To build a safe, resilient and reliable digital environment and support innovation
DEWA launches a laboratory and two cybersecurity and digital identity centers
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), in collaboration with Moro Hub (Data Centre for Integrated Solutions), part of Digital DEWA, DEWA's digital arm, has launched the Cyber Security Innovation Lab, the Cyber Security Awareness Centre and DEWA's Digital Identity Security Centre.
DEWA stated that its step comes as part of its efforts to build a safe, solid and reliable digital environment, support innovation in cyberspace, enhance the integrated protection of all stakeholders against cybersecurity risks, and ensure safe access to DEWA's cyberspace, especially in light of the acceleration of digital transformation in DEWA and its widespread adoption of smart technologies.
Opportunities and challenges
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that this step comes in line with DEWA's endeavors to achieve the leadership's vision to fully prepare for all the challenges that technology brings, as well as the opportunities it provides, and to promote Dubai's growth and economic prosperity, and to continue DEWA's excellence and leadership globally.
He added: "In line with the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the National Cybersecurity Strategy, we implement the best global policies and procedures to enhance the security of DEWA's digital infrastructure and protect the privacy of employees' and customers' data and all stakeholders."
He stressed the work to build strong partnerships with major local and international specialized companies, to keep pace with the latest technologies for protecting smart networks and smart city infrastructure, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world, pointing out that the authority is proactive in adopting the best international standards in information security and agile governance, and seeks proactively and continuously to manage any risks that may threaten information security through the application of an effective institutional policy for information security.
Integrated Curriculum
Marwan bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at DEWA, said that DEWA adopts an integrated approach to cybersecurity that includes a full series of preventive, proactive and predictive defense modes to ensure business continuity, rapid recovery from accidents, and maintaining data security.
He added: "DEWA is working to reformulate the concept of service institutions through Digital DEWA, which is based on four pillars: launching advanced solar energy technologies, operating a renewable energy network that uses innovative storage technologies, expanding the use of artificial intelligence solutions, and providing digital services that serve smart sustainable cities while ensuring their security and continuity in the cyber digital space."
Two centers and a laboratory
According to FANR, the Cybersecurity Innovations Lab is designed to enable and facilitate DEWA's digital transformation by conducting research and testing on cybersecurity controls, exploring their prospects, upgrading their innovations and designs, and employing them in DEWA's environment. The lab aims to save time and costs and increase ROI in information security and cybersecurity.
In turn, the Cybersecurity Awareness Center provides a virtual environment to conduct comprehensive technical training and tests, using the scenarios and tools approved by the Authority, to simulate cyber attacks and defensive mechanisms that will improve the skills of the Authority's employees in various aspects of cybersecurity.
DEWA's Digital Identity Security Centre is the first of its kind, with adaptable intelligence capabilities that collect data related to digital identity from various sources in order to proactively secure DEWA's digital identity and enable identity and access management controls, enriching users' experience and ensuring their safe entry into DEWA's environment.