure data backups, and assigning clear cybersecurity responsibility within their teams.
A Multi-Phase Training Plan
The program is set to be a comprehensive, hands-on experience, moving beyond simple awareness campaigns. It will start with cyber readiness assessments for participating companies before rolling out structured training modules and practical simulations.
Dr Mussab Zeyad Aswad, academic vice principal at NCST, confirmed that formal training sessions will kick off in June following Eid Al Adha. Later stages will introduce cybersecurity labs and pilot implementations, with plans for a broader rollout across both private and government sectors.
The training curriculum is divided into five specialized tracks:
- Non-technical cybersecurity awareness
- Technical cybersecurity training
- DevSecOps training
- Application security
- Hands-on secure coding
Cybersecurity as an Economic Pillar
The initiative highlights a growing regional understanding that robust cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue but a core pillar of economic stability. Yousif Salahuddin Ebrahim, first vice-chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, stressed that digital security is now essential for business continuity and maintaining trust in the digital economy.
As Gulf economies continue their rapid digital transformation, governments are placing a greater focus on securing the entire ecosystem. This includes protecting the MSMEs and startups that represent the backbone of the region’s economic diversification goals. Officials advised that immediate reporting of any cyber incidents through national response channels is critical to limiting operational damage and improving recovery.
About Cyber Ready Bahrain
Cyber Ready Bahrain is a national initiative launched by the Bahrain Chamber in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST). The program is designed to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bahrain through awareness, readiness assessments, specialized training, and practical simulations.
Source: MEATECHWATCH
