Morocco’s cybersecurity strategy is placing greater emphasis on proactive threat detection, critical infrastructure protection and artificial intelligence as the country strengthens its defenses against evolving cyber threats. Abdellatif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, said securing information systems has become a necessity as digital transformation accelerates.
Speaking at the opening of National Cybersecurity Week in Rabat on Monday, Loudiyi stressed that cybersecurity must be integrated into institutional governance rather than treated as an additional expense. He called for stronger preparedness, early threat detection and coordinated responses to cyber incidents.
The event, organized by the General Directorate of Information Systems Security under the National Defense Administration, runs from October 12 to 14 under the theme “Cybersecurity in the service of digital transformation and development.”
Morocco Cybersecurity Strategy Emphasizes Proactive Defense
Loudiyi said cyberattacks have become a tangible reality affecting countries worldwide, including developed nations. Their consequences have raised awareness among public and private institutions about the importance of cybersecurity in managing risks and protecting operations.
He argued that organizations can no longer rely on responding to incidents after they occur. Instead, they need an approach centered on preparedness, vigilance, early detection, and response.
According to the minister, these responsibilities must begin at the highest levels of institutional decision-making and extend across organizations, with each component accountable for its role.
He also emphasized that cybersecurity resilience requires continuous work. As attackers develop new methods, institutions must regularly review protection measures, assess system readiness, and adapt their defenses to emerging threats.
Five Pillars to Strengthen National Cybersecurity
The minister outlined five interconnected areas supporting Morocco’s efforts to establish a coordinated national cybersecurity framework.
These include a clear legal and regulatory framework, the development of human, technical and financial capabilities, greater public awareness and a stronger cybersecurity culture, enhanced monitoring and response capabilities, and regional and international cooperation.
Loudiyi stressed that these elements must function together to strengthen national resilience.
He also highlighted the shared responsibilities of government authorities and organizations operating information systems. While the General Directorate of Information Systems Security exercises its legally defined powers, individual system owners must protect their systems and allocate the resources required to do so.
The minister said this integration of responsibilities is essential to building a cohesive national cybersecurity system.
AI Threats and Critical Infrastructure Protection Take Priority
Looking ahead, Loudiyi identified four priorities for the next phase of Morocco’s cybersecurity efforts: training specialized cybersecurity professionals, supporting national cybersecurity companies, strengthening critical infrastructure protection, and addressing the challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
He described artificial intelligence in cybersecurity as a dual-use capability that can benefit both attackers and defenders. While attackers can use AI to support malicious activities, defenders can apply the technology to detect threats earlier and accelerate incident response.
The emphasis on specialized training also reflects the need to develop the expertise required to address increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges. Supporting national companies is another priority identified by the minister as part of the broader effort to strengthen the country’s capabilities.
Loudiyi said these priorities should help Morocco prepare not only for existing threats but also for risks that may emerge as technologies and attack methods evolve.
Morocco Calls for Stronger International Cybersecurity Cooperation
Loudiyi also highlighted the role of cybersecurity cooperation in strengthening national defenses. He said Morocco remains committed to initiatives and mechanisms that promote collaboration between countries, with particular attention to its African and Arab partners.
He presented cybersecurity as a shared responsibility requiring coordination, investment in skills and a sustained culture of awareness and vigilance.
The minister concluded that a secure digital environment depends on collective efforts to protect information systems and maintain trust as digital transformation advances.
National Cybersecurity Week provides a platform for these discussions through roundtables and workshops involving decision-makers, cybersecurity experts and industry professionals. The October 12 to 14 program is intended to encourage dialogue and the exchange of views on key cybersecurity challenges and approaches to addressing them.
