IMPACT Launches Global Headquarters in Cyberjaya

State-of-the-art facility will be the cyber-security hub for the International Telecommunication Union

Cyberjaya, Friday, 20 March 2009: The International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT), the world’s first global public-private partnership against cyber-threats, launched its headquarters in Cyberjaya today. With a built-up area of 58,000 square foot over three floors sitting on a sprawling 7.8 acre site, it is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to house IMPACT’s initiatives in creating partnerships between governments of the world and international private sector against cyber-threats.

The new global headquarters will also be host to the Global Cybersecurity Agenda, a framework for international cooperation initiated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aimed at finding strategic solutions to boost confidence and security in an increasingly networked information society. ITU is the specialized agency of the United Nations for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. The landmark collaboration between ITU and IMPACT provides ITU members states with the expertise, facilities, real-time information, and rapid access to resources to effectively address the world’s most serious cyber-threats.

From left to right-Mohd Noor Amin, Chairman of IMPACT; YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Dr. Hamadoun Touré, Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“We are proud to announce that IMPACT’s operations have progressed a long way since our inception. From 27 member countries during our launch in May 2008, the collaboration with ITU now allows the 191 member countries access to IMPACT’s facilities and enhanced international cooperation,” said Mohd Noor Amin, Chairman of IMPACT Management Board.

IMPACT core activities are currently divided under four key divisions: Global Response Centre; Training and Skills Development Centre; Centre for Security Assurance & Research; and finally Centre for Policy & International Cooperation. It is also supported by an International Advisory Board (IAB), which comprises world leaders from industry and academia.

“Cybersecurity is one of the most critical issues of our time,” said Dr Hamadoun Touré, ITU Secretary-General. “It is a global issue, demanding a truly global approach and it is therefore gratifying to see – and to be part of – this growing coalition against cyber threats worldwide. The collaboration with IMPACT complements our efforts in strengthening cybersecurity and we look forward to expanding the cooperation between governments, the private sector and educational institutions.”

IMPACT is the brainchild of Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Chairman of IMPACT’s IAB and the Prime Minister of Malaysia who saw the need for international collaboration against cyber-threats amidst the development of information technology and communications (ICT) and the world’s increasing dependency on technology.

The inauguration of the new global headquarters was officiated by Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia’s Prime Minister and also Chairman of IMPACT’s International Advisory Board. Witnesses to the landmark event were Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr Hamadoun Touré.

“IMPACT is glad to have the full support of the Malaysian Government, which recognised IMPACT as a multinational organisation and has provided the initial funding of USD13 million to develop the state-of-the-art facility here in Cyberjaya. With Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak as the new IAB chairman, and the continuous support of our partners worldwide, IMPACT will be able to spearhead global efforts against cyber threats, the key objective of its inception,” Amin added.

Apart from international organisations such as the ITU, United Nations and INTERPOL, IMPACT’s key partners from the private sector include leading companies such as Cisco, F-Secure, Kaspersky Lab, Microsoft, Symantec Corporation and Trend Micro. IMPACT, with its key partners, aims to bridge the gap between all markets, be it domestic or international, public or private, in ensuring the protection of each government’s cyberspace and critical Internet infrastructures, in its efforts to curb cyber threats around the world.