The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), represented by the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Computer Emergency Response Team (JPCERT). The MoU aims to identifying areas of cooperation and joint action in the field of information security, as well as activating an information exchange mechanism, building capabilty, mutual legal assistance and developing a joint framework to serve the common interests of both sides.

The MoU has been signed by H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General, and H.E. Hiroaki Kikuchi, Board Chairman of JPCERT Coordination Center. This MoU is based on the understanding of both sides to the need to protect the digital environments and promote collaborative efforts to combat cyber security incidents as well as to protect internet users’ privacy.

On this MoU, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, said: “In the UAE, and in line with our wise leadership directives, we are keen to create a safe digital space that allows everyone to work, learn, invest, and innovate. We make every effort to protect the users of this space (companies and individuals) from blackmail and abuse in all its psychological, behavioral and financial levels and forms, in addition to enhancing their abilities to do their online business effectively. Protection of information security has become an absolute necessity, equal to security of houses, institutions and important properties. Hence, TRA has taken all necessary measures to enhance the information security, and signed MoUs with numerous local, Arab and international entities, in order to exchange information and experiences to reach solutions for all cybersecurity problems, and to stand against all attempts of piracy and privacy breaches of individuals and companies in this wide space.” 

Al Mansoori emphasized that signing the MoU with the Japanese side will have a major role in developing information security in both countries. He added: “TRA has extensive experience in the field of information security and combating piracy and electronic attacks of all forms. It has acquired this experience through years of hard work and continuous training of its national cadres. Moreover, Japan is among the most advanced countries in the field of electronic industries and cybersecurity. Thus, signing this MoU reflects the will of both parties to share experiences to reach higher levels in information security and protection of digital space users.” 

This MoU reflects the will of the CERT teams of both countries to establish a strategic cooperation that aims at improving information security efforts through the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The MoU enhances the strategic cooperation between the two parties to improve the quality of information security, including advice and guidance through the exchange of information and expertise on e-incidents, in addition to exchange of information and advice on threats and vulnerabilities to reach better results for the protection of electronic systems and information against cyber-attacks. The MoU stipulated the designation of representatives and focal points, for direct regular and emergency communications between both sides.

aeCERT has been established to improve information security standards and practices, protect and support UAE ICT infrastructure against online risks and breaches, and build secure and protected ICT culture. The team aims to strengthen the UAE law on combating cybercrimes, assist in the development of new legislation, raise awareness about information security on national level, build national expertise in information security, emergency management, and computer evidence analysis.