Abu Dhabi, UAE: etisalat by e& today announced the launch of the Mobile Security Operation Centre (MSOC) in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to provide business customers with real-time protection services to safeguard mobile phones from malicious attacks.

The new centre will offer cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and solutions to the UAE business sector, addressing the challenges critical sectors may face due to the increasing number of mobile phone users and global business performance. The services offered by the centre protect against malicious and disruptive software, including viruses that target mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The Cybersecurity Council, established in November 2020, has been tasked with developing and overseeing the UAE's cybersecurity strategy and creating a secure and robust cyber infrastructure in the Emirates.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said: "With rapid digital transformation being witnessed across businesses, the risks posed by cyberattacks against various sectors have increased exponentially. This new centre with etisalat by e& will support in enhancing the level of protection from cyber crimes and also play a vital role in protecting the integrity of businesses and ensuring sensitive data is secured. This is in line with the UAE leadership's cybersecurity strategy to create a safe and strong cyber infrastructure in the country, empowering businesses to thrive. It also lies at the heart of the work of the Cyber Security Council, which aims to build a cyber security culture that enables everybody to be fully prepared to deal with any challenges."

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of etisalat by e&, said: "In today's world of increasing reliance on smart devices and digital services, ensuring reliable connectivity and cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Our partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to launch the MSOC is a significant step in protecting our customers against cyber threats and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to providing secure and reliable telecom services.

“As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based services and solutions, the MSOC will serve as a shield against cyber threats, ensuring business continuity and supporting the nation's digital aspirations. Our vision is to implement strategic partnerships and employ the best global cybersecurity technologies to safeguard this vital sector's sustainability and promote digital transformation. We value the Council's continued efforts to raise digital awareness among individuals and institutions and as well as their support for the business sector."

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

1 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/mobile-device-subscription-rise-technology/

2 https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/mena/

About the Cyber Security Council

 The Cyber Security Council embodies the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership and the UAE proactive approach in dealing with various challenges posed by the accelerating digital technologies through specialized and effective entities which are able to provide digital protection to advanced infrastructure, and ensure business continuity and the regular provision of services in all economic, educational, health and social fields.

The Council is mandated with drafting and proposing legislation, policies and standards to enhance cyber security for all targeted sectors in the country, presenting them to the Council of Ministers for approval and following up their implementation in coordination with the concerned authorities, in addition to preparing, developing and updating the UAE’s national cyber security strategy and an integrated national response plan.

The Council implements a 5-pillar strategy: 1) building capacity, making policies, enhancing governance, building personal capabilities, programs, curricula and universities, and building technical capabilities with strategic partners; 2) utilizing these capabilities to protect and defend; 3) raising awareness and spreading the culture of cybersecurity; 4) responding to cyber incidents; and 5) cooperation at all levels, starting with GCC countries, Arab countries up to all countries of the world, in accordance with the UN resolutions concerning digital security incident response centers and teams.

About etisalat by e&, UAE

‘etisalat by e&’ is the brand representing the UAE telecoms pillar of e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group), operated by Etisalat UAE in our home market. In line with its refreshed strategy, Etisalat UAE is on a mission to unlock shareholder value, deliver outstanding customer experiences and drive optimal business performance.

Taking advantage of the age of ‘connectivity renaissance’, Etisalat UAE will grow core and digital services, by enriching consumers’ value propositions with digital services that cater for consumers’ new lifestyles and emerging demands beyond basic telecom services, including areas like gaming, health, and insurance. Etisalat UAE will also continue to act as the trusted partner and advisor of enterprises by enabling their connectivity and beyond connectivity requirements

Bolstering its leadership position as the digital telco that is a customer champion in a hyper-connected digital world, Etisalat UAE will pivot new, sustainable demand in future-forward spaces like private networks, autonomous vehicles, and AI.

To learn more about Etisalat UAE, please visit https://eand.com/en/telecom.jsp