The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved the first position globally in the Cybersecurity Index, according to the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 report issued by the Global Competitiveness Center at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland. This achievement results from significant support for developing the sector, led by the National Cybersecurity Authority, which encourages innovation, supports entrepreneurship and investment, increases the percentage of local content, and builds specialized national capabilities to meet the domestic needs in cybersecurity fields, thereby enhancing the sector's system in Saudi Arabia and maximizing the exploitation of promising opportunities for sustainable development and reaching a secure and reliable Saudi cyber space.
The Authority has placed utmost importance on cybersecurity awareness matters for national personnel and all age groups within the community, to build a strong cybersecurity culture that promotes the values of national security. As a result, it managed to secure the top position in the report. In this regard, Dr. Musaed Al-Ibaan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Cybersecurity Authority, extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, on the occasion of the Kingdom achieving the first global rank in the Cybersecurity Index as part of the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 report.
Dr. Al-Ibaan pointed out that this global achievement is a confirmation of the Kingdom's leadership in international cybersecurity indicators and solidifies what other international indicators in the same field have previously affirmed. It also contributes to driving progress in the implementation of the diverse programs of Saudi Vision 2030, and enables growth and prosperity for developmental and economic sectors.
He explained that the cybersecurity system receives continuous guidance from the Crown Prince, who stands behind all the achievements accomplished since the establishment of the Authority, noting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision has made the Kingdom a global model to be emulated in various fields. He added that this global achievement is added to a series of achievements and successes that the Kingdom has recorded over the past years in all fields.
Dr. Al-Ibaan mentioned that based on the goals and enablers of Saudi Vision 2030; the cybersecurity sector has been established in the Kingdom, covering both security and developmental aspects and various local and international dimensions, making the Saudi cybersecurity model a successful and leading example worldwide that can be emulated internationally.
He stated that the cybersecurity system has undergone significant development in a record time since the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority as the competent authority in the Kingdom for cybersecurity, which serves as the national reference for its affairs, alongside the establishment of the Saudi Company for Information Technology (SITE) as its technical arm in establishing this sector; emphasizing that national cybersecurity is a vital goal and a fundamental component for protecting the Kingdom's vital interests, sensitive infrastructure, government services, and priority entities in both public and private sectors.
The National Cybersecurity Authority indicated that the Kingdom's distinguished status in the Cybersecurity Index is the result of Saudi efforts to enhance cybersecurity at both local and international levels, and the high integration among all national entities in this domain. An international cybersecurity forum has been launched to serve as a global platform for decision-makers worldwide to discuss strategic issues related to cybersecurity. The International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation has been established as a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, contributing to enhancing cybersecurity internationally and aligning international efforts in this vital and promising sector to benefit global prosperity and well-being.
Moreover, the establishment of a ministerial committee for cybersecurity under the Gulf Cooperation Council was initiated based on a proposal from Saudi Arabia. The Arab states' leaders approved the establishment of a Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers upon a suggestion from Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh designated as the council’s headquarters, general secretariat, and executive office. The Authority has conducted cybersecurity drills with several countries and organizations, involving more than 40 nations.
At the local level, the Authority works on organizing the cybersecurity sector in collaboration with all stakeholders, including providers of cybersecurity services, solutions, and products, and has launched targeted initiatives to develop human capacities in this field, such as launching the National Cybersecurity Academy to provide training programs and drills to enhance national preparedness in cybersecurity. The Authority has also initiated targeted efforts to stimulate the growth of the cybersecurity sector and encourage investment, in addition to launching the national program for research, development, and innovation in cybersecurity.
The National Cybersecurity Authority is the competent authority for cybersecurity in the Kingdom and the national reference for its affairs, aiming to enhance cybersecurity to protect vital interests and state infrastructure and its national security. It also focuses on stimulating the growth of the cybersecurity sector in the Kingdom, encouraging innovation and investment in it, and establishing policies, governance mechanisms, frameworks, standards, and guidelines related to cybersecurity to achieve a safe and reliable Saudi cyber space that facilitates growth and prosperity.
