20 October, 2009

The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), represented by the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sheikh Zayed Housing Program (SZHP( this morning, on 20 October 2009; where the aeCERT coordinates and supports the response to wider cyberspace incidents and preserve Information Technology (IT) infrastructure of the program.

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 H.E. Mohammed Abdulaziz Jassem, SZHP Director General. This MoU comes in line with both parties' objectives to provide the needed security for the confidential information and database of the SZHP, 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 was accredited by the Ministerial Council for Services Direct Number (5/89) for 2008 as the National CERT of the UAE, to facilitate the detection, prevention and response of cyber security incidents on the Internet. Committed to launch initiatives that will result in developing the ICT sector, the TRA, represented by the aeCERT, introduced SALIM last month, the Emirati Cyber Security Advisor, following the first phase of the awareness campaign on how to prevent Internet threats. SALIM will 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. The TRA, through the aeCERT, will continue to spread electronic awareness via SALIM and via signing similar MoUs with all UAE private and public institutes and companies to insure a safe cyberspace for all Internet users, whether corporations or individuals," added Al Ghanim.

In this respect, Mr. Jassem said: "We always consider our partners as a major and a key player in achieving our strategic objectives and enhancing them through the desired positive integration among all institutes in the UAE. Through this MoU we will be able to reach a secured electronic environment via an overall information protection against cyber threats, and via protecting the confidentiality of the Program's information and data. We insist on improving our partnership with the TRA to reach further dimensions, where the development of electronic services with continuous protection is a basic requirement of any organization that seeks to provide distinguished services that exceed expectations."