The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) and the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage the expertise of the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT) in enhancing joint co-operation to protect cyber-users and maintain confidentiality of on-line information.

The MoU is part of joint efforts to strengthen the socio-economic growth of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. As per the MoU, EIAST will provide aeCERT with its information technology infrastructure data. In turn, aeCERT will accord the highest priority to the confidentiality of such data and provide EIAST with any threat or vulnerability alert data. The aeCERT will also provide EIAST with guidance, education and awareness services, counselling, monitoring & response, and research & analysis services.

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General, EIAST, and His Excellency Mr Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General, signed the MoU on the sidelines of GITEX 2009, the premier information technology expo being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. "The MoU comes in line with EIAST's objective to position Dubai and the UAE as a science and technology development hub and comply with Dubai government's strategic plan to build a knowledge-based economy. The vast experience of aeCERT team complements EIAST's aspirations to provide its stakeholders with high quality services,"

said Mr Al Mansoori. "EIAST is committed to promoting knowledge-based economic and sustainable development and enhancing growth in the Emirates and beyond. To drive this forward, it is important to encourage the effective use of highly sophisticated technologies in a fully secure operating environment. The MoU will work towards ensuring total cyber security," added Mr Al Mansoori.

H.E. Al Ghanim said, "This MoU is considered as a means to ensure that Emirates Institute for Advanced Science & Technology will acquire all the services to protect the confidentiality and security of information. The aeCERT team will provide EIAST with the analysis related to national and international cyberspace security threats, in addition to coordination, consultancy, and educational & awareness services related to cyberspace security."

"Organizations must protect their information security, which aeCERT assures through the signing of this MoU to improve the security aspects of EIAST's IT infrastructure. This MoU is a main task in implementing TRA's strategy to ensure a safe cyberspace in the UAE, especially after aeCERT has been accredited by the Ministerial Council for Services Direct Number (5/89) for 2008 as the National CERT of the UAE," added Al Ghanim.