KUWAIT: Under the patronage of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, the Ministry of Defense kicked off the 10th edition of the Best Cyber Warrior Competition on Monday, in collaboration with the United States Central Command (USARCENT). The competition aims to strengthen cyber defense skills and partnerships.
During his speech, Colonel Omar Firas Al-Sabti, Directorate of Cyber Operations, stated that the 10th edition of the Best Cyber Warrior Competition will feature panel discussions and workshops led by distinguished global and regional cybersecurity experts. He said that the Kuwaiti Army is committed to the competition’s success as part of its efforts to support constructive military collaboration aimed at enhancing cybersecurity systems among friendly nations.
He noted, "It is no secret that cybersecurity today represents one of the most critical regional and global challenges across both military and civilian spheres. Securing military data and information requires concerted local, regional, and international efforts, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and the increasing digital transformations, which make this vast volume of data vulnerable to breaches.”
Colonel Abdullah Al-Shatti, Head of Cyberspace Operations, told the press that the Kuwaiti team stood out as one of the top teams, securing first place in last year’s competition in Oman. "This year, Kuwait is hosting the event, with participation from nine countries and over 80 teams competing both in-person and online, including teams from the UAE, Oman, Jordan, the US Army, and various ministries,” he said. "The objectives of the competition include strengthening cooperation among friendly and allied countries and maintaining ongoing collaboration between the Kuwaiti Army and the US Army.”
The competition also aims to boost morale and enhance training levels across military and civilian entities in the cybersecurity field, he said. "Cybersecurity has become a vital official sector across all areas of the state, serving as a key defense mechanism for any facility or country. The cyber domain is the primary deterrent for information security and national sovereignty. We hope to continue advancing in this field in the coming years and strive for even greater achievements.”
Representing the US Army, Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, Colonel Stephen Dail said: "A decade ago, when this initiative first began, the world of cybersecurity was rapidly expanding. We recognized the growing need for skilled professionals, as it became increasingly crucial. Now, 10 years later, we see that cybersecurity is not just a technical field, but a core aspect of our global security, economy, and even our daily lives. The cyber warriors we celebrate today play a vital role in protecting our digital future.”
Colonel Dail affirmed that this competition stands as a testament to Kuwait’s dedication to nurturing cybersecurity expertise and contributing to the global effort to make the world safer. "As we look forward to the coming days of intense competition, I encourage all of you to embrace the spirit of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Let us commence this prestigious competition with a spirit of unity, excellence, and mutual respect.”