Dubai Customs Celebrates Information Security Champions
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that Dubai Customs has designed its information security strategy to align with Dubai's cybersecurity strategy. They continuously update their cybersecurity systems to combat occasional cyberattacks, ensuring secure business continuity, especially during remote work. Dubai Customs also introduced the innovative 'Aman' platform to enhance employee awareness of information security. This platform can conduct penetration tests and simulate cyberattacks to assess employee information security awareness and identify and rectify vulnerabilities. The platform is a requirement of the Information Security Regulation (ISR) and a significant performance indicator for Dubai Electronic Security Center. It also fosters the development of awareness, skills, and capabilities needed to manage cybersecurity risks within the organization.
This statement was made during an event that recognized information security representatives across all customs departments and centers for their contributions to implementing information security plans and strategies. Employees were honored based on categories specified by Dubai Customs' Information Technology Department.
Musabih added, “In 2022, global cyberattacks increased by 38%, with the total cost of these attacks estimated at approximately 8 trillion US dollars, up from 6 trillion dollars in 2021. According to Statista's global database, it is anticipated that the cost of cyberattacks on the global economy will exceed 11 trillion US dollars in the current year, 2023.”
Adel Al Housani, Senior Manager of Information Security Section at Dubai Customs, mentioned that the Information Security Department regularly conducts awareness workshops for all employees. These workshops provide comprehensive insights into significant electronic risks and threats employees may encounter. They also provide detailed guidance on best electronic practices to prevent electronic breaches. Moreover, these workshops explain Dubai Customs' information security policies and procedures, including adherence to the ISO 27001 standard, which is a comprehensive framework used to safeguard various types of information, such as employee data, financial data, customer data, and intellectual property rights of companies. He emphasized that Dubai Customs is a leader in adopting top-notch technical practices that safeguard the department's infrastructure and systems.