(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Since 2009, Oman CERT has been the trusted custodian of information and communication technology (ICT) security threats throughout the sultanate, protecting critical national infrastructures and key industries in the public, private and government sectors.Equipped with some of the most sophisticated and hi-tech tools and security systems, it has become a regional centre of research and development in the field of information security.Oman CERT has built trust and coordinated with other Middle East and international CERTs, and in doing so has gained distinction for its proactive work and high industry standards.This has also led to recognition and accreditation from two of the most notable bodies in cyber security: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ? which is the United Nations' specialised agency, and The International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats) - the cyber security executing arm of ITU.Their role as pioneers of cyber security in the Middle East is also one reason why the Cyber Defence Summit - Middle East & North Africa is to be hosted in Muscat for a second consecutive year.Endorsed by ITU-IMPACT and co-organised by Oman CERT, ITA Oman and French business information group naseba, the invitation-only summit is the only platform in the region connecting decision makers from critical infrastructure with CERTs and government organisations.Eng Bader Ali Salehi, director of Oman CERT and head of the Regional Cyber Security Centre, said, "Our positioning as the key cyber security hub within the Arab region recognises the leading role that Oman's National CERT has played. We are proud to co-host the Cyber Defence Summit here in Muscat, as we share an equal vision, to proactively work towards ensuring the entire region's virtual borders are secure from cyber attacks.Taking place on March 4-5, 2013, the summit, participation is restricted to a limited number of CIOs from each country and sector, a press release said.The two days will foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring regional organisations leave with enhanced relationships with cyber experts, a definitive long term plan and a more effective cyber defence strategy.Among the expert speakers at the two-day initiative will be Gerry Penell, CIO of the London Olympics; Yurie Ito, director of international coordination at Japan CERT and Noburo Nakatani, executive director at Interpol.
