The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) of Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to regulate the cybersecurity sector by issuing the national policy for Managed Security Operations Centers (MSOC) and the regulatory framework for licensing MSOC services. These initiatives aim to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, protect vital interests, and elevate the quality of cybersecurity services in the country.
National policy for MSOC
The national policy for MSOC aims to enhance cybersecurity situational awareness at the organizational and national levels in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it seeks to enable access to MSOC services that are reliable, mature, and of high quality, as well as stimulate growth in the cybersecurity sector. In addition, the policy aims to improve the efficiency of cybersecurity spending.
The regulatory framework
The NCA stated that the regulatory framework for licensing MSOC services outlines requirements for delivering these services to government organizations and private sector organizations that own, operate or host critical national infrastructure and other organizations in the Kingdom. This contributes to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market and encouraging innovation. Moreover, it boosts investment in the sector and develops national capabilities specialized in providing MSOC services.
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License applications
The issuance of both the policy and the regulatory framework came after public consultation. Saudi Arabia’s NCA added that the issuances fall within its mandate to set policies, governance mechanisms, frameworks, standards, controls, and national cybersecurity guidelines. Moreover, the NCA will begin receiving license applications from MSOC service providers this month through ‘Haseen’, the national cybersecurity services portal.
NCA is the national entity in charge of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia. The authority aims to improve the cybersecurity standing of Saudi Arabia to safeguard its vital interests, national security, and critical infrastructures. Moreover, it aims to protect the Kingdom’s high-priority sectors and government services and activities.
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