TRA and Abu Dhabi Global Market Sign an MoU on Information Security

Mobilk - The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), represented by the national Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), has signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the regions leading financial free zone, to activate collaboration between the two sides in the areas of information security. The MoU will also enhance coordination mechanism for information exchange and early warning on threats and risks of cyber-attacks, and facilitate addressing and detecting a wide range of information security incidents such as electronic hacking, viruses and vandalism.

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General, welcomed the signing of the MoU with ADGM. He indicated that ADGM affiliation with the aeCERT is an important addition that contributes to enhancing the security of UAEs cyberspace. It is also part of TRAs directives to holding partnerships with government and private entities in the fields of information security protection, raising awareness on data and electronic channels to reduce the rising risks in this field, and reducing the impact of those risks if they occur.

H.E. Al Mansoori emphasized that TRA is committed to develop the quality of ICT services in the country, in order to keep pace with the technological development of ICT sector, enhance the smart lifestyle, and provide a safe and secure electronic environment for business. He invited government and private entities to benefit from the free-of-charge services of aeCERT, as a specialized entity that has the capacity and competence to respond to all electronic risks and threats.

Khalid Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of ADGM, said: "At ADGM, we are pleased to cooperate with TRA in the field of information security and timely exchange of vital information. As an international financial hub in Abu Dhabi, and the regulator of the financial free zone, ADGM is aware of the importance of maintaining confidence and integrity in Abu Dhabi financial structure, and the economic welfare of the UAE. We look forward to working closely with TRA to achieve these goals." 

As per the MoU, the main areas of cooperation focus on the provision of electronic accreditation services to the affiliate, advisory and education in the field of information security, as well as guidance, monitoring and response to the risks, informing about potential electronic risks, guidance in the event of attacks, and enhancing their capacity to respond to attacks.

The aeCERT will assess and study the risks through research and analysis, to determine the affiliates position and actual capacity as well as the probable risks, according to clear methodological study, based on latest international methods in the field of risk analysis. The aeCERT will also provide the affiliate with assessment services of their information security and protection, which are preemptive services to identify existing gaps, and cover them in the best possible way, in addition to many other services in the field.

The aeCERT has been established by Resolution 5/89 of 2008 issued by the Ministerial Council for Services. The team was established to improve the standards and practices of information security, and protect IT infrastructure in the UAE from risks and violations, in line with TRA strategy aiming to support and ensure a safer cyber space for the UAE residents, both nationals and expatriates.