This World Bank brief outlines efforts to build cyber resilience in low- and middle-income countries as they digitalize. Between 2014 and 2024, the World Bank supported 64 countries in establishing foundational cyber defenses, mostly by setting up and improving CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams). The rationale is that developing nations are highly vulnerable to cyber incidents (from DDoS to ransomware) but often lack the institutional capacity to respond. Key pillars of the World Bank’s approach include helping governments draft national cybersecurity strategies and laws, training skilled cybersecurity personnel, and creating incident response teams and networks. The brief highlights that many developing states still don’t have a national CSIRT or sector-specific CERTs, leaving critical infrastructure at risk. It cites initiatives like the Global Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program (2016–2022) which assessed countries’ cyber maturity and identified gaps. By sharing best practices and funding improvements (often in partnership with organizations like FIRST and regional forums), the World Bank aims to ensure that cybersecurity is recognized as fundamental to development and that countries can swiftly respond to threats, thus safeguarding their economic and social progress.
