The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), last week with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), represented by its subsidiary, the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT). ae CERT is an initiative launched by the TRA to improve the standards and practices of information security, and protect the Information Technology infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It aims at supporting and ensuring a safer cyber space of the UAE.

The MoU sets the means of co-operation between the DFSA and the TRA in the field of cyber-security and facilitates the detection, prevention, education, awareness and response to cyber-security incidents.

Mr Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the DFSA said: "I would like to express my appreciation to the TRA for the comprehensive support that they will provide to the DFSA. The DFSA is pleased to co-operate with the TRA to limit and reduce the challenges and risks in the world of cyber space.

Mr Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Operating Officer of the DFSA said: “Today we are delighted to sign this MoU with the TRA, and look forward to co-operate with the TRA on an on-going basis. This step comes in line with the UAE’s Government continuous efforts to raise awareness in the field of cyber security; furthermore the DFSA is very keen to collaborate with prominent federal authorities such as the TRA in the field of cutting edge cyber-security and to be part of the UAEs success by ensuring a sustainable and safe electronic environment in the financial services sector. Through this MoU the DFSA seeks to be proactive in its security stance by ensuring the latest safeguards of its core infrastructure and the continuity of its efforts to raise cyber-security awareness to its stakeholders in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General, TRA, said: “In the era of smart cities and free flow of information across the digital space, safety becomes of utmost concern for many people. The UAE has entered into this era with full understanding of its prospects and challenges and armed with determination to increase the benefits and limit the challenges and risks. We should unify the efforts to achieve this target, with all concerned. We thank the DFSA staff for their work and efforts to achieve this agreement to promote the collaboration between the two parties and for TRA to be able to provide full support through aeCERT in the form of technical assistance and providing protection and cyber-security against virus attacks and intrusion attempts. We hope to ensure a safe e-environment where data flow is protected and secured against any risks from cyberspace.”

“aeCERT is fully aware and responsible to ensure the safety of the country’s virtual borders. The team works to address and prevent all risks and threats, in line with the TRA’s mandate to provide the highest form of protection and safety for all government entities and thereby enable them to meet the country’s strategic goal of promoting e-lifestyle,” H.E. Al Mansoori added.

Engineer Mohamed Al Zarooni, Director Policy and Programs Department at TRA, noted that the aeCERT team are proactive in ensuring online safety in the UAE - providing guidance, education, monitoring, responding, researches and analytical services for all government entities aiming to achieve a safe e-environment.

The aeCERT was established as a national team by Decree 5/89 of 2008 issued by the Ministerial Council for Services. Its goal is to improve the standards and practices of information security, and protect IT infrastructures from risks and violations, in conformity with the TRA’s strategy and goal to ensure a safer cyberspace, both for UAE Nationals and residents.