Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a leader in cybersecurity, achieving the top ranking in the United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024. The International Telecommunication Union acknowledged this remarkable achievement, designating Saudi Arabia as Tier 1 – Role-modeling among over 190 member states.
Comprehensive evaluation metrics
The GCI evaluates countries’ commitments to cybersecurity using 83 indicators that fall under five key pillars: legal measures, organizational measures, cooperation measures, capacity development measures, and technical measures. The Kingdom earned a perfect overall score of 100/100, achieving 20 points in each pillar, SPA reported.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) emphasized that the index serves as a vital global benchmark for cybersecurity. Saudi Arabia’s exceptional performance across all five pillars highlights its leadership in this domain.
According to the NCA, the Kingdom’s prominent position stems from the guidance and support of its leadership, which has laid the groundwork for a robust Saudi cybersecurity model, developed with PIF-owned SITE.
Continuing progress, global recognition
This model focuses on centralizing cyber governance at the national level, encompassing assessment, response, and national capacity building, while decentralizing operational responsibilities to national entities. The outcomes of this effective model have significantly bolstered national cybersecurity, technical sovereignty, and information sharing in international cooperation.
The NCA noted that this leading status is a continuation of the Kingdom’s progress, as reflected in its recent accolade of first place globally in the cybersecurity indicator in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2024.
Commitment to cybersecurity excellence
The authority further stated that this accomplishment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to cybersecurity excellence, both at home and abroad, driven by strong collaboration among governmental, private, and non-profit sectors within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The NCA serves as the national entity responsible for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, acting as the central authority and reference point for all related matters. Its mission is to enhance the Kingdom’s cybersecurity posture, safeguarding vital interests, national security, critical infrastructure, and essential government services and activities.
المملكة تستمر في تحقيق الريادة الدولية بقطاع الأمن السيبراني وتُصنّف في الفئة الأعلى وفق «المؤشر العالمي للأمن السيبراني 2024» محققةً نسبة 100٪ في جميع المعايير.https://t.co/Pu86dbz3uA#واس_عام pic.twitter.com/xLUXnG1Mrv
— واس العام (@SPAregions) September 12, 2024
NCA’s regulatory initiatives in cybersecurity
In March 2024, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) made significant strides in regulating the cybersecurity sector by releasing the national policy for Managed Security Operations Centers (MSOC) and establishing a regulatory framework for licensing MSOC services. These initiatives are designed to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, safeguard essential interests, and improve the quality of cybersecurity services across the nation.
The national policy for MSOC aims to enhance cybersecurity situational awareness both at the organizational and national levels within Saudi Arabia. It also seeks to facilitate access to reliable, mature, and high-quality MSOC services, fostering growth in the cybersecurity sector. Additionally, the policy is intended to optimize the efficiency of cybersecurity expenditures.
The NCA noted that the regulatory framework for licensing MSOC services sets forth requirements for delivering these services to government entities and private organizations that own, operate, or host critical national infrastructure, as well as other organizations within the Kingdom. This framework enhances the cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia, encourages innovation, and stimulates investment in the sector, while also developing national capabilities specialized in providing MSOC services.
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