Cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia: Protecting the Digital Future
The National Cybersecurity Authority
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the cornerstone of protecting the national digital space. Established under the guidance of the wise leadership, it serves as the national reference in this vital field, working to formulate and implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The Authority aims to build a secure and reliable digital environment that supports Saudi Vision 2030 and enables digital transformation across all sectors through close collaboration with government and private entities and raising community awareness.
Services of the National Cybersecurity Authority
The Authority offers a comprehensive package of specialized services to address cyber threats and enhance local skills. Its main services can be summarized in the following table:
| Service | Description | Target Audience |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Incident Response (CSIRT) | A specialized team for immediate handling of cyberattacks and providing technical support. | Government entities and vital sectors (energy, finance, health). |
| Training and Qualification | Advanced programs and courses to build national cadres in the field of cybersecurity. | Government and private sector employees (in targeted sectors). |
| Security Consultations | System and network assessments, vulnerability reviews, and proposing preventive solutions. | Government entities and vital sectors. |
| Awareness and Education | Educational campaigns and resources directed at all segments of society, including children. | General public. |
| Licenses and Certifications | Issuing licenses for cybersecurity service providers within the Kingdom. | Legally registered entities in Saudi Arabia. |
| Official Reporting Channel | The “Saudi” platform and the “Absher” for Business app for reporting serious cyber incidents. | Official representatives of affected entities (government/private). |
Conditions for Benefiting from Services
Conditions vary depending on the type of service required:
* For training and consultations: The applicant must be an employee of a government entity or a vital sector (such as energy, finance, or health).
* For reporting incidents: The reporter must be an official representative of the affected entity (government or private). For personal incidents, it is advised to contact the telecommunications company or the relevant service provider directly.
* For obtaining licenses: The applicant must be a legally registered entity in Saudi Arabia, meeting the technical requirements and competencies set by the Authority.
Steps to Benefit from Services
To report a cyber incident:
1. Visit the “Saudi” platform (saudi.gov.sa) or the “Absher” for Business app.
3. Fill out the electronic form with precise details (type of attack, affected systems, approximate time).
4. Wait for follow-up and response from the Authority’s response team.
To benefit from training programs:
1. Visit the Authority’s official website (nca.gov.sa).
2. Review the announced programs and register for them, or send a request for a customized program via the Authority’s official email.
To request a consultation or license:
1. Prepare the required documents and paperwork (such as the commercial register, authorization letter, technical documents).
2. Submit a complete official request via the Authority’s dedicated email, attaching all documents.
General Tips and Guidelines
* For Individuals: Focus on protecting yourself by using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, and being cautious of phishing messages. If you experience a personal incident, contact your service provider (internet or bank) immediately.
* For Sectors: Implement clear internal security policies, regularly train employees on cybersecurity basics, and conduct periodic security checks on your systems. In case of an incident, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Authority through its official channels.
* For Everyone: Follow the Authority’s awareness campaigns and educational resources, and participate in the events and competitions it organizes to enhance knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I report a cyberattack I have personally experienced?
For personal incidents (such as hacking of an email or social media account), it is preferable to go directly to the relevant service provider (such as a telecommunications company or Facebook or Gmail) as they have tools for verification and assistance. The Authority, however, focuses on incidents that threaten national infrastructure or major institutions and only accepts reports from representatives of these entities.
Does the Authority provide its services free of charge to the private sector?
Yes, the Authority provides its basic services, such as incident response and security consultations, free of charge to government entities and vital sectors (such as energy and finance). For the non-vital private sector, there may be fees or specific conditions for some specialized services, and this should be confirmed by direct communication with the Authority.
What are the main threats the Authority focuses on?
The Authority focuses on countering evolving threats targeting national infrastructure, such as advanced phishing attacks, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and attempts to breach sensitive industrial and financial systems. It also works to raise awareness about emerging threats related to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
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