Q-CERT to be based at Qatar Science & Technology Park

Q-CERT is the Qatari national computer security team, working with partners throughout the nation and the Gulf region to establish strong standards and practices for computer and network security, and to build a community of experts that addresses the risks associated with computer use, such as viruses, identity theft and computer fraud.

Q-CERT was founded by ictQATAR, the nation's IT and communications authority, in partnership with the CERT program at the Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Hessa al-Jaber, ictQATAR Secretary-General, notes that "ictQATAR is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in Qatar by spearheading multiple initiatives in eHealth, eGovernment, and eEducation. However, all these initiatives require a foundation of reliable and secure computer systems. We envision Q-CERT playing a leading role by collaborating with local and regional institutions to enhance their current and future IT infrastructure; and help us raise awareness about the importance of cyber security at the grass-roots level."

The Q-CERT program formally launched operations in December of 2005. The program currently operates from the premises of ictQATAR, in central Doha, and will relocate to the Qatar Science & Technology Park in late 2007, where a staff of 34 will establish a 1500 square meter facility.

Qatar Science & Technology Park was chosen as the permanent home for Q-CERT because of its state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, adjacency to renowned international universities, and services which support technology development and commercialisation.

"We believe that the QSTP site provides an ideal location, with a good balance of educational resources and research & development opportunities" according to Mr. Archie Andrews, the Technical Director of Q-CERT "and the creative use of space and people-friendly design will make it a very pleasant and professional place to conduct our activities".

Dr. Rashid Al-Ali, the Program Director for Q-CERT, states that "we have a lot of work here in Doha, with the growing number and increasing severity of security incidents that affect Qatar and the broader Gulf region. The QSTP facilities will provide us with modern training centers to help build skills and technical capacity with our partners, and labs to conduct incident response and related cyber forensics activities."

HE Dr Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park, commented "Q-CERT is a valuable project for Qatar because it not only performs a vital role in computer security, but it also transfers technology and skills to the local community. We warmly welcome Q-CERT to Qatar Science & Technology Park, and it is positive to see a cluster of IT companies and projects forming here."