Cybersecurity in the Maghreb: A Strategic Imperative
In companies across the Maghreb, as elsewhere, cybersecurity is no longer an option - it has become a strategic imperative. While countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are investing in ambitious national policies, one fact remains: the primary entry point for cyberattacks is still human. Training and raising awareness among employees is therefore the best firewall.
National Progress, but Increased Vigilance is Necessary
Morocco has recently reached a symbolic milestone: it is now included in the Tier 1 of the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union, joining the exclusive circle of countries considered models in cybersecurity [1]. This recognition reflects the efforts made by the General Directorate of Information System Security (DGSSI) and the establishment of a solid legislative and organizational framework [2]. Tunisia is also well-ranked in the Arab states region, while Algeria is making progress but still lags behind in certain aspects, particularly in strengthening technical and organizational capacities. These developments show a clear political will, but challenges persist at the operational level.
Companies on the Front Line
In Morocco, the numbers are telling: 62% of SMEs report having suffered at least one cyberattack attempt in 2024. However, only 28% of them have a formalized cybersecurity plan [3]. This organizational vulnerability reflects a broader reality across the region: while the threat is identified, preparation remains insufficient. Phishing, business email compromise, ransomware, and fake messages via WhatsApp or Telegram are just a few examples of the evolving modes of operation used by cybercriminals, which primarily target human behavior. A single click, an opened attachment, or an unverified financial instruction can compromise an entire system.
Human: Weak Link or Stronghold?
The question is no longer whether a company will be attacked, but when and how. In this context, the employee plays a crucial role. However, in many organizations, training remains sporadic, generic, and poorly adapted to the real professional context. As a result, employees struggle to recognize warning signs. "Regular and targeted awareness can drastically reduce the risk. Internationally, we observe that after a year of short training sessions and phishing simulations, the error rate of employees drops by over 80%. Investing in the human factor is, by far, one of the most profitable in cybersecurity," emphasizes Benoit Grunemwald, cybersecurity expert at ESET Afrique Francophone.
Best Practices to Adopt
To transform employees into cybersecurity assets, several concrete levers can be activated:
- Regular training with short modules (30-60 minutes) covering the most frequent threats: phishing, WhatsApp phishing, financial fraud, and mobile security.
- Organizing phishing simulations to measure the vulnerability of teams and adapt programs.
- Implementing a simple reporting procedure without fear of sanctions to encourage rapid alert reflexes.
- Continuous communication through posters, newsletters, or reminders on work tools.
- Incorporating cybersecurity into the company culture by linking training and collective performance.
Cybersecurity in the Maghreb is not just played out in data centers or specialized agencies. It is played out every day in offices, factories, administrations, on employees' phones, and messaging apps. While states are making progress at the institutional and regulatory level, companies must follow by placing awareness at the heart of their strategy. A trained and aware employee is worth more than a firewall: they are the first defender of the organization.
