AMMAN — The government on Sunday said it is planning to establish a computer incident response centre to combat cyber crime, which is an issue of concern to the global economy.

ICT Minister Azzam Sleit said the facility, which will be created through the National Centre for Information and Technology, will play a key role in coordinating regional efforts to combat cyber crimes and raise awareness on their prevention in the Kingdom.

The minister made the remarks at the opening of a workshop on preparedness to establish computer incident response centres that was held by the ministry in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-Arab Regional Office and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission with the participation of officials and experts from Jordan and Palestine.

"There is a dire need for such centres in Jordan and the rest of the region, as cyber threats are on the rise," Sleit said.

Citing international studies, he added that organised cyber crime causes some $800 billion in annual losses to companies and economies across the world.

The number of cyber crimes rose by 43 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012, Sleit noted.

The centre, the minister said, will play a role in enhancing laws related to combating cyber crimes and assist in drafting new laws.

It will also raise awareness on the issue, build capacities and measure cyber threats, Sleit said, adding that the centre will coordinate with local, regional and international entities to combat cyber crime.

Ruba Al Amir, representing the ITU-Arab Regional Office, stressed the need for initiatives across the region to combat cyber crime.

"We need effective tools to combat cyber threats across the region and the globe," she said.

"Such threats harm economies and we need intensified efforts and coordination in this regard," Amir added, reviewing the ITU's programmes and plans in this respect.