Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) said that it would conduct more than 7,000 cybersecurity assessments for the national entities by 2023.

NCA made the remarks during the holding of an introductory meeting of the National Plan for Cyber Evaluations for 2023, in presence and participation of cybersecurity managers and specialists from more than 500 national entities in Saudi Arabia.

NCA made the plan to conduct the cyber assessments for the national entities during next year in order to monitor the cyber risks at the national level and also to measure the commitment level of the entities with the requirements and regulations issued by the authority in accordance to a specific time frame.

The cybersecurity assessments will include compliance assessments, and also cyber technical assessments of sensitive systems of national entities.

NCA noted that the introductory meeting aims to share with national entities the details of the plan, and also introducing them with the mechanism for inventorying sensitive national assets, and to review the following up models of entities' compliance with its issued cybersecurity controls.

During the introductory meeting, the services provided by the platforms of the National Portal for Cyber Security Services (HASEEN) were reviewed, to enable the beneficiaries to carry out their tasks toward their cybersecurity.

The participants were also introduced with the new mechanism of cyber assessments, which would contribute in strengthening the cyber readiness for the national entities.

It is noteworthy that NCA is considered as the competent authority of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, and the national reference in its affairs. NCA aims to enhance cybersecurity to protect the vital interests of the Kingdom and its national security.

NCA also aims to protect the sensitive infrastructure, priority sectors and government activities and services, as well as also specializing in setting frameworks for risk management related to cybersecurity to reach a safe and reliable Saudi cyberspace that can grow and prosper.