Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure are facing new challenges as a growing number of government agencies and ministries fall victim to sophisticated cyberattacks.
A recent surge in cyber threats, primarily attributed to foreign hacking groups with alleged links to Algeria, has revealed the need for enhanced digital defenses across Morocco.
“The escalating cyberattacks on Morocco are directly linked to the growing international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and the country’s ongoing digital transformation,” Tayeb El Hazzaz, a cybersecurity expert, told Hespress Ar.
“Many government agencies, especially ministries and universities, lack the necessary expertise and resources to protect their systems from sophisticated cyber threats,” the expert added.
El Hazzaz further noted that the attacks are often carried out by Iranian and North Korean hacking groups operating at the behest of Algeria.
These groups have been targeting Moroccan government institutions to steal sensitive data and disrupt critical services.
While Morocco’s security and military institutions have made significant strides in bolstering their cybersecurity defenses, government agencies and ministries have been slower to adapt to the evolving threat landscape.
Experts say that these organizations need to invest in continuous training for their cybersecurity professionals and adopt more proactive measures to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Hassan Kherjoug, an expert in information development, advocates for increased training of government employees to protect citizens’ data and recommends more frequent training sessions for cybersecurity professionals.
The expert criticized the traditional methods of recruiting cybersecurity personnel, arguing for a more practical assessment approach similar to Israel’s model of identifying and training talented individuals during military service.
It’s worth noting that Morocco ranked 30th globally in a cybersecurity index released in July 2024, indicating a significant uptick in cyber threats.
The country’s rapid digital transformation, coupled with increased international support for its territorial claims, has made it a prime target for malicious actors.
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