Wednesday, June 17, 2009

DoF Abu Dhabi receives two ISO Certifications in Information Security

Here is an interesting article I found on http://www.zawa.com/ and you may read the original on: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090616072525

Abu Dhabi 16, June 2009:
The Department of Finance (DoF) - Government of Dubai

Today announced its acquisition of two ISO certifications, ISO20000 and ISO27001 in Information Security. This comes in line with its commitment to adopting the best quality standards at all levels of Governmental practice, especially in information security. DoF is the first local department in Abu Dhabi Government to receive both certifications at once, in appreciation of its ongoing efforts to improve its services and adopt best global practices in Information Security Management.

ISO 20000 is the world's first international standard for IT Service Management, which defines the essential requirements for a service provider to deliver managed services. This certificate allows for effectively conveying the managed services which meet business and customer requirements, therefore implementing the department's strategic plan of 2009-2013.

ISO27001 is one of the global certifications with an elemental purpose of assisting to establish and sustain an effective Information Security Management System using a continual improvement approach. It concentrates on confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and executes the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development values, prevailing security of network systems and information. This certification offers essential security measures to face potential menace.

Salem Al Rumaithi, Head of the IT Directorate at DoF clarified that the international German group TUV Rheinland used a 2-phase-audit process to ascertain DoF's readiness to get both international accolades. During the first phase TUV Rheinland reviewed the existing security measures and documents such as the Information Security Policy and the IT Security Management and Risk System at DoF. In the second phase, the group conducted a scrutinized audit to test the surveillance tools stipulated in the IT security Management System's regulations and supporting documents.

'We are proud of the Information Security team's great achievements. These milestones come in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Department of Finance, to enhance the level of IT performance and security" said Al Rumaithi.

Al Rumaithi praised the IT directorate's efforts to build the capacities of staff that have been trained for the international Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification (ITIL). Currently, over 25 employees have achieved this certification which falls under the ISO umbrella. ITIL is a set of concepts and policies intended to assist organizations to develop a framework for IT Service Management and to manage their operations.

DoF adopts the highest quality standards throughout its network which encompasses over 40 governmental entities. DoF strives to enhance its human resource skills and employs the finest IT applications with the aim of supporting the department's different activities. The aim of DoF is to accomplish sustainable economic growth for the Abu Dhabi government and rank it amongst the top five governments in the world.

An overview of the Finance Department
The Department of Finance (DoF) was established in 1962, and plays a vital role in providing all local government entities with the best of breed of financial services. DoF aims at enhancing the prosperity of the Abu Dhabi community by contributing to economic growth and promoting private sector participation. DoF includes 5 main directorates and they are: Budgeting, Customs, Government Accounts, Support Services and Information Technology. DoF is adopting the latest processes and technology to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of its services.

UAE Governmental Institutions Strategic Plan encompasses the following 10 priorities:

  • Identify efficient ways to finance priority projects of government entities including the concept of public-private partnerships

  • Develop a common and standardized financial framework to ensure financial stability of Abu Dhabi Government

  • Define decentralized financial-management model and assure its gradual transition

  • Establish a fiscal policy unit to develop strategies for efficient government spending and to cooperate with the federal level on all financial frameworks and policies

  • Introduce a performance measurement approach to enhance efficient use of government funding

  • Establish DoF as the reliable and comprehensive source of Abu Dhabi financial data and analysis by building a process for the collection, analysis and reporting of all financial data

  • Enhance world class treasury function to optimize short term cash debt management

  • Strengthen and develop DoF employee competencies by state of the art HR management with special focus on nationals

  • Enable and maintain state of the art IT technologies to support the future role and activities of DoF

  • Protect borders and citizens, facilitate trade, and collect revenues through effective customs

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