Bazargan: The aeCERT Educational E-Learning Modules aims to help build and promote a safer and secure cyber culture within the UAE
Following the successful launch of the 1st Quarter in the National Security Awareness Campaign by the UAE National Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT) of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the aeCERT launched the 4th program of this 12 month campaign via their website on 1 March 2008, entitled, “Understanding E-mail Security Threats”.
Under the theme for the second quarter “Understanding Internet Threats,” the campaign addresses three modules: E-mail Security, Instant Messaging Security, and Web Browser Security.
In this respect, Eng. Fatma Bazargan, Manager Research and Analysis at the aeCERT, stated: “This new security awareness program and education modules will help the nation leverage the benefits of technology; while learning about the key security issues facing individuals and organizations”.
“The National Cyber-Space Security Awareness 12 Month Campaign is a key factor in the aeCERT strategy and vision designed to help build and promote a safer and secure cyber culture within the UAE, through educating general users, businesses and youth on matters relating to cyber safety. This new program will inform them on adapting the safeguards and good practices when dealing with E-mails,” she added.
In his turn, Suleman Bakhsh, Senior Compliance & Research Analyst at the aeCERT, said: “E-mail is a prevalent and powerful communication tool, and methods of exchanging information via E-mail messages are various. This tool can increase the risks to an individual’s personal information or to an organization’s confidential documents. Computers can easily be infected with viruses or subject to hack attempt if the right measures are not adapted and practiced.”
“During the second half of 2005, 92% of reported malicious code samples used e-mail as their primary method for distribution. It is extremely important to ensure that the general and business users are running an up-to-date antivirus software programs that scans e-mail attachments,” he added.
In the final analysis, the aeCERT National Cyber-Space Security Awareness Campaign released two successful programs previously, such as: “The First Line of Defense: Password Security” and “The Dangers to you from Social Engineering”. E-learning module contents are now available free of charge to all UAE residents, in both Arabic and English, catering for business, general and other technology users, such as students, via the aeCERT official site: www.aecert.ae/security.html. All modules are supported with related collateral such as screen savers and reminder cards.
