The CEO of a knowledge-based company active in the field of communication equipment and information technology stated: “Preserving cyber security is contingent upon supporting the domestic market and legislation because every production requires a process of maturation.
As reported by IDEA, ensuring cyber security is one of the vital and pivotal issues not to be taken lightly, and neglecting it can have highly perilous consequences for the country. We are in an era where numerous security incidents are occurring in the country; hence, the field of “AFTA” (Security of Information Production and Exchange) has assumed a prominent role and special attention to indigenous development and domestic production of the necessary equipment for this industry can greatly assist the country’s security infrastructure.
In consideration of this important matter, the Seventh Development Plan also includes a special section titled “Enhancing the Security of the Country’s Communication and Information Infrastructure and Cleansing the Cyberspace,” under which the preparation of a draft regulation for accrediting AFTA products has been placed.
The purpose of preparing this regulation is to ensure the compliance of equipment, systems, and virtual space platforms with the security requirements of the National Information Network, establish transparent processes for granting security certificates to equipment, systems, and virtual space platforms, create specialized laboratories in accordance with the country’s needs in the field of accreditation system mission, and establish a continuous monitoring system for the security status of the country’s equipment, systems, and virtual space platforms.
Considering that the approach to localizing equipment in the field of communication and information technology, especially software, is of particular interest, and its security is an unavoidable matter, the use of domestic products can provide a significant percentage of cyber security.
On the other hand, given the colossal cost of procuring foreign software, especially in the country’s infrastructure, it is natural that responding to the localization of software products will be a positive approach, and capital flight, dependence on foreign companies, and a reduction in the protection of information are just a small part of the reasons that justify localization.
Attention to Indigenous Processes
In this regard, knowledge-based companies in the cybersecurity sector are actively offering integrated solutions for securing the virtual space, aiming to reduce our dependence on imports in this field through the production of domestic security services and products in Iran. Therefore, we interviewed Mr. Abbas Hosseini, one of the active technologists in this field, to discuss the necessity and importance of localizing security equipment in the field of communications and information technology. Below is the complete text of the conversation:
Abbas Hosseini, CEO of a knowledge-based company in the cybersecurity sector, emphasized the significance and necessity of localization in the field of cybersecurity. He stated: “In any area and at any time we seriously engage in localization, we have been able to achieve significant successes. However, paying attention to the requirements and processes of localization is decisive for the success or failure of any product.”
He stressed that we should not view localization as a short-term and mere assembly process. He added: “Localizing should not only be about assembly and meeting an immediate need. Instead, we should be concerned about the technology and knowledge behind it in the country, rather than trying to halt imports and force customers to purchase domestic products, which is usually an unsuccessful approach.”
Hosseini continued: “For instance, we should not compare a product that has been produced and used abroad for 20 years with a domestically produced product that has been developed in a short period with minimal budget.”
He highlighted that fortunately, we possess the necessary workforce capacity and technical knowledge for localizing equipment in the information technology sector. He said: “There is a good market for purchasing products in the country, and we can leverage these capacities and put them to use.”
Hosseini continued: “Real localization means a time-consuming process that takes into account all the production stages. Typically, products are initially produced with minimal capabilities and are then refined and improved based on customer feedback in the market. Therefore, we should facilitate their entry into the market and create conditions for their maturity, as products usually have an initial production phase and grow in the market with customer feedback.”
The CEO of the knowledge-based company added: “On the other hand, localization requires support from regulatory bodies such as the Regulatory Authority for Consumer Protection, which should establish supportive regulations for both customers and producers to prevent fraud.”
Hosseini emphasized the importance of localization in this industry, stating: “Localizing ‘AFTA’ industries, whether in terms of hardware or software, is a time-consuming and costly process. We should not expect to achieve global achievements in a short time from the domestic market. Therefore, we should measure our expectations and capabilities, rather than suppressing domestic activities and services through blind comparisons with international products.”
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