Govt-Batelco-Dhiraagu executes MoU to strengthen cybersecurity in Maldives

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been executed between the Government of Maldives, Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) and Dhiraagu aimed and strengthening cybersecurity in the Maldives.

The agreement was signed as a part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s ongoing state visit to Bahrain at the invitation of the nation’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

President Solih, the Maldivian delegation comprising of senior government officials accompanying him and Dhiraagu’s CEO, Managing Director Ibrahim met with the management of Batelco on Friday.

The MoU was signed following this meeting.

Under the agreement, National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT), the lead agency in digital development in the Maldives will receive expert resources from Batelco’s Beyon Cyber together with Dhiraagu in the following areas to ensure safe cyberspace for Maldivians;

• Advisory and consulting
• Security engineering
• Cyber defense
• Security assurance
• Cyber threat intelligence and threat hunting
• Incident response

Commenting on the matter, Technology Minister Aminath Shauna said that the agreement would aid support the government’s plans to build capacity and strengthen collaboration with the private sector which is necessary for making cyberspace safer for everyone in the Maldives.

“This MOU with Batelco/Dhiraagu will support our plans to build capacity in the government and strengthen our collaboration which is necessary to make cyberspace safer for everyone in the Maldives,” she had said.

Minister Shauna stressed that cyber security required specialized professionals working with a host of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors across international boundaries.

At today’s meeting, President Solih extended gratitude to Batelco for its positive contributions to the Maldives’ economy. He also thanked Batelco for its contribution towards achieving the current administration’s goal to lower internet prices.

Chairman of Batelco Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said that the company recognizes technology as the foundation of any economy – adding the company was proud to sign the MoU during the president’s visit.