Global co-operation is needed to overcome cybersecurity and privacy protection challenges, Mika Lauhde, vice-president of Cybersecurity and Privacy, Global Public Affairs at Huawei Technologies, has said.

In an exclusive interview to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Milipol Qatar 2021, Mika said co-operation is key for the success of transformation and it can be achieved through partnerships between government, private enterprises and educational institutions.

“Companies and government entities as well as individuals fall prey to cyber threats. People need to share information in secured ways. They rely upon governments that are accountable for providing them with security. The government can ensure security by sharing information and co-operating. A lot of co-operation is needed,” he said.

The official hailed Milipol 2021, saying it contributes much to the global co-operation and sharing of ideas between companies and countries. “Society becomes increasingly dependent on the Internet and cybersecurity has become a matter of concern with new cybersecurity vulnerabilities emerging,” he noted.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world, stressing the need to further explore in order to exchange information and overcome the threat. “This pandemic is not the last and we have to find solutions by tapping the potential of technology. Technology has played a pivotal role in minimising the adversity of the pandemic. We need telecommunication to take care of the pandemic. Next time, we have to be much prepared,” Mika said, adding that Huawei could ensure connection between the people while they were isolated.

He explained that healthcare needs connectivity to become further hi-tech. “In the future, medical prescription, consultation and surgeries will be done by making use of a reliable telecommunication system from far away. Telecommunication is enabling the future where pandemic and emergencies will be dealt with by using technology and telecommunication,” he said.

Mika noted that 5G is a revolution that ensures a better system and develops a new ecosystem. It’s much more secure with speed, capacity and latency while addressing risks, making networks and information more secure and protecting users' privacy.

Mika went on to say that Huawei is helping build a new ecosystem and this is achieved by helping stakeholders like healthcare providers, educational institutions and government entities. “We help local people and innovators by enabling them to do their job,” he said. “We are creating a new ecosystem and working with universities in Qatar,” he said, noting that Huawei has a long history of co-operation with Qatar while supporting private and public entities here to combat cyber threats.

He said Milipol assumes significance as it ensures the sharing of ideas and experiences. “We are in need for international policies and joint efforts to overcome the threats and understanding about technologies is also needed,” he added.