ENEC, UAE sign agreement to increase cyber security in energy industry

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Cyber Security Council to support the development and review of national level strategies, polices and standards for the cyber security of the UAE energy sector.

The agreement was signed at ENEC Head Quarters in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC and Dr Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government.

The collaboration is part of ENEC’s commitment towards progressing cyber security in the UAE’s clean energy sector, enhancing resilience and deploying best-in-class technology. The MoU will elevate the strategic partnership between the two entities through the exchange of information, expertise and training support, with ENEC providing experts for the establishment of a national-level Security Operations Centre.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “This is an important step in the journey to evolve the nation’s cyber strategies and further advance its intellectual wealth. Cybersecurity is a critical focus for ENEC as we work to ensure we are well-equipped to mitigate any potential cyber challenges. By working closely with the UAE Cyber Security Council, we are committed to share best practices and ensuring the UAE strengthens its position as a world leader in innovation with the most advanced cyber systems.”

Due to the qualitative transfer of the world in the field of cybersecurity and the strengthening of the country's leading position globally for the same, the UAE ranked the fifth globally depending to its strong cyber infrastructure, in the report of the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 issued by the International Telecommunication Union*1.

Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security of the UAE Government, said: “Reflecting the direction of our wise leadership, our mission is to strengthen the vital cyber sector to reduce risks, fortify confidence, enable growth for all sectors and raise response readiness. The MoU aims to unite efforts and capabilities in order to develop and disseminate modern technologies that enhance and contribute to the establishment of protected infrastructure."

He also highlighted that the country's foresight to move forward into the digital world through a sophisticated and secure infrastructure, has required the upgrading of technical systems and ensuring these are continuously updated in accordance with latest requirements. This in turn contributes to raising the expertise of the UAE cybersecurity sector on the international stage, driving the transfer and exchange the knowledge and services globally.

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