How did the tiny nation of Israel with a population of only 8.5 million emerge a global leader in cyber security? Even most of its harsh critics have a grudging appreciation for the country’s cyber preparedness and the capabilities it has built in the cyer security space. Some of the best security firms and start-ups in the world hail from Israel.

Facing threats from several quarters, the country has begun to equip kids very early, by sensitising them with the ways of the cyber world. Launched about 20 years ago, the Israel National Cyber Bureau (INCB) has spearheaded the nation’s approach to facing cyber threats.

The country has over 200 start-ups working in the segment, attracting sizeable global private equity investments.

It’s about building a strategy, a policy and an ecosystem, says Brig Gen Doron Tamir (retd), who was one of the founding members of INCB, which is attached to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Tamir, a former top intelligence officer in the Israeli defence forces, was here on Monday to take part in the third edition of the Cyber Security Conclave organised by the Society for Cyber and Security Council (SCSC).

He relates how his country built the capabilities.

“Cyber security covers all aspects of our security. Our elevators, traffic lights, physical security — every aspect is related to it. We focus on State-level security and on building the local ecosystem.

“Training human capital is an important component of our approach. We teach them (students) from the 6th grade,” he said.

Israel also has several training programmes and workshops for the youth in the age group of 16-18. According to Tamir, there are three important aspects to building a good, secure cyber space. “You need a strategy, a policy and required budgeting. You need both strategy and tactics. Strategy is about doing the right things and tactics is about doing things right,” he said.

He pointed out that investing in early warning systems and recovery solutions will pay.

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