Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Etisalat and Trend Micro Inc have announced the launch of Cyber Eye, an initiative designed to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of government entities.
The initiative, a central part of Abu Dhabi government’s cybersecurity strategy, will employ first of its kind technology and systems to identify cyber threats in real time and take action to mitigate risks and increase protection, a statement said.
Governments across the region have faced significant rises in complexity in their IT stack during the Covid-19 crisis, including a higher risk from endpoint security brought about by remote working.
A recent KPMG survey of UAE business stakeholders showed concern about the rise of cybercrime during the pandemic. Some 61 percent of respondents were concerned about phishing scams, 54 percent were worried about email spamming and 42 percent dreaded a ransomware incident.
Dr Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, director general of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), said: “ADDA is keen to strengthen collaboration ties between the public and private sectors, and to work with strategic partners such as Etisalat and Trend Micro as these collaborations are vital in providing basic technological knowledge, and the expertise necessary to enhance cybersecurity capabilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“Today, we embark on a new, safer digital journey. One where cybersecurity takes a central position in our digital transformation strategy. As we move forward, we are incorporating best-in-class solutions to protect government infrastructure and ensure the integrity and safety of all its digital assets. We will be working closely with our partners Etisalat and Trend Micro to unify incident management and prevention across all departments,” Al Askar added.
Abdulla Ebrahim Al Ahmed, senior vice president, Government Sales, Etisalat, said: “Through the work on the Cyber Eye initiative, we will enhance our contribution to achieving the government vision in securing the highest level of digital security. This is a one element in the nation’s digital transformation strategy.
“This agreement further underlines the confidence in Etisalat’s digital solutions to both public and private sectors, and our capabilities in the field of cybersecurity. The Initiative will strengthen the position of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as an innovation and advanced technology hub.”
Dr Moataz BinAli, VP and managing director, MENA, Trend Micro, said: “A proactive, integrated system such as the one we will build through the Cyber Eye initiative will enable government decision-makers to step up their defense of digital services and Trend Micro remains dedicated to the support of ADDA on its digital transformation journey.”
The Cyber Eye initiative also addresses the issue of infrastructure visibility and will promote standards and methods to enhance controls and capabilities for the purposes of optimising resilience across government entities.
Such methods will also allow technology teams to detect threats more quickly, including the most advanced attacks, the statement added.
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