December 24, 2009

 

Al Ghanim announces the start of the awareness campaign for UAE students

As part of the strategy of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority's (TRA) aimed at developing and advancing TRA's tasks and mission to better serve the UAE and its residents. And stemming from TRA's quest to raise the level of awareness of an electronic-safe environment and culture; the Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT) and along with "Slaim" the cyber security advisor, organized earlier today an awareness workshop for the students of Omar Al-As School for Boys in Al Ain. The main objective of this activity is to educate the students on protection measures with regard to the use of modern IT technologies and the internet.

"Salim" received a very warm welcome from the students as many of them expressed their excitement about having him around. The aeCERT delivered, along with "Salim", a seminar on the importance and measures of protecting their electronic devices from insecure use and third party applications. The team also educated the students on how to protect electronic information from external resources, and what type of protection software to download.

On this occasion, HE Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of RTA, explained the main objectives of this campaign saying "TRA is committed to launching a number of initiatives that will contribute and drive the growth and development of the telecom and IT sectors in the Country. The aeCERT initiative, and by introducing "Salim" the cyber security advisor, is an embodiment of the Authority's commitment in this regard. "Salim" will guide the general public on best procedures to protect their online and electronic information, as well as protecting them from possible dangers associated with the use of the internet." Al Ghanim said that "Salim" was launched last October during TRA's participation at GITEX, where the character started interacting and communicating with the public. Al Ghanim also said that this visit to Omar Bin Al-As School is the official start of aeCERT's awareness campaigns with UAE schools targeting students from all grades. He continued saying "we aim, through this campaign, to communicate with this age group, as they do represent a high percentage of internet users, and therefore, are more prone to cyber dangers."

The team presented students with gifts bearing the logo of aeCERT and a photo of "Salim," a move that excited the students.

"Salim" was launched by aeCERT as the cyber security advisor to provided easy and understandable tips on how to use the internet safely in an effort to reach a secure IT culture in the UAE for all uses, organizations and individuals.