ITPSS inks deal with Microsoft to protect citizen, govt data

LOCAL company IT Protective Security Services (ITPSS) has signed an agreement with Microsoft for a security cooperation programme to provide enhanced information technology (IT) security in Brunei.

IB Terry, forensic investigations trainer at Microsoft USA, who is currently in the country to provide a one-week training to local enforcement agencies on Internet and forensic investigation, said that the cooperation helps to ensure that Brunei is on the forefront of providing the highest level of protection for its citizen data and government information.

Microsoft Asia-Pacific's Regional Government Engagement Programme Manager Jeff Paine explained that the programme is a global, no-fee programme that allows the Sultanate to be more prepared and protected with the increasing number of initiatives and services that are going online.

"The more things that go online, the greater the need for online security," he said, adding that the programme helps to further strengthen the comprehensive Microsoft approach to providing the technology and services that can help secure government computing environments.

He added that the programme acts as an information exchange between the government and Microsoft, which in turn provides a structured collaboration on security initiatives in key areas, including computer incident response, attack mitigation, and citizen outreach.

"The government provides us with product feedback so we can develop better services for the public sector such as attack mitigation, etc," he said.

According to the press release given, as a participant, ITPSS would collaborate with Microsoft and exchange information that can be used to better anticipate, help prevent, respond and mitigate the effects of IT security attacks.

In addition to information exchange, the programme also provides ITPSS opportunities for cooperation with Microsoft on security-related projects such as awareness and education activities, including the development and distribution of related materials and special events, and collaboration in computer incident response processes.

ITPSS was established in 2003 in the hopes of delivering Incident Response or Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) related services and solutions to public and private organisations using globally accepted information security standards.

Chief Executive Officer of ITPSS Shamsul Bahri Kamis said they look forward to learning more from Microsoft's extensive knowledge and expertise.

"Cyber attacks are borderless in nature and are becoming increasingly complex and innovative and it is imperative that we are working with Microsoft as a technology partner to put in place a long-term, strategic framework to help our constituents be better prepared and defend against criminal and other Internet-based security threats," he said.

The Brunei Times