In a significant move to safeguard its burgeoning digital economy, the Government of Algeria has enacted a new presidential decree to overhaul cybersecurity governance across all public sector institutions. The initiative aims to create a robust defense against the escalating volume and sophistication of digital threats targeting the nation.
A Proactive Stance on Digital Defense
The new legislation, Presidential Decree No. 26-07, comes as a direct response to a dramatic surge in cyberattacks. According to data from Kaspersky, Algeria faced more than 70 million cyberattacks in 2024 alone, placing it 17th globally among the most targeted nations. The scale of the challenge is further highlighted by the over 13 million phishing attempts and nearly 750,000 malicious attachments blocked by security solutions in the same year.
This decree establishes a national framework designed to improve the anticipation, prevention, and management of cyberattack risks, securing the country’s critical infrastructure and digital transition.
Mandating Independent Cybersecurity Units
A core component of the new framework is the mandatory establishment of a dedicated cybersecurity unit within every public administration, institution, and agency. Crucially, these units are required to be structurally independent from technical information systems management, ensuring unbiased oversight and authority.
These specialized units will report directly to the head of their respective institutions. Their responsibilities will include defining and implementing cybersecurity policies, mapping organisational risks, developing remediation plans, and ensuring continuous system monitoring through regular security audits. They will also be the primary point of contact for reporting security incidents to the relevant national authorities.
A Framework for Comprehensive Security
The decree extends beyond internal structures, mandating strict compliance with personal data protection laws in coordination with Algeria’s national supervisory authority. It also promotes enhanced coordination with public procurement and internal security bodies.
This ensures that cybersecurity clauses are embedded in all outsourcing contracts and that both personnel and equipment receive stronger protection against potential threats. By tightening institutional oversight, the framework aims to fortify public services, protect sensitive data, and reinforce trust among citizens and businesses in Algeria’s digital ecosystem.
About Presidential Decree No. 26-07
Presidential Decree No. 26-07, dated January 7, 2026, defines the new organisational and operational structure for cybersecurity within Algeria’s public sector. Its primary objective is to create a standardized and resilient approach to protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure, public services, and data from the growing risk of cyberattacks.
Source: meatechwatch
