Qatar Rail’s Cyber Security Operation Centre all set for World Cup

Qatar Railways company’s (Qatar Rail) new Cyber Security Operation Centre will play a key role in digital and Information Technology (IT) readiness during 2022 FIFA World Cup in the country, providing a safe travel experience for football fans.

The centre was established recently by Qatar Rail in collaboration with Malomatia, a leading provider of technology services and solutions. Its establishment is aligned with Qatar Rail's strategy to raise the cybersecurity readiness of its operating systems by implementing cutting-edge technology to monitor cyber attacks and address possible cybersecurity threats.During his visit to the centre, Qatar Rail’s managing director and CEO Dr Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie was briefed on the key tasks and functions of the centre. He was also presented with a model of cyber security attack test case and how the centre addresses such attacks and provides a real-time response to it. On the side-lines of the visit, which was also attended by a number of representatives from Qatar Rail and Malomatia, Dr al-Subaie recognised the team members who led the project for their efforts and valuable contribution.On this occasion, Qatar Rail IT director Aisha al-Rumaihi said: “The Cyber Security Operations Centre is a significant addition to our cybersecurity infrastructure at Qatar Rail. It is one of the key compliance requirements of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and it plays a pivotal role in the cyber security readiness through safeguarding our systems and increasing our resilience before the start of the World Cup 2022”.“The risk of cyber attacks increases during major events such as the World Cup, the Security Operation Centre (SOC) is deploying state-of-the-art technology to monitor cybersecurity threats and respond in real time to address and resolve any possible threats that may target Qatar Rail network,” she added.Malomatia CEO Yousef al-Naama said: “At a time when all eyes are turned towards FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, contributing to the security of our nation comes on the top of our priority, especially being the leading security services provider in Qatar. We take immense pride to collaborate with Qatar Railways Company in securing its infrastructure during the extraordinary sporting event. “It's an honour for Malomatia to assist in securing multiple critical national infrastructures across various industry segments. Today is very special, as we take great pride to share that the transportation sector, too. This partnership is a major milestone to be among the elite Managed Security Service Provider in the region”.The centre is bringing together expertise and state-of-the-art technology to monitor cyber attacks on the Doha Metro systems and network, to enhance passenger safety, reliability, and availability of its transportation services, as well as provide a seamless travel experience for the fans during major events, especially the World Cup 2022. The SOC’s team is working constantly round the clock o monitor threats and respond to it as efficiently as possible.