In response to growing cyber threats, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to engage a cybersecurity firm to protect its digital infrastructure and services. The move aims to enhance the security of critical digital assets and ensure the resilience of the authority’s online operations.
The decision was made during a board meeting following a summary presented by the Member (T&D). The cybersecurity firm will be hired in accordance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules of 2004 and will also be responsible for providing cybersecurity training to the IT Directorate staff. This initiative underscores the increasing urgency for government institutions to bolster their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
The CDA’s IT Wing has been tasked with overseeing the hiring process in consultation with the Planning and Coordination (P&C) Directorate. By bringing in an expert cybersecurity firm, the CDA aims to fortify its digital framework, ensuring the security of sensitive information and uninterrupted service delivery.
Alongside this initiative, the CDA board has also approved the restructuring of its IT Directorate. As part of this reorganization, the previously known “Computer Directorate” has been officially renamed the “Information Technology Directorate.” Additionally, the board granted principal approval for hiring personnel for vacant positions in the IT Directorate on a contract basis through the Human Resource Development (HRD) Directorate.
To further streamline the IT Directorate’s functionality, the organizational structure has been revised. The HRD Directorate has been instructed to retrieve vacant or redundant posts from various formations within the CDA and transfer them to the IT Directorate with approval from the Chairman. This process is expected to be completed within a month, ensuring that the IT department is adequately staffed to handle cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Moreover, the nomenclature of existing positions within the IT Directorate will be updated, with official orders being issued accordingly. In line with these changes, the services of the Deputy Director (Software GSTW), a project employee, will now be integrated into the IT Directorate’s operations.
With increasing cyber risks targeting government entities, the CDA’s proactive approach in hiring a cybersecurity firm and restructuring its IT Directorate reflects a significant step toward digital security enhancement. These measures will not only strengthen the authority’s cyber defenses but also improve its ability to manage and safeguard critical digital infrastructure.
