TRA’s National Computer Emergency Response Team highlights latest techniques in enhancement of digital security at GISEC 2016

21/04/2016

In a move towards making the public more aware of the campaign to fight cybercrimes, the National Computer Emergency Response Team of the UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) showcased the latest practices, technologies and security procedures to help ensure digital security during its recent participation at this year's edition of the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC), the Middle East region's most important IT security exhibition and conference.

During the event, the TRA team threw the spotlight on the latest global products, services and software covering IT security, which were recommended as key solutions to help individuals, companies and organizations in addressing cyber threats across today's digital workspace. One of the highlights of the event was a live demonstration showing how a smart electronic plug could be used as a device that can steal important account information on social media channels like Facebook. The presentation was designed to make people more aware of how smart household appliances, which are part of the 'Internet of Things (IoT), can be improperly used to phish essential and private information online.

According to a recent report from Markets & Markets, the annual cost of the global cyber security market has currently been valued at USD 100 billion and is expected to grow to USD 120.1 billion by 2017, which reflects an 11.3 per cent increase. Recent industry reports have also revealed that cybercrime has been ranked as the second most common economic crime in the region--at a time when the cyber security market of the Middle East is predicted to grow to USD 9.56 billion by 2019.

H.E Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Director General, of TRA, said, “GISEC proves to be both timely and strategic as we are witnessing how local technologies are playing a significant role in the UAE's efforts to become the world's leading smart city, the shift towards smart governance, extensive data and the transformation of the Internet of Things (IoT)--which are all part of the move to achieve National Vision 2021. In light of this technological and digital momentum, risks and challenges associated with the virtual world and digital space are rapidly increasing. To address this, the TRA plays a pivotal role in minimizing these risks through the implementation of our strategic projects and initiatives, mainly in smart transformation such as smart cloud, innovation center and other major projects.”

“Our presence and participation at GISEC, which is regarded as the only regional event specialized in IT Security, falls in line with our efforts to share our knowledge and expertise in the telecommunications sector, information systems, raising public awareness regarding digital security, e-smart services and enhancing the electronic lifestyle in the UAE. This initiative is considered an ideal opportunity to educate the public about the risks and the consequences of not following online security and safety procedures and to also make people more aware of what to do in light of a cyber-attack, particularly in protecting the privacy of important data,” Al Mansoori added.

“The exhibition serves as a strategic venue to showcase the latest innovations and advanced solutions in cyber security, while also serving as a key venue to inform and educate people on strategies covering the prevention of cyber-attacks and online fraud. The TRA remains fully committed in its move to raise awareness on the importance of practicing cyber security especially across the country's many communities--especially in light of the rapid global developments in the telecommunication and information technology sector, which involves the risks of invading one's privacy and hacking of essential data,” concluded Al Mansouri.

GISEC is the largest annual event in the ICT sector and information security in the Middle East. The event annually attracts leading experts, senior IT managers and heads of technical departments and information systems from all major industries, including finance, energy, telecommunications, government, and information technology.