AMMAN — As Jordan strengthens its cybersecurity strategy and digital infrastructure, experts say the next challenge lies in developing the human and institutional capacity needed to sustain this progress.

 

According to cybersecurity expert Hamzah Akalik, building cyber resilience “isn’t only about technology; it’s about people.” He said that while Jordan has made remarkable progress in governance and strategy, its long-term success would depend on raising public awareness, strengthening education and nurturing local innovation.

 

“Jordan’s literacy rate exceeds 98 per cent, but cyber literacy, understanding how to stay safe online, still varies widely,” Akalik told The Jordan Times. “Citizens must learn to recognise online scams, phishing attempts, and misinformation. Awareness is our first line of defence.”

 

Empowering citizens through awareness

 

The government has begun to close this gap through its Digital Inclusion Policy, which integrates cybersecurity awareness into public education and outreach campaigns, Akalik said, adding that these initiatives now use real-life examples to help citizens identify fraudulent websites, social media impersonations, and digital scams.

 

Akalik noted that this new approach is more inclusive and targeted. “We’re seeing customised programmes for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, everyone who interacts with the digital world in different ways,” he said.

 

He also emphasised that awareness efforts must evolve to keep up with emerging threats. “It’s no longer enough to tell people to use strong passwords. We need to teach them about deepfakes, data manipulation, and the psychological tricks behind social engineering. Cybersecurity is now a shared social responsibility.”

 

Education, workforce readiness

 

Jordan’s universities play a vital role in building the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Akalik said, adding that around 500 graduates complete cybersecurity-related degrees each year, many from ABET-accredited programmes that meet international standards. "Students often earn professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH before graduation, making them job-ready for both local and regional markets," he said.

 

Akaleek also highlighted that the country still faces a skills gap in advanced fields like digital forensics, malware analysis, and threat intelligence. “We have a solid foundation, but we need more experts who can conduct deep technical investigations and lead cybersecurity operations,” he said.

 

To bridge that gap, initiatives such as the US–Jordan Cybersecurity Youth Academy offer hands-on, scenario-based training that mimics real-world attacks. Meanwhile, a National Cybersecurity Academy is being planned under the upcoming amendments to the Cybersecurity Law, which will institutionalise advanced training and research under the supervision of the National Centre for Cybersecurity (NCSC).

 

“This will allow Jordan to develop elite local experts who can serve in both public and private sectors,” Akaleek said, adding “It’s about moving from dependence on foreign expertise to self-sufficiency.”

 

Cybersecurity as economic opportunity

 

Beyond its security implications, cybersecurity has become a major economic opportunity. Akalik noted that Jordan’s domestic market for cybersecurity solutions is estimated at $100 million and growing as demand rises across sectors such as financial technology, healthcare, and digital payments.

 

"Government initiatives like the LevelUP Accelerator are already supporting local startups developing secure authentication systems, data protection tools, and transaction monitoring software," he said, adding that platforms like CliQ, Jordan’s digital payment system, have further stimulated innovation, creating demand for local cybersecurity products.

 

Akalik also highlighted that the government’s plan to allow the NCSC to establish or invest in specialised cybersecurity companies will strengthen this ecosystem. “It’s a model inspired by global best practices,” he said. “By giving the NCSC financial autonomy and flexibility, Jordan can commercialise its cybersecurity expertise and reinvest profits into innovation.”

 

Preparing for emerging technologies

 

Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are introducing new vulnerabilities that require agile governance and updated legal frameworks. "The 2025 draft amendments to the 2019 Cyber Security Law aim to grant the NCSC greater independence to respond quickly to these challenges and to fund its own R&D."

 

“For Jordan to stay ahead, it must keep modernising its legal and institutional tools,” Akalik said. “The faster we adapt, the more secure and competitive our digital economy becomes.”

 

A shared digital future

 

Akalik said that Jordan’s path forward lies in maintaining balance between innovation and protection, and between regulation and freedom. “Cybersecurity should empower society, not restrict it,” he said.

 

“If Jordan continues to invest in its people, modernise its laws, and support entrepreneurship, cybersecurity will evolve from a defensive necessity into a national growth engine.”

 

As the Kingdom continues its digital transformation, experts agree that its strength will ultimately come not only from firewalls and technology but from an informed and resilient society, capable of defending, innovating and thriving in the digital age.