Emirates Identity Authority to obtain ISO 27001 IT security certification

'Information security is one of the key issues of the new electronic age in which we live today. It is imperative that every organization working on electronic system shall comply with international standards on information security and anti hacking,' aaid H.E. Darwish Al Zaraouni, Director General of Emirates Identity Authority.

'Stemming from its belief that an adequate level of privacy and security shall be established in the Population Register and ID Card Program, and in line with its mission which stresses the identification and protection of individuals' identity to facilitate their transactions through the development of an accurate population registry ', Emirates Identity Authority ('EIDA') is currently working under its 2007 - 2010 Strategic Plan to obtain ISO 27001 certification.' Mr. Al Zaraouni added.

ISO 27001 is an international standard compliance certification awarded to companies and organizations maintaining highest levels of information security in their business and programs. EIDA is undertaking this project in association with 'Data Fort' Company, and it is scheduled for completion by the end of 2007, thus making EIDA the first UAE governmental federal organization to obtain ISO 27001 certification.

Al Zaraouni said that this project comes at a time witnessing increased local and international concerns on information security and protection against risks threatening information technology.

He indicated that EIDA certification will make it well positioned and more confident to provide high quality services to its customers in terms of information confidentiality and individual privacy, and shall further enhance the process of electronic connection with government and non-government organizations to provide further electronic services in the future.

Participating at the GITEX, EIDA is also displaying its ID card technology at the exhibition.