22 October, 2009

The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), represented by the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai(GSECD) this morning, on 19 October 2009; where the aeCERT coordinates and supports the response to wider cyberspace incidents and preserve Information Technology (IT) infrastructure of the GSECD.

The Signing Ceremony took place at the TRA Stand in GulfComms Exhibition of the GITEX Technology Week, at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The signatories were H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General, and Dr. Aisha Bin Bisher, Director of Corporate Distinction at the GSECD. This MoU comes in line with both parties' objectives to provide the needed security for the confidential information and database of the GSECD, and within the continuous aim to achieve information security against Internet threats.

Mr. Al Ghanim assured that this MoU will contribute in achieving a number of the TRA objectives for which the aeCERT was established, such as improving the IT infrastructure security of the Program through providing consultancy, monitoring and incident response.

"The aeCERET is one of the TRA initiatives established to apply its strategy to support a safe cyberspace in the UAE, where the aeCERT will provide special services to improve the security posture of the GSECD IT infrastructure through providing the needed services that will result in protecting information from Internet threats," added Al Ghanim.

"The TRA introduced SALIM last month, the Emirati Cyber Security Advisor, to provide IT and Internet end users with tips that will protect them against cyber threats and guide them towards a safe cyber culture in the UAE," concluded Al Ghanim.

In her turn, Dr. Aisha said: "In this age, information is one of the most important resources of any institution or company, where protecting information is nothing more than protecting such vital resources and protecting the properties of stakeholders, especially that the GSECD deals with highly sensitive and confidential issues. Hence, protecting information is protecting the properties and rights of Dubai government from manipulation, negligence, and other similar hazards."

"Although we haven't faced any serious technical problems, yet, we won't wait for the problem to occur in order to react, but we rather follow a more proactive approach by preparing in advance in the best means to insure being within the safety and secured circle," concluded Dr. Aisha