Qatar leads Middle East in leading youth to cyber security careers

Qatar ranks first in the Middle East in introducing youth to the Internet and cyber security, according to a new survey commissioned by Raytheon Company and the US National Cyber Security Alliance.

The Raytheon/NCSA survey of nearly 3,800 young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 worldwide, conducted by Zogby Analytics, is titled “Securing Our Future: Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap.”

Survey respondents were from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan and eight other countries outside the Middle East region and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Findings showed youth in the Middle East were noticeably more equipped and knowledgeable about the importance of digital security in today’s world of cyber threats.

The survey found that:

* 98% of young adults in Qatar were introduced to computers in school by age 12, compared to the 82% average found in the Middle East region and worldwide

* 76% of Qatari students were taught in schools about staying safe on the Internet, compared to 55% global average

* Most youth in the Middle East, including Qataris, are more likely now than a year ago to consider a career to make the Internet safer, as compared to several other global regions. Qatar ranks the highest internationally at 78%, higher than the 58% average in the region and 37% global average

* 51% of Qatari youth reported their schools offered classes that prepared them to pursue a career in cybersecurity, compared to 54% regional average and 37% global average

* 57% of young adults in Qatar listed their parents as the primary source of safe and secure Internet habits, higher than the 41% average worldwide

* 59% of Qatari young adults said parents are the most influential figure for youth looking for career advice, compared to 40% globally.

The survey results were released concurrent with the Milipol Qatar 2016 conference in Doha.