Under the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) strategy to achieve a secure cyber environment, the UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), a TRA initiative, is conducting workshops for students at educational institutes including Wasit School and Siji School.

The security awareness workshops are designed to highlight mobile, email and password security, and social networking issues. The workshops are a joint project with the TRA and the Ministry of Education to heighten cyber security awareness across the UAE. The aeCERT team focus on potential cyber threats that could jeopardize users and IT infrastructure, and offer guidance avoid systemic cyber-attacks caused by a lack of security protocols and how to limit negative outcomes.

The workshops present online behavior models that users should conform to, especially while on social networking portals, specifically facebook. Social networking has become a major component of internet access among today’s youth. Information on social networking portals featuring their benefits and threats as well as the importance of safeguarding personal information while networking with others will be presented during the workshop.

His Excellency Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA, stressed the importance of the workshop stating: “The Authority aims to promote cyber security information to the school age population to safeguard maximum internet benefits while minimizing cyber threats.”

Al Ghanim continued adding: “Communicating with students through workshops increases the opportunity for positive results. The aeCERT team will continue to initiate and manage cyber security workshops for students at additional schools and educational institutions.”

Presenting security information and safety strategies, the workshops stress the importance of using authentic software, the dangers of using pirated programs, and breaching cyber information in second party transactions. Workshop lecturers will also address issues such as cultural traditions and moral values and their importance for youth who are active internet users.

The aeCERT team is launching a cyber-breach prevention initiative, focusing on creating a safe cyber environment. The initiative covers MoUs and partnerships through workshops and educational segments. The aeCERT team’s policy aims to promote communication across different age groups and societal segments such as students, parents, teachers and employees working for government ministries as well as private companies.