-Microsoft boosts ITA Oman's cyber security initiative-

Muscat, Oman: May 17, 2010: The Information Technology Authority (ITA) of Oman today signed an agreement with Microsoft Oman to join its Security Cooperation 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 Cooperation Program is a no-fee program 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

Eng. 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 cooperative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, attack mitigation, and citizen outreach. Using information exchange and cooperative projects, SCP helps organizations like ITA better respond to computer security incidents and minimize 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 Cooperation 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 cooperative 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.

-Ends-

About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Microsoft Corporation's address on the worldwide web is: www.microsoft.com and Microsoft's Gulf web site is: www.microsoft.com/gulf

About Information Technology Authority (ITA)
ITA is a Public Authority created by Royal Degree 52/2006. ITA endeavours to consolidate and implement the Digital Oman strategy to transform the Sultanate of Oman into a knowledge-based economy for the achievement of social and economic benefits to Omani society. ITA's vision is 'Transforming Oman, Empowering You'. For more information, visit www.ita.gov.om or email to eoman@ita.gov.om.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp. disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp. shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty. 

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