Jordan’s Cybersecurity: Building Human-Centric Resilience

Jordan is rapidly advancing its digital security framework, recognizing that a truly resilient cyber ecosystem depends as much on its people as on its technology. As the nation pushes forward with its digital transformation, specialists emphasize that building a well-informed and capable society is the cornerstone of sustainable cybersecurity. Hamzah Akalik, a leading voice in the field, observes that although Jordan has made impressive progress in governance and strategic planning, the lasting success of its digital economy will rely on public awareness, educational growth, and homegrown innovation.

A strong educational foundation, with literacy rates above 98 percent, gives Jordan a solid starting point. However, Akalik points out that cyber literacy remains a widespread concern. Citizens need the skills to identify and counter modern dangers such as phishing, online fraud, and disinformation. To meet this need, the government has incorporated cybersecurity awareness into public education and outreach, developing tailored programs for different groups including young people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Akalik insists that these educational efforts must go further than basic password advice. With the rise of sophisticated threats like deepfakes and social engineering, a more dynamic and thorough approach is essential, one that treats cybersecurity as a shared social duty.

Universities in Jordan are training the next wave of cybersecurity professionals, with around 500 students graduating annually from accredited programs. Many of these graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute, holding professional certifications aligned with international benchmarks. Still, a shortage of experts persists in specialized areas such as digital forensics, malware analysis, and threat intelligence. Initiatives like the US-Jordan Cybersecurity Youth Academy are helping bridge this gap by offering practical, real-world training. An upcoming revision to the Cybersecurity Law will also establish a National Cybersecurity Academy under the National Centre for Cybersecurity (NCSC), a step designed to cultivate elite local talent and lessen reliance on international specialists.

Beyond its protective role, cybersecurity is becoming an important economic driver for Jordan. Akalik notes that the domestic market for cybersecurity solutions is valued at roughly $100 million and continues to expand, driven by demand from fintech, healthcare, and digital payment industries. Programs such as the LevelUP Accelerator are already helping local startups create innovative security tools. A significant new development is the government’s plan to give the NCSC the authority to invest in and launch cybersecurity companies. Inspired by international best practices, this model aims to commercialize Jordan’s expertise and build a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem.

As Jordan’s digital environment evolves with the adoption of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, its legal and institutional structures must keep pace. Proposed amendments to the Cyber Security Law in 2025 would grant the NCSC greater autonomy and the ability to finance its own research and development. This kind of legislative flexibility is vital for staying ahead of emerging vulnerabilities.

Akalik concludes that Jordan’s future depends on striking a careful balance between innovation and protection, and between regulation and freedom. By continuing to invest in its citizens, modernizing its legal framework, and encouraging entrepreneurship, Jordan can turn cybersecurity from a defensive requirement into a powerful engine of national growth. Ultimately, the country’s digital strength will be rooted in an alert and resilient society, prepared to innovate and prosper in the digital era.

(Source: MEA Tech Watch)