Oman has launched its first national cybersecurity drill alongside a workforce upskilling initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of its logistics sector. This move is part of the broader Oman Vision 2040 strategy, which focuses on economic diversification, digital transformation, and the development of human capital. The announcement came during the inauguration of the 5th Oman Cybersecurity Conference held under the theme, “Empowering Cybersecurity in the Logistics Sector.”

The conference was organized by Al-Roya newspaper in collaboration with the Cyber Defense Centre and the Advanced Cybersecurity Academy. Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, presided over the event. National and international experts attended to discuss the increasing cyber threats facing Oman’s logistics infrastructure, a key component of the Vision 2040 strategy aimed at establishing Oman as a competitive logistics hub.

During the opening remarks, Hatim bin Hamad al Taie, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Roya, highlighted the importance of integrating cybersecurity into logistics planning. He stated that as cyber threats become more prevalent globally, it is crucial to ensure that supply chains remain secure and efficient. Al Taie also pointed to Oman’s strategic geographical location and ongoing investments in ports and free zones, which position the country as a vital player in regional and global trade.

Eng Khamis al Hajri, Head of the Cyber Defense Centre, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the vulnerability of global logistics networks to cyberattacks. He cited the 2023 MOVEit breach, which impacted over 93 million individuals, as a stark reminder of these risks. Al Hajri advocated for implementing “Secure by Design” practices to enhance cybersecurity from the outset.

A significant highlight of the conference was the launch of the first national cybersecurity simulation exercise designed specifically for the logistics sector in Oman. This exercise aims to improve digital preparedness, test responses to threats, and encourage coordination among various agencies. Additionally, cybersecurity expert Leonard Kahou from Singapore warned that ransomware, data breaches, and social engineering tactics pose increasing threats to supply chains, affecting every level all the way to the end-user.

Cyber Defense Centre engineer Hashem al Balushi reported that Oman’s logistics sector experienced over 80 000 malware attacks and 37 advanced persistent threats in just the first quarter of 2025. He urged for the implementation of strong protection measures, including encrypted protocols, restricted access permissions, and regular system updates.

To further support the initiative, the Ministry of Labour’s “Tashgheel” programme and several local businesses signed a memorandum of understanding focused on upskilling Omani professionals in cybersecurity. This aligns with Vision 2040’s commitment to workforce development. The conference reiterated that establishing a secure digital foundation is not merely a technical necessity but a strategic imperative for Oman’s sustainable economic development.