TRA signs strategic agreement with Symantec for UAE Computer Emergency Response Team

The agreement outlines providing consultancy services for assisting the TRA for the establishment of the aeCERT functionality. This supports the goal of the aeCERT to sustain a resilient UAE ICT Infrastructure against the broader set of cyber threats.

"Among its mandates, aeCERT will be responsible for raising awareness across the UAE of the need for cyber-security and will continually advise and inform Internet users in the UAE of the steps they need to take to ensure corporate and personal information is secure at all times," said H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, TRA Board Member and Director General.

The security intelligence, threat research and capability enhancement to be undertaken by aeCERT as part of this initiative will be supplemented by Global Threat information and metrics provided by Symantec's global monitoring systems and Security Response Research centers. This will enable more accurate analysis of Internet threats and suspicious activity in the UAE so it can be determined and acted upon through leveraging Symantec's Global security insight and correlating this information with Internet security-related events in the UAE.

Key to the goals of aeCERT will be to enhance and further develop the currents skill sets within the UAE in general and specialist security areas, all of which will be supported by Symantec as part of this project.

Symantec's half-yearly Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) in early 2007 showed that the UAE ranked surprisingly high in the 180 countries monitored, both in terms of origination of attacks as well as being targeted by online fraudsters.

The report also showed the UAE ranked 44th as an originator of phishing attacks. Symantec's ISTR also revealed that the current Internet threat environment is characterized by an increase in data theft, data leakage and the creation of targeted, malicious code for the purpose of stealing confidential information that can be used for financial gain.

"Symantec has advised numerous governments around the world on similar projects and will bring that knowledge and experience to bear in the UAE," said Kevin Isaac, Middle East and North Africa regional director at Symantec.

"This is a long-term agreement to provide competent consultancy to aeCERT to make it the leading trusted secure cyber coordination centre in the region."

Mr. Al Ghanim said: "Symantec is considered one of the leading companies worldwide regarding information security solutions, database sensors, exposure to CERT Generic Processes, Standard CERT Procedures, and Standard CERT Operation Mechanisms."