Economic Zones World (EZW) has signed an MoU with the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to boost its information systems and strengthen cyber security across its operations.

Under the deal, EZW and TRA, represented by UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), will collaborate on information security including the provision of early warning and notification of threats and vulnerabilities to detect, prevent and respond to broader set of cyber security threats such as hacking, viruses and corruption on Internet.

The MoU was signed by Salma Hareb, the EZW chief executive officer and Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, the director general of TRA.

The agreement outlines the various phases of the work that will be undertaken by the parties.

The aeCERT, established by the TRA in 2008 as the cyber security coordination centre for the UAE, will initially evaluate the current information systems used by the free zone operator, and its effectiveness against cyber attacks.

The co-ordination centre will make suggestions and provide consultation on preliminary threats to better protect EZW systems and electronic data. The duo will also jointly work on new and existing technologies that could enhance operations and mitigate risk.

Commenting on the deal, Hareb said, “With our operations getting increasingly more advanced and complex, we give highest priority to quality and security. This collaboration with aeCERT reinforces our commitment to applying the most stringent standards for information security management."

"We are continuously evaluating and enhancing existing systems for the betterment of our clients and their businesses,” she noted.

Al Ghanim said, "The TRA, being a regulatory authority for ICT, aims to provide the best level of services to users, and one of the ways we can ensure industry-best standards, is by protecting our users from cyber threats."

"EZW which is witnessing growth and prosperity requires the highest possible levels of protection for its data and network. We are confident that the experience of our aeCERT team will be of great benefit to EZW’s cyber security," he added.-TradeArabia News Service