DEWA organises Information Security Workshop for Cyber Risk awareness

Dubai, UAE, 30 May 2016: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted a group of some of the most important Estonian information security experts, to lead a workshop on information security, and raise awareness in about cyber risks and threats. The workshop was held at DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, and was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and other DEWA staff.

“DEWA is committed to implementing the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve Dubai’s plan for sustainable development, by adopting the latest techniques and incorporating them into all its online operations. We continuously apply techniques to assure the security and reliability of our services and are keen to strengthen Dubai’s position as a role model for smart cities. DEWA is committed to providing electricity and water services at the highest standards of availability, efficiency, and reliability. To achieve this, we are constantly examining all the possibilities and risks that may affect the operational processes or the quality of services provided to our customers. This process is followed by implementing preventative measures and alternative plans to ensure the best results, and enhancing DEWA’s level of global competitiveness in all its operations,” said Al Tayer.

“Today’s workshop is an opportunity to benefit from the latest practices and updates, in support of DEWA’s vision, the rapid growth of the information network, and the world’s increasing demand for the Internet. To achieve our vision to become sustainable innovative world-class utility, and to support electronic integration in all services, DEWA relies on implementing the most up-to-date criteria necessary to keep abreast of developments in e-services, especially Information Security,” added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer stressed DEWA’s commitment to adopt the best international standards of information security to maintain its position as one of the leading government organisations in Dubai. DEWA is also committed to introducing its employees and teams to the latest security solutions, to tackle different current and future challenges, by enhancing cooperation with the best regional and international information security system organisations.

“We understand the importance of dealing immediately with potential security threats, and have established the first cyber defence centre to predict threats ahead of time and conduct any required preventative procedures to protect data, by monitoring our services and technical assets around the clock, handling incidents with care, and limiting the effects of potential threats. We organised this workshop and hosted information security experts from Estonia to benefit from their experiences and skills, to provide high-quality, innovative, and highly-efficient services, to achieve the happiness of employees and customers, while exceeding their expectations and needs,” said Moza Al Akraf, CIO of DEWA.

DEWA has become a pioneer for adopting the best international standards of information security, and attained the prestigious International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 27001 certification in 2010. This certificate was later updated to the ISO 27001:2013 in 2014. To date, DEWA still holds this certificate. DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East to apply the SAP system for risk management. The new SAP system enables further integration, providing specification flexibility, and integrated reporting and monitoring of the operational business risks. It also provides the best information system that supports decision-making.