Tunisian National Cyberspace Strategy 2020-2025

The National Cyberspace Strategy 2020-2025 is a comprehensive framework developed to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the Republic of Tunisia. In an era marked by the rapid and widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT), this strategy addresses the growing complexities and risks associated with the digital landscape. It aims to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure while fostering an environment that supports innovation, security, and international cooperation.

Vision

The strategy envisions a resilient cyberspace where national capabilities are robust enough to prevent and mitigate cyber threats. It underscores the importance of mastering and managing the national cyberspace, ensuring digital reliability, and positioning Tunisia as a leader in the digital domain both regionally and internationally.

Scope

The scope of the strategy extends across the national cyberspace, encompassing all information services, data, networks, platforms, and systems. It involves a wide array of stakeholders, including citizens, public and private institutions, associations, civil society, and academia. The strategy aims to create a cohesive approach to cybersecurity that integrates efforts from all these sectors to protect critical digital infrastructures and ensure national security.

Objectives

The strategy outlines several key objectives:

1. Master and Manage National Cyberspace: Establish collaborative mechanisms among stakeholders to coordinate and support efforts in cyberspace management.
2. Prevent and Resist Cyberattacks: Strengthen national capacities, raise awareness, and protect critical digital infrastructures.
3. Consolidate Digital Reliability: Develop necessary mechanisms and procedures to ensure a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
4. Achieve Digital Leadership: Foster a secure digital environment that supports Tunisia’s leadership at regional and international levels.
5. Ensure International Cooperation: Balance international collaboration with national interests to enhance cybersecurity.

Strategic Domains

The strategy focuses on five main domains:

1. Sectoral Orientations and Strategies: Engaging key stakeholders to secure national cyberspace and protect critical digital infrastructures through established procedures and mechanisms.
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Developing legal texts that align with digital advancements, addressing issues such as freedom of expression, data protection, child safety online, consumer protection, intellectual property, and combating cybercrime.
3. Education, Training, and Skills: Raising awareness about cyber risks, developing university-level digital training, and enhancing specialized cybersecurity skills.
4. Cyber Culture and Society: Promoting a culture of cybersecurity, encouraging individuals to be cautious with electronic services and social media, and protecting personal and professional data.
5. Standards, Technologies, and Academic Research: Preparing for and preventing potential risks and threats by adhering to international standards and fostering national capabilities and solutions.

Implementation Priorities

To effectively implement the strategy, several priorities have been identified:

1. Regulatory Improvements: Continuously enhance the legal framework related to cybersecurity, ratify relevant international treaties, and establish good governance in digital security and crisis management.
2. Human Resources Development: Raise awareness among users and authorities, attract and retain specialized skills, and develop national competencies in academic research.
3. Operational Measures: Establish data governance rules, prioritize cybersecurity nationally, support training and financing mechanisms, and strengthen cyber defense capabilities.
4. Contextual Factors: Implement mechanisms to manage national cyberspace, enhance trust in digital services, and create secure digital infrastructures that adhere to international standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The strategy is designed to be implemented over six years, with periodic updates to reflect evolving circumstances. The National Security Council’s Communication and Information Committee will oversee the implementation, ensuring adherence to national sovereignty and international cooperation in cyberspace.