MUSCAT -- The Information Technology Authority (ITA) of Oman yesterday signed an agreement with Microsoft Oman to join its Security Co-operation Program (SCP). Through the agreement, ITA Oman and Microsoft aim to promote the security of information systems and networks in the Sultanate and to exchange information to assist in that effort. The Security Co-operation Programme is a no-fee programme that helps further strengthen Microsoft's comprehensive approach to providing the technology and services that help enable secure computing environments to governments and citizens.
In addition, ITA Oman and Microsoft will work together to exchange information that can be used to better anticipate, help prevent and respond to information technology security attacks. The kind of data that will be exchanged include, information about publicly known and reported vulnerabilities, information about upcoming and released security updates to facilitate resource planning and deployment, security incident metrics, information on Microsoft product security, the Microsoft approach to security and its incident response process.
Bader al Salehi, Director, Oman National CERT, said, "With the increase of Internet traffic, there is an increased need to build a sustainable secure environment to ensure all ICT users feel safe and secure using their PCs. Information security is a critical component of our efforts. Partnering with Microsoft as part of its Security Cooperation Program will allow ITA to better address cyber security for individuals and business in Oman."
Through the SCP, Microsoft provides a structured way for governments and Microsoft to engage in co-operative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, attack mitigation and citizen outreach. Using information exchange and co-operative projects, SCP helps organisations like ITA better respond to computer security incidents and minimise the impact of attacks on information technology (IT) infrastructure, decreasing risk from cyber attacks. "We are pleased to have Oman as part of our growing Security Co-operation community," said Ahmad El Dandachi, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman.
"The goal of the SCP is to help ITA address threats to national security, economic strength and public safety more efficiently and effectively through co-operative projects and information sharing." The work of ITA Oman to improve cyber security throughout the country is to be commended and we are pleased to share Microsoft's expertise to assist in their efforts through joint projects and user education." SCP is part of the Microsoft Security Response Alliance (MSRA), the latest evolution in Microsoft's efforts to build strong alliances with partners in the security response ecosystem.
The MSRA builds on the fundamental underpinnings developed by its constituents: five strong, valuable alliances -- including SCP that allows security response and research with multiple partners, vendors, governments and infrastructure providers to collaborate in a secure and timely manner. These efforts are part of Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative and its vision for End-to-End Trust, which builds on technological innovations aligned with economic, political and social forces to create a safer and more trusted Internet.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
