The legal functional structure of cyber security

The legal functional structure of cyber security in Jordan

The Jordanian Cybersecurity Law granted national cyber security management and control powers to two specialized authorities, namely: the National Council for Cyber Security and the National Center for Cyber Security

The National Council for Cyber Security

Tasks and powers of the National Council for Cyber Security

  • Approving strategies, policies and standards related to cyber security
  • Approving the plans and programs necessary for the center to perform its duties and functions
  • Approval of reports (quarterly on the Kingdom’s cyber security situation and annual report on the work of the Center), and
  • Forming coordination committees from the stakeholders to enable the center to achieve its goals

The functional scope, tasks and powers of the National Council

  • Issuing instructions (that define the standards of violations, their controls, and the procedures due thereto),
  • Identify cyber security incidents that pose a threat to the Kingdom’s security, and
  • To submit recommendations to the Council of Ministers, to entrust any oversight body, government department, or official or public institution with some of the functions and powers of the center defined by the provisions of this law and the regulations and instructions issued pursuant to it.

National Center for Cyber Security

General provisions

  • The National Center has a legal personality (with financial and administrative independence),
  • The Jordanian National center for cyber security is linked to the Prime Minister,
  • The headquarters of the center shall be in Amman,
  • The head of the center and the employees shall be granted the capacity of the judicial police,
  • The civil service system, financial system, supplies system, works system, transportation and travel system (are applied to the center),
  • The President of the Center exercises the powers of the Minister, the Concerned Minister and the Secretary General,
  • The money of the center, and its rights due to others are considered public funds; also
  • The center enjoys the exemptions and facilities granted to ministries and government departments,
  • The head of the center appoints persons with experience and specialization in the field of cyber security. (for a period of 4 years), and
  • The head of the center represents the center with others.

The goals of the center

Building an effective system for cybersecurity at the national level and developing this system and organizing it

(to protect the Kingdom from the threats of cyberspace and confront them efficiently and effectively)

Tasks and powers of the National Center for Cyber Security

  • Preparing cyber security strategies, policies and standards, monitor their implementation. In addition to setting plans and programs necessary to implement them
  • Developing and implementing cyber security operations, providing the necessary support and advice. As well as coordinating response and intervening when needed,
  • Define cyber security standards and controls, and classify cyber security incidents,
  • Granting a license to cybersecurity service providers,
  • Exchange information, activate cooperation and partnerships, and conclude agreements and memoranda of understanding,
  • Developing the necessary programs to build national capabilities and experiences in the field of cybersecurity. Moreover, to enhancing awareness about it at the national level,
  • Cooperating and coordinating with the authorities related to cybersecurity,
  • Preparing draft legislation related to cybersecurity,
  • Continuous evaluation of the cyber security status in the Kingdom,
  • Any other tasks or powers stipulated in the regulations and instructions issued in accordance with the provisions of this law.

The legal functional structure of cyber security in Jordan – by Dr. Mohammad Al-Thunibat