Moroccan cybersecurity teams have swept the podium at the Standoff International Cyberbattle in Rabat, claiming first, second, and third place.
The competition, organized by Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies, ran from September 15 to 19 during Regional Cybersecurity Week.
It brought together 38 specialists from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia to simulate offensive and defensive operations against digital infrastructures modeled on a modern state.
Morocco fielded five teams, each made up of four participants from the General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI) and leading universities. Their ability to detect and neutralize threats in real time secured the nation’s dominance.
Positive Technologies’ Regional Director for MENA, Ilya Leonov, praised the performance, citing the professionalism and potential of Moroccan experts. He stressed that hands-on exercises are critical in preparing defenders for sectors like energy, transport, and finance.
Recent data released this week by Hack Manac shows Morocco is constantly in the crosshairs of malicious actors. The country placed third among the most targeted nations of the week.
However, the strong display in competition signals Morocco has the talent, tools, and capacity to counter these attacks. Earlier this month, Abdellah Boutrik was named head of the DGSSI, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing national cybersecurity strategies.
About the Competition
Standoff International Cyberbattle has been held since 2016 and is regarded as one of the world’s toughest cybersecurity battlegrounds.
The contest recreates real-world infrastructure, including production chains, energy grids, and financial systems, to test participants’ ability to protect critical assets. Its first international edition took place in Abu Dhabi in 2019 during HITB+CyberWeek.
Source: Morocco World News
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