Emirates Post signs information security deal with aeCERT

29/05/2010 00:00 AST

Emirates Post Holding Group and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) have a signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to safeguard information security through the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), an initiative of the TRA.

The MoU was signed by Fahad Eisa Al Hosani, Acting President of Emirates Post Group and Mohamed Naser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA, at a ceremony attended by senior officials from both sides.

Under the MoU, Emirates Post Group and aeCERT will collaborate in the fields of information security and work out mechanisms for information sharing and provision of early warning and notification of threats, in order to facilitate the detection, prevention and response to cyber security incidents, such as hacking, viruses and corruption on the Internet.

"The rapid growth of information network and widespread use of the Internet have made organizations vulnerable to risks and threats to information security," said Al Hosani. "We are pleased to sign this MoU with the TRA as it will help Emirates Post Group to address various cyber threats, prevent their occurrence and limit the degree of impact once they occur, through the expertise of aeCERT."

Mohamed Al Ghanim said: "Through this agreement, the TRA will be able to ensure a secure electronic environment by safeguarding information from the dangers of the web and maintain confidentiality and information data owned by Emirates Post Group and other parties that have signed up with aeCERT."

Under the terms of agreement, aeCERT wil provide Emirates Post Group with consultancy, education and awareness; act as a central point of contact to coordinate all communication with national and international authorities and CERTS; issue preliminary alerts and advisories; conduct risk analysis and assessment and provide proactive services to measure the quality of information security.

aeCERT, set up by the UAE Council of Ministers as per Decision No. 89/5 of 2008, represents the national team for Computer Emergency in the UAE. The TRA, represented by the aeCERT team, has launched 'Salem,' an e-guide to protect the web, to complement the first phase of the awareness campaign. 'Salem' provides guidance on how to protect information from web risks. The TRA seeks to sign agreements with different institutions, both private and public, to ensure cyberspace security for all Internet users and an ideal environment to develop the UAE's communications and information technology sector to rank amongst major global centrers.

Khaleej Times