Dubai Electronic Security Center and CREST International launch cybersecurity services quality standard – the Dubai Cyber Force

To learn more about The Dubai Cyber Force standard, visit CREST’s FAQs page.

16 March 2023 – issued by The Dubai Electronic Security Center

The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) – part of Digital Dubai – has signed an agreement with CREST International, the global not-for-profit membership body specializing in cybersecurity, to launch an initiative unprecedented in the region – the Dubai Cyber Force to ensure quality of cybersecurity services. 

The first phase of Dubai Cyber Force will be applied to all individuals and companies who provide two types of cybersecurity services in Dubai, namely, responding to cybersecurity incidents, and examining vulnerabilities and the reliability of platforms. This forms part of Digital Dubai’s efforts to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Cybersecurity Strategy, considering that cyberspace is part of the digital wealth of Dubai and the UAE. 

Dubai Cyber Force will function as an internationally recognized reference, delivering cyber services to the Dubai Government, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the safest city in the digital space. 

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director Generalof the Dubai Electronic Security Center, and Rowland Johnson, President of CREST International. 

The agreement aims to secure support for efforts to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Cybersecurity Strategy, with CREST International pledging to assure the quality of cybersecurity contractors – be they companies or individuals, granting them accredited certifications in the field from a renowned international institution like CREST International. The agreement leverages CREST’s existing network of 300+ cybersecurity companies and thousands of CREST- qualified individuals to provide a rigorous approach to validating the skills and competence of individuals and companies providing cybersecurity services to the Dubai Government. 

“We are constantly striving to enhance the quality of cybersecurity services in Dubai to meet the highest and latest international standards, and to that end, we sought to collaborate with CREST International as a strategic partner to ensure the quality of cybersecurity services provided to government entities in the Emirate of Dubai,” said H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani. “During phase one, these services include responding to cybersecurity incidents, examining vulnerabilities and the reliability of platforms, and ensuring that government entities meet all cybersecurity requirements set by the Dubai Electronic Security Center. We believe that protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and security of government data is a strategic priority to ensure a prosperous digital future for Dubai – one that enables the growth of the digital economy.” 

For his part, Rowland Johnson, President of CREST International, noted that “Dubai Cyber Force is fully consistent with our mission to build capabilities, stimulate efforts, and facilitate cooperation in the global cybersecurity industry by providing top-quality services that nurture, measure, and enhance the performance of individuals and organizations in this field.” 

Dubai Cyber Force initially focuses on penetration testing and incident response services, introducing processes to build strong national and regional capabilities across all cybersecurity disciplines.

The Dubai Electronic Security Center will be entrusted with implementing the Dubai Cyber Force in 2023, supporting companies and individuals offering cybersecurity services to Dubai Government entities to ensure they implement it and receive the necessary certificate – i.e. the accredited CREST professional certification for individuals – or work for a CREST accredited member company. 

To learn more about The Dubai Cyber Force standard, visit CREST’s FAQs page.