June 26, 2008
In a ceremony at the Sheraton hotel last week, representatives from ictQATAR, Q-CERT, and Microsoft met to sign an agreement that made Q-CERT a member of the Security Cooperation Program (SCP). This agreement will facilitate the efforts of all parties to promote the security of information systems and networks in Qatar by allowing greater information sharing.
Khalid Al-Hashmi, speaking for ictQATAR, said, "Partnering with Microsoft will allow Q-CERT to better address cyber security for individuals and businesses in Qatar." Mohammad Hammoudi, Microsoft's country manager for Qatar, said, "We are pleased to have Qatar as part of our growing Security Cooperation community. The work of Q-CERT and ictQATAR to improve cyber security throughout the country is to be commended, and we are pleased to share Microsoft's expertise to assist in their efforts."
The SCP is a no-fee program that helps Microsoft provide technology and services that help secure government computing environments. The program was launched in 2005 and currently has 45 member countries - or rather, 46, now that Qatar has joined the program.