06 Jan Abu Dhabi regulator to boost cyber security in collaboration with Etisalat and Trend Micro
Abu Dhabi Digital Authority has joined forces with telecom operator Etisalat and security software company Trend Micro to strengthen cyber security measures and capabilities within the UAE government.
The project, named Cyber Eye, will form a central part of the UAE’s current cyber security strategy. The project will aim to tackle cyber security threats in real time as well as employing advanced technology to build resilience in fighting cyber crime.
The collaboration between ADDA, Etisalat and Trend Micro for Cyber Eye has been prompted after regional government authorities have felt at particular risk from cyber security threats. Cyber Eye has been described as being built on a “proactive” integrated system that will enable government decision-makers to step up their defence of digital services. The defebnsive project will take effective and proactive actions to mitigate risks whilst increasing protection and further strengthening the security of the government’s digital assets.
Governments and enterprises across the world are always on guard against the threat of cyber attacks, which have become more sophisticated in recent years. The effects of cyber security attacks can have serious operational and reputational damage, which can hugely impact organisations.
A recent KPMG survey of UAE business stakeholders showed that 61 per cent were concerned about phishing scams, 54 per cent were worried about email spamming and 42 per cent dreaded a ransomware incident.
Additionally, the global cyber security market was valued at $156.24 billion in 2020 and is projected to hit $352.25bn by 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence data.
Mohamed Al Askar, director general of the digital authority, said: “Today, we embark on a new, safer digital journey, one where cyber security 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.”