Digital forensic lab adds edge to anti cybercrime measures

2/17/2016 6:51:07 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

The National Digital Forensic Lab was inaugurated at the Information Technology Authority (ITA) headquarters on Monday under the auspices of
H H Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said Minister of Heritage and Culture in the presence of a number of their excellencies and government officials.

A press release stated that the lab was set up to interpret and analyse electronic data to help detect cybercrimes and provide courts with accurate evidence. The lab will also provide training to officers and law enforcement entities dealing in cybercrimes.

In 2015 ITA handled over 229 cybercrimes with 570 digital forensic evidences. 'The number of hacking attempts reached 100000 in addition to 1500 incidents reported from a number of government private entities and individuals' the release added.

Speaking on this occasion Sayyid Haitham said 'The National Digital Forensic Lab is the first of its kind in the Middle East in terms of integrating all concerned law enforcement entities. This lab will boost Oman's regional and international readiness level in dealing with cybercrimes.

'Technology has made rapid advancements and influenced lifestyles of people in many ways. Consequently the cybercrime rate has increased at local and international levels. Therefore a need was felt to have a forensic lab to decode digital evidences helping law enforcement and judicial bodies to prove crimes not to mention protecting ICT users in Oman.'

H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi Minister of Transport and Communications and chairman of the ITA Board of Directors said

'The lab is a great addition to what we have achieved in the field of ICT. The sultanate now is one of the leading countries in ICT infrastructure.

'There is no doubt cybercrimes cause immense damage both financially and non-financially compared to traditional crimes. Cybercrimes cause immense harm to the country's security and economic assets.'

Speaking about the lab's importance Dr Salim bin Sultan al Ruzaiqi CEO of ITA said 'This lab will help us to fight cybercrimes as it is equipped with sensitive detection devices to help in investigations.'

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