فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Researchers and experts in cybersecurity and counterterrorism discussed yesterday, Thursday in Rabat, the growing digital challenges that may face major sporting events, along with the mechanisms and strategies capable of mitigating the risks of cybercrime. The discussion took place during an international scientific forum dedicated to the security of major sporting events.
The debate was held as part of the proceedings of the international forum on “Security of Major Sporting Events: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Future Technologies,” where speakers focused on the transformations taking place in the digital sphere and the new challenges they impose in securing sports events with international visibility.
In this context, the General Directorate of National Security explained, through Regional Police Commissioner Leila Zwin, that the rapid development of information and communication technologies—despite the opportunities it offers—has also generated new forms of organized crime that increasingly rely on advance planning and automated execution of cyberattacks. This makes major sporting events potential targets for cross-border digital threats.
She stressed that the shift of crime from a traditional geographic space to an open cyber domain has required the adoption of a comprehensive approach based on strengthening technical capabilities, proactive prevention, and intensified international cooperation. In this regard, she pointed to the establishment of digital forensic police laboratories in several cities, including Fes, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Laayoune, and Tetouan, to conduct technical expertise related to digital media.
The security official also highlighted the launch of the “e-blagh” reporting platform, dedicated to reporting illegal online content, considering it part of efforts to involve citizens in protecting the digital space and to strengthen the concept of “co-production of security.”
For his part, Jawad Tahri, Head of the Design and Development Division at the General Directorate for the Security of Information Systems, emphasized that securing major sporting events requires a precise analysis of complex technological infrastructures. He explained that the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, hosted by Morocco, relies on an extensive digital ecosystem that includes thousands of cameras, sensors, and fifth-generation (5G) communication networks.
He noted that such a scale of equipment expands what is known as the “cyberattack surface,” raising risks related to data breaches or the disruption of vital services. He added that stadiums are no longer merely sports venues, but integrated technological systems requiring stringent security.
Tahri further explained that the adopted strategic vision is based on anticipation, sovereignty over national data, and coordination between the public and private sectors, as well as capitalizing on experience and transforming it into a lasting legacy. Operational implementation, he said, proceeds through stages that include a legal framework, classification of sensitive systems, maturity assessment, and integration with permanent monitoring systems.
Meanwhile, Endrik Raun, Programme Management Officer at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, pointed to the rise in digital threats posed by state and non-state actors. He noted that terrorist and criminal groups increasingly exploit encryption and modern platforms to carry out complex attacks, amid the emergence of what is known as “cybercrime as a service” on the dark web.
The UN official added that the international community has launched several frameworks to address this phenomenon, highlighting that UN programs have supported more than 150 countries since 2020 in strengthening their capacities in investigation, legislation, and prosecution of cybercrimes related to critical infrastructure.
It is worth noting that this three-day international scientific forum is organized by the Ministry of Justice Morocco in partnership with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, the General Directorate of National Security, the Royal Gendarmerie Morocco, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, with support from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and other international partners.
Source: Fes News Media
