Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched the second phase of the Cybersecurity Postgraduate Scholarship Program. The authority invited eligible candidates to register for the program, starting on Thursday.

The scholarship program's main objective is to empower national talents to enhance their academic skills in key cybersecurity domains, addressing the national demand for expertise in this field, and bolstering the workforce with qualified cyber professionals. This initiative focuses on several cybersecurity priority areas, including cryptography, security of operational technology systems, cybersecurity-related public policies, and cybersecurity in emerging technologies.

In its second phase, the program intends to offer various supportive benefits to its participants. These include scholarships to 30 prestigious international universities renowned for cybersecurity expertise, as well as research grants in cybersecurity fields. Such initiatives are designed to enable scholarship recipients to devise innovative solutions to both current and future cyber challenges.

Furthermore, the program offers support initiatives aimed at honing the practical skills of the participants, thereby cultivating distinguished national talents with strong competitiveness in the cybersecurity sector. These efforts are expected to enhance the skills of future cybersecurity leaders.

NCA is the national entity in charge of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia and serves as the national authority and reference on its affairs. NCA aims to improve the cybersecurity posture of the Kingdom in order to safeguard its vital interests, national security, critical infrastructures, high-priority sectors, and government services and activities. Additionally, the NCA is dedicated to developing national capabilities in cybersecurity and participating in the creation of educational and training programs in this essential field.