National Cybersecurity Strategy of Afghanistan

The National Cybersecurity Strategy of Afghanistan (NCSA), finalised in November 2014, is a comprehensive framework to establish a safe, secure, and resilient cyberspace for Afghanistan’s government, businesses, and citizens. The strategy was developed against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s rapidly expanding use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), which have become integral to various sectors, including energy, health, aviation, communication, and financial services. These ICTs have significantly enhanced service delivery and contributed to the country’s socioeconomic progress. However, the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure has also heightened the risk of cyber threats, necessitating a robust national cybersecurity approach.

The vision of the NCSA is to create a secure, safe, and resilient cyberspace, with a mission focused on protecting data, information, and IT infrastructure from cyber threats. This includes enhancing the capacities of national institutions to prevent and respond to cyber incidents, safeguarding the data privacy of citizens, and fostering international cooperation to combat cybercrimes.

Key objectives of the NCSA include securing government ICT infrastructure, improving cybersecurity professional skills, encouraging public-private partnerships, and establishing a regulatory framework for information safety. The strategy also emphasises the importance of adapting international standards and best practices to ensure the security of critical information infrastructures and to foster a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in Afghanistan.

The NCSA outlines several strategic initiatives, such as establishing the Information Systems Security Directorate (ISSD) within the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to coordinate all cybersecurity efforts across the country. This directorate is tasked with enforcing compliance with international standards, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring the integrity of government networks. Additionally, the strategy calls for the development of a legal framework to address cybersecurity issues, including the creation of cyber laws and policies for secure electronic transactions and online child protection.

Another critical aspect of the strategy is enhancing the capabilities of the Afghanistan Cyber Emergency Response Team (AFCERT), which serves as the primary responder to cyber incidents. AFCERT is expected to coordinate closely with law enforcement agencies, conduct cyber drills, and provide cybersecurity awareness and training programs.

To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the NCSA also emphasises the importance of public-private partnerships, where the private sector is encouraged to collaborate with public institutions in delivering cybersecurity services and establishing data centers that support government operations.