Minister of State, Defense, discusses cyber attacks
DOHA, QATAR – In a speech at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), His Excellency Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, discussed the damaging nature of cyber attacks, and the importance of building an infrastructure to withstand them. Al-Attiyah was speaking as part of the CMU-Q Dean’s Lecture Series.
“I have heard many labels attributed to cyber attacks. I have heard it being called cyber-warfare. I have also heard it being called cyber terrorism. Regardless of what name it is concealed behind, it is a real threat, and it should be dealt with seriously,” Al-Attiyah commented.
“We face unconventional dangers that threaten the very fabric of our society. Extremists no longer target societies with just bombs or other forms of weaponry—they have adapted their malicious methods and are now targeting our young from behind a keyboard,” he added.
Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, commented: “His Excellency’s message is an important one for our students. We are all affected by cyber attacks, but our students and alumni can be forces of change. They will be the ones to help build the infrastructure to mitigate the damage of cyber attacks.”
Al-Attiyah said Qatar is working to protect itself against such attacks: “Through institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, we are developing our cyber capabilities to not only match, but in fact surpass the capabilities of our enemies. We are creating enduring infrastructures that cater to our people and ensure their safety. We are building strategic relationships with nations and academic institutions in an effort to progress our own capacities.”
The Dean’s Lecture Series is a forum for influential thinkers in government and industry to share their expertise with the Qatar community.