Muscat: The 6th edition of the Oman Cybersecurity Conference 2026 commenced today under the theme 'Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Sector,' with participation from experts, specialists, and decision-makers from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The event aims to enhance digital readiness and protect the healthcare sector's technological infrastructure amid the rapid expansion of digital transformation. The conference is organized by 'Al Roya' in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, represented by the Directorate General of Information Technology and Digital Health and the Cyber Defense Centre.
According to Oman News Agency, the conference opening was held under the auspices of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, and was attended by a number of officials from various entities. The opening ceremony featured a video presentation showcasing the outcomes of the National Cybersecurity Exercise in the healthcare sector, highlighting the readiness of national competencies and response mechanisms to potential cyber threats, as well as the level of coordination among relevant entities in managing cyber risks.
Dr. Ahmed Salim Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, stated in his opening speech that cybersecurity has become a fundamental pillar for sustaining digital transformation in the healthcare sector. He emphasized that protecting health systems and data is a national responsibility that requires the integration of roles across various institutions. Al Mandhari explained that the expansion in electronic health records and smart platforms has transformed healthcare delivery methods, making cybersecurity essential for ensuring system reliability, safeguarding data privacy, and enhancing users' trust in digital health services.
The Undersecretary further noted that this approach aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes digital transformation and cybersecurity as key enablers for sustainable development and enhancing the efficiency of government services. He highlighted the Ministry of Health's proactive approach to cyber risk awareness and readiness through national exercises and simulations aimed at testing system efficiency and enhancing preparedness for cyber incidents. The Ministry continues to upgrade its technological infrastructure, develop regulatory policies, and invest in national competencies, while leveraging artificial intelligence technologies in risk analysis and threat anticipation.
Eng. Khamis Salim Al Hajri, Head of the Cyber Defense Centre, affirmed that cybersecurity in the healthcare sector is a national necessity to protect lives and ensure the continuity of vital healthcare services in light of rapid digital transformation. Al Hajri noted that healthcare institutions worldwide face increasing challenges due to cyberattacks, with costs potentially exceeding ten million US dollars per breach and more than 70% of institutions experiencing cyber incidents annually. He highlighted that phishing attacks are the primary entry point for breaches, with around 50% of cyber incidents in the Middle East in 2025 linked to ransomware attacks and financial extortion.
Al Hajri outlined six key pillars for strengthening healthcare sector protection, including compliance with national policies, implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law, and adherence to the security policies of the 'Dhamani' platform. The conference sessions discussed challenges of personal and health data security, cloud computing security, and digital infrastructure, as well as the application of artificial intelligence technologies in strengthening cybersecurity within the healthcare sector. The event also launched the 'Cyber Compliance Award in the Healthcare Sector' to encourage best practices and enhance compliance and digital readiness.