The Center for Information Security, Q-CERT, a member of ictQATAR, has signed an agreement with Microsoft to join its Security Cooperation Program (SCP). The deal aims to promote security of information systems and networks in Qatar and exchange information for this purpose. "Cyber security is not confined to national boundaries. Partnering with Microsoft as part of its Security Cooperation Program will allow Q-CERT to better address cyber security for individuals and businesses in Qatar," said Khalid Al Hashmi, Operations Manager at GIMO, ictQATAR. Through the SCP, Microsoft provides a structured way for governments and Microsoft to engage in cooperative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, attack mitigation and citizen outreach. The goal of the SCP is to help governments address threats to national security, economic strength and public safety more efficiently and effectively through cooperative projects and information sharing. This programme was launched in February 2005 with global participation. Forty-five other countries are signatories to this programme. The SCP will complement Q-CERT's Cyber Security Network initiative, which has been created to bring together the Critical Sector Organisations in Qatar to better understand their information security requirements and to enable Q-CERT to focus its output to meet them. "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," said Mohammad Hammoudi, the Country Manager for Microsoft. Q-CERT was established by ictQATAR to safeguard and improve the security of information and communications systems in Qatar. The Pen

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