eCompany signs alliance with Symantec to improve Internet Security in the UAE

The two entities have come together in recognition of their joint commitment to the security of the Internet in the Emirates, and will be working together to deliver world-class security through services, awareness and technologies to eCompany's customer base.

'Security is of utmost importance to our users, and it is critical that we do what we can to protect them from the source, as well as making education and technology available for comprehensive security.' said Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, GM, eCompany. 'Our mission statement is to be the leading customer-centric provider of cutting edge e-solutions, and signing this alliance with Symantec is the first step towards a fruitful partnership which will deliver real value to our customers.'

The Memorandum of Understanding covers a wide range of areas, including commitments to sharing knowledge across specialist areas such as online fraud (and Phishing), online education, early warning capabilities to protect users and businesses in the region, and cooperating to develop additional services to maximize value to the customer. The overarching aim will be to
work together to increase the security level of eCompany's ISP customer base.

'As the UAE raises its profile within the global digital economy, leading the Gulf region in internet penetration rates, it is critical to ensure that awareness of online security is widespread amongst users, and that regional providers are taking adequate steps to secure internet access from the outset' commented Kevin Isaac, Symantec Regional Director, Middle East & Africa. ' We are delighted to collaborate with the ISP in the Emirates to develop security services for the Middle East and Africa. Their knowledge and foresight in this arena suggest that this meeting of minds will be highly beneficial for both of our companies, and therefore, for all of the Internet users in the region.'

Recent IDC figures show that the UAE is one of the leading countries in the region in terms of IT markets, showing an expected growth of 21% in 2004, with a major growth driver coming from the small and medium business sector. Yet Symantec's Internet Threat Report version VI released in Sept 04 also showed that the small and medium business sector was also increasingly at risk from web attacks - in the first half of 2004 10% of attacks against small businesses were classified as targeted, up from 3% of targeted attacks observed in the last six months of 2003. Collaboration between Symantec and eCompany could work to prevent this global trend becoming apparent in the Emirates, allowing grass roots companies to flourish in the region, with security on the internet offered at the source.