Doha, Qatar: The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) yesterday launched the ‘National Digital Safety Index,’ the first initiative of its kind in Qatar aimed at measuring digital safety awareness and cybersecurity knowledge across different segments of society and professional sectors.
The new index is part of the agency’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem and promote a safer, more resilient digital society, in line with Qatar’s digital transformation ambitions.
According to the NCSA, the National Digital Safety Index will serve as a strategic tool to assess public understanding of digital safety principles, cybersecurity risks, and responsible online behavior.
By providing regular measurements of digital awareness, the index is expected to support evidence-based policymaking and help guide future awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and cybersecurity initiatives.
The index will be issued twice a year and will evaluate digital awareness levels among various age groups, enabling authorities to identify strengths and gaps in cybersecurity knowledge across the population. The assessment will cover individuals from different demographic categories, providing a comprehensive picture of the country’s digital safety landscape.
In addition to measuring awareness levels, the index will incorporate a range of quantitative indicators related to the number of beneficiaries reached through the National Cyber Security Agency’s programs, initiatives and projects.
These metrics are expected to help evaluate the effectiveness and impact of ongoing efforts to promote cybersecurity culture and digital resilience throughout the country.
The initiative will also examine digital behavior patterns among individuals and institutions, offering insights into how users interact with digital platforms and online services.
By assessing the extent to which people and organisations adopt safe cybersecurity practices, the index aims to provide a clearer understanding of the nation’s readiness to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.
Officials said the index will play an important role in tracking progress over time and identifying areas that require additional attention, training, or awareness-building efforts.
The findings are expected to support the development of targeted programs tailored to specific age groups, sectors and communities, helping to enhance overall cyber resilience.
As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, businesses, education, and government services, cybersecurity awareness has emerged as a critical component of national security and economic development.
Experts note that human behavior remains one of the most significant factors in preventing cyber incidents, making awareness and education essential elements of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.