Symantec, ITU sign MoU on safer cyberscape

Symantec and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use Symantec’s security intelligence, in form of its quarterly Internet Security Threat Reports, to increase understanding of cyber security risks.

The partnership, which requires that the quarterly report is distributed to interested member states of ITU, aims to help prepare governments in developing and developed nations to respond to the ever-growing risk of malware, cyber attackers and information thieves.

Speaking to Pressmen on the partnership, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Symantec, Enrique Salem stated that, researchers that make up Symantec’s Global Intelligence Network have noted a dramatic increase in the number of cyber attacks, as well as the growing sophistication and impact of threats in past one and half years.

“The partnership between Symantec and ITU will facilitate an increased understanding of cyber security risks and how they can be reduced; increase confidence in new and emerging technologies; thereby facilitate the evolution of digital world. This will also help create a safer, more secured cyberspace for consumers, businesses, and – most crucially – children and youth,” he said.

According to Symantec boss, the collaboration will raise global awareness about emerging and existing cyber threats using data gathered from its Quarterly Reports. This will in turn compliment ITU’s effectiveness as a global forum for governments and private sector to build confidence and security in the use of ICT.

He further revealed that Symantec has been working with ITU as one of its IMPACT coalition partners - private sector firms that provide assistance to the ITU on cyber security - and with the signing of the MoU, Symantec will be using its network tools to provide detailed reports that can be passed on to members.

ITU-IMPACT is the first cooperative global venture to make available cyber security expertise and resources to enable interested member states detect, analyze and respond effectively to cyber threats. This benefitted developing countries and smaller states without the capacity and resources to develop their own sophisticated cyber response centres.

The coalition also benefitted technically advanced nations by providing them with a global snapshot of potential and real online threats.

Symantec Quarterly Internet Security Threats Reports under the new partnership will provide governments and cyberspace users around the world with insights into the threats that they should be looking out for to help raise awareness.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an international organization within the United Nations (UN) system where governments and the private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services.

Founded in 1865, it is the oldest specialized agency of the UN system with 189 member states and over 700 private sector members. Nigeria joined the global organization in 1960.

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