DP World, one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, has teamed up with the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to defend against cyber attacks on mission critical computer applications.

The partnership with the TRA, represented by the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), is apart of DP World's effort to reinforce the integrity and security of its technology-driven operations.

Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director, DP World UAE Region and Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, director general, TRA on Tuesday signed an MoU defining the key areas of co-operation.

The MoU calls for collaboration between the two parties in the fields of information security, covering aspects such as the provision of early warning and notification of threats and vulnerabilities in order to detect, prevent and respond to the broader set of cyber security threats such as hacking, viruses and corruption on the Internet.

The work will be carried out in phases. The first phase will involve an appraisal of DP World, UAE Region’s current state of readiness against cyber attacks.

The next phase will be to harness the collective knowledge of CERT to strengthen the port operator’s defences through the use of latest tools and firewalls.

DP World, UAE Region and CERT will also participate in sharing of knowledge and research into new realms of IT that will mitigate different scenarios that potentially compromise the integrity of the information system, it added.

'As the largest, busiest and technologically most advanced port operator in the Middle East, DP World, UAE Region needs computer applications that are 100 per cent reliable and dependable round the clock,' remarked Al Muallem.

'Consequently, the integrity and security of our information systems are of paramount importance. We are confident that the experience and expertise that CERT brings will help us address all our cyber security concerns and deliver the best service possible to our customers,' he added.
 
Al Ghanim said the TRA was eager to provide a fully-fledged cyber security infrastructure that safeguards the ICT sector in the UAE.

'In parallel with aeCERT, the Authority works on utilizing the latest technological advancements and field expertise. This MoU offers DP World the opportunity to benefit from the aeCERT services; delivering guidance, tutoring, awareness, responsive monitoring research and analysis,' the TRA official stated.

aeCERT was established by the TRA in 2008 as the cyber security coordination centre for the UAE.

'Dubai’s ports are strategic national economic assets that need a resilient and vigilant IT infrastructure against cyber attacks,' said Al Ghanim pointed out.
 
'Our collaboration with DP World, UAE Region aims to find the ways and means to proactively combat any such incidents and protect the confidentiality and quality of their operations. This MoU is in line with the TRA’s goal of building a secure and safe cyber culture in the UAE,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service