Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) has signed a MoU with the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), an initiative by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to help tackle electronic crimes.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni, vice-president and chief executive officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, director general of TRA, signed the deal at DSO headquarters.

As per the agreement, DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries, will benefit from the CERT expertise to facilitate detection and prevention of a wide range of cyber crimes and ensure security over the Internet.

The MoU will also provide support and protection of data and information for all companies operating at DSO, complementing both parties’ efforts to raise applied industry standards to global benchmarks.
 
Dr Al Zarouni said DSO is committed to offering state-of-the-art technology infrastructure combined with a cyber-safe environment.

'Our agreement with the TRA will help create a safe operating environment for all our customers and partners. The outcome of the MoU will further complement the dedicated and solid infrastructure created by DSO since its inception for securing IT processes,' he noted.

Al Ghanim said the aeCERT accredited by the Ministerial Council for Services as the National CERT of UAE is one of TRA’s initiatives to support its strategy for cyber-space security in the UAE. Its objective is to improve standards and best practices in data security and protect IT infrastructure in the country from risks and Internet hacking.

'In our commitment to launch initiatives for developing information and communications technology, the TRA represented by aeCERT, introduced ‘Salim’ - the Emirati Cyber Security Advisor - last month to promote ways to prevent Internet threats.'

'Salim offers tips that guide users to adopt a safe cyber culture in the UAE. TRA will continue to raise awareness on safe cyber culture through Salim and through establishing partnerships with all institutions in the private and public sectors in the UAE. Our MoU with DSO is part of this sincere endeavor.'

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai and operates as a free zone for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.