The Housing and Development Bank (HDB) has conducted a cyberattack simulation exercise, known as a Tabletop Exercise, in cooperation with Unit 42, a global company specialising in cyberattack simulation and digital threat response. The exercise forms part of the bank’s strategy to strengthen its cybersecurity framework and enhance its readiness to address digital threats, in line with the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) directives in this area.
The exercise aimed to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of cyber incident response plans and measure the readiness of teams and their ability to handle various scenarios. It involved simulating practical situations reflecting the increasingly complex nature of digital threats and addressing them proactively.
The exercise enhances institutional awareness and reinforces a culture of shared responsibility, while improving decision-making and response times during crises, supporting business continuity and the provision of secure banking services.
Yehia Abou El Fotouh, CEO and Managing Director of HDB, said that the specialised exercise reflects the bank’s commitment to continuously developing its digital capabilities and enhancing the efficiency of its workforce in line with the requirements and directives of the CBE. He stressed the bank’s continued compliance with the CBE’s regulatory requirements and instructions, as well as its efforts to strengthen its ability to respond effectively to cyber risks and threats and address them efficiently and swiftly.
He explained that the bank’s 2025-2030 strategy places digital transformation among its key pillars, supporting the development of an integrated banking system characterised by the highest levels of security and resilience. He also stressed the importance of continued investment in human capital through specialised training programmes that ensure the development of qualified and well-trained professionals in line with the latest best practices.
Abou El Fotouh noted that the bank continues to cooperate with leading global companies specialising in technology and cybersecurity to adopt the latest technologies and solutions that enhance operational efficiency and risk management, protect the bank’s systems and data, and support business continuity. This, he said, reinforces HDB’s position as one of Egypt’s leading universal commercial banks.
Amr Toman, Head of Information Security at HDB, stressed that continued investment in enhancing teams’ readiness and capabilities is a key pillar of efficient banking operations and business continuity. He noted that practical cyber crisis simulation exercises help test the integration of roles and procedures across the bank’s various divisions, improve response times and support appropriate decision-making in emergency situations, which strengthens the bank’s ability to provide secure banking services to customers.
