Cyber Islamic Golden Era: Ushering a New Wave of Intelligent Innovation

Eng. Badar Al Salehi, Chair of the OIC-CERT, and Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer of Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, recently outlined an ambitious vision to elevate cybersecurity across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states. Their collaboration is centered around a forward-looking, multi-year strategic plan designed to tackle the challenges posed by an increasingly volatile cyber threat landscape.

The official announcement of this partnership on November 18 marks a significant milestone in a journey that began three years ago. During this period, OIC-CERT and Huawei have already achieved notable progress, including the publication of two critical standards. These standards—focused on 5G security and cloud security—serve as essential frameworks to guide OIC member states in strengthening their digital infrastructure and defending against evolving cyber risks. The partnership’s overarching strategy reflects a proactive approach to creating robust cybersecurity measures that align with the rapid technological transformations reshaping the global digital economy.

This collaboration is timely, as the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Web3 continues to accelerate. These advancements, combined with pervasive digitalization and virtualization, are creating both opportunities and risks. The OIC-CERT-Huawei initiative aims to leverage these opportunities while addressing the risks, turning cybersecurity into a competitive advantage for OIC member states. At the core of this vision lies the recognition of data as an invaluable resource. By effectively harnessing the value of data, OIC countries can enhance their technological capabilities, secure their digital assets, and establish leadership in the global digital landscape.

The strategic plan also envisions fostering what can be described as a “Cyber Islamic Golden Age.” Drawing inspiration from the historical Islamic Golden Age—a period marked by groundbreaking achievements in science, technology, and culture—this new era aims to replicate that spirit of innovation and progress in the digital realm. During the Islamic Golden Age, advances in fields like mathematics, astronomy, and medicine transformed the intellectual landscape. Similarly, the Cyber Islamic Golden Age seeks to bring about a paradigm shift in how OIC member states engage with the digital world, enabling them to leapfrog traditional development stages and adopt cutting-edge technologies.

One of the key parallels is the evolution of the telecommunications sector. Just as the industry rapidly transitioned from 2G to 4G, bypassing intermediate technologies, OIC member states are poised to embrace advanced digital capabilities. This transformation is already visible in the shift from traditional telecommunications operators (Telcos) to Technology Companies (Techcos). Unlike traditional Telcos, which focus on network-centric cybersecurity, Techcos adopt a service-centric approach that includes end-to-end solutions tailored to address modern challenges such as cloud services, AI integration, and blockchain adoption. By transitioning to the Techco model, OIC countries can bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and compete on equal terms with global players. This transition also opens the door to creating solutions tailored to the unique cultural and economic needs of OIC member states, such as advancements in Islamic banking and finance.

While the partnership is forward-looking, it emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation. Effective cybersecurity relies on mastering fundamental principles and practices. This is akin to developing “muscle memory” in physical training—through repetition and refinement, organizations can execute cybersecurity protocols with precision and efficiency. The OIC-CERT-Huawei collaboration has prioritized these fundamentals by focusing on key areas such as 5G and cloud security. These foundational efforts aim to provide a stable platform upon which OIC member states can build more advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

Looking ahead, the partnership plans to release a new standard on supply chain security by the end of 2024. This standard will address one of the most critical aspects of cybersecurity in a globally interconnected world. However, achieving the full potential of this initiative will require active participation from OIC member states. Greater involvement in working groups and study groups is essential to address the wide range of cybersecurity challenges and ensure that all member states benefit from the collaboration’s outcomes.

The ultimate goal of the OIC-CERT-Huawei partnership is to create a self-reliant and sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem for OIC member states. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and transparency, the initiative aims to establish a new center of learning and development. This platform will empower member states to not only defend their digital assets but also drive technological progress and economic growth.

As the partnership moves forward, it holds the promise of a transformative future for OIC member states. By aligning strategic priorities, leveraging emerging technologies, and strengthening cybersecurity fundamentals, the collaboration is set to redefine the digital landscape for the Islamic world. This vision, rooted in both tradition and innovation, offers a pathway to a new era of progress and prosperity. Through their joint efforts, OIC-CERT and Huawei are laying the foundation for a legacy that will shape the global cybersecurity narrative for years to come.