TRAs aeCERT Joins Forces with Ajman PTC to Enhance Digital Security in Transport Sector

Mobilk - The Telecommunications Authoritys (TRA) Computer Emergency Readiness Team (aeCERT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ajman Public Transport Corporation (PTC). The MoU identifies common areas for collaborations with a focus on the transport sector to improve and strengthen digital security. Signed on the sidelines of GITEX Technology Week, the MoU aims to enhance co-ordination mechanism for the exchange of information between the two entities.

As per the MoU, the Authority will provide the PTC with support in identifying threats to facilitate the detection, prevention and response to dangers of cyberspace and security issues like hacking and virus attacks.

The aeCERT will offer guidance and consultation about preliminary vulnerabilities to better protect the system and safeguard its electronic data from cyber-attacks based on the information supplied by the PTC on incidents within its own operating environment. The TRAs response team will also coordinate with and maintain a database of local, regional and international CERTs.

According to the MoU, aeCERT will also conduct risk analysis and assessment on new and existing technologies to provide relevant information along with offering proactive services to measure the quality of the information security within the PTC.

Commenting on the partnership, His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of TRA, said: "TRAs aeCERT establishes agreements and partnerships with government and private entities to enhance the protection of information and data in the UAE. Our team understands the responsibilities and duties of the transportatoin sector towards the nation, and we are committed to provide cyber protection and a secure digital environment to all entities working towards common national goals."

His Excellency added: "This association with PTC is highly significant as the transport sector is moving towards digitization in the UAE with novel concepts like self-driving cars. As the information network grows and internet usage increases, risks and threats in information security in the sector have augmented too. We carefully analyze and identify means to address these threats, prevent their occurrence and limit their impact. This is in line with the TRAs strategic goal of promoting a smart lifestyle within the UAE."

Eng. Omar Ahmed bin Amir, Director General of PTC Ajman, said, "There is a need to collaborate with strategic partners from governmental institutions in order to realize the objectives of Ajman 2021 vision. We are always keen to improve information security standards and practices to be able to provide protection to the end-users. Appropriate support and adequate ICT infrastructure are required to keep pace with the rapid changes that international communications sector is undergoing. The partnership with TRA is in line with the strategy of PTC to preserve the confidentiality of information."

He added that the corporation is marking a strong presence in GITEX Technology Week at the Ajman Government platform and that the PTC acknowledges the importance of this event.    

In this edition of GITEX, alongside TRA, 21 federal entities under the umbrella of the UAE mGovernment, are showcasing their achievements in using technology to facilitate provision of services and achieve customer happiness, upholding the principle of one government and good service.