National cybersecurity authority compliance
- Home page
- Compliance
- National cybersecurity authority compliance
What is NCA compliance?
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) of Saudi Arabia is responsible for safeguarding the country's cybersecurity landscape. The NCA plays an important role in setting policies, standards, and guidelines to protect the nation’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure.
Here's an overview of the NCA's major controls:
- Essential Cybersecurity Controls(ECC):These controls are fundamental measures that organizations should implement to protect their systems and data against common cyberthreats.
- Cloud Cybersecurity Controls (CCC): These controls focus on securing cloud computing environments and addressing specific risks and challenges associated with cloud services.
- Telework Cybersecurity Controls (TCC): These controls are designed to secure remote work environments, ensuring that employees working from remote locations are adequately protected.
- Critical Systems Cybersecurity Controls (CSCC): These controls aim to safeguard critical infrastructure and systems that are essential for the functioning of key sectors and services.
- Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controls (OTCC): These controls focus on securing operational technology systems, which include industrial control systems (ICS) and other technologies used in industrial settings.
- Data Cybersecurity Controls (DCC): These controls are specifically geared towards protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.
These controls are tailored to address specific cybersecurity risks and requirements within Saudi Arabia, ensuring a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity across its different operational environments and sectors.
Consequence of noncompliance
Noncompliance with the NCA's regulations can have severe consequences for organizations. These include substantial fines, legal action, and loss of operating licenses. Furthermore, failure to adhere to cybersecurity regulations increases an organization's vulnerability to cyberattacks, which can result in data breaches, loss of sensitive information, operational disruptions, and significant recovery costs. The combined impact of these factors can be devastating, affecting not only the organization’s financial stability but also its market position and operational continuity.
What is CCC compliance?
The NCA of Saudi Arabia has developed the CCC to minimize cybersecurity risks associated with cloud computing. The CCC sets out specific requirements for both Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and Cloud Service Tenants (CSTs) to ensure the secure usage of cloud services and mitigate potential cyberthreats.
The CCC addresses the complexities of cloud environments, offering specific guidelines on data privacy, identity management, encryption, and compliance. These measures are designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cloud-hosted data and services. Adherence to the CCC not only mitigates cybersecurity risks but also ensures alignment with national and international regulations, promoting a secure and resilient digital environment for all stakeholders in the country .
Components of the CCC
The CCC consists of four main domains and 24 subdomains, each designed with specific controls and sub-controls for CSPs and CSTs. The framework is an extension of the ECC and focuses on four main pillars:
Strategy: Ensuring that cloud security strategies are aligned with organizational goals and national cybersecurity objectives.
People: Fostering a skilled workforce capable of managing and securing cloud environments.
Procedures: Implementing robust processes and policies to maintain cloud security.
Technology: Leveraging advanced technologies and practices to protect cloud infrastructures and data.
Benefits of implementing the CCC
Implementing the CCC offers significant advantages for both CSPs and CSTs operating in Saudi Arabia.
For CSPs
- Enhanced reputation: Compliance with the CCC demonstrates a strong commitment to security, boosting trust and credibility among customers.
- Competitive advantage: Being CCC compliant positions CSPs as preferred partners for government agencies and other regulated industries.
- Risk mitigation: By adhering to the CCC, CSPs can proactively identify and address potential security vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of data breaches and financial losses.
- Business continuity: Robust security measures as outlined in the CCC ensure uninterrupted service delivery and minimize business disruptions due to cyberattacks.
- Compliance with regulations: The CCC aligns with international cybersecurity standards, simplifying compliance efforts for CSPs operating in a global market.
For CSTs
- Data protection: The CCC safeguards sensitive data stored in the cloud, protecting critical business information from unauthorized access.
- Risk reduction: By ensuring their CSP is CCC compliant, CSTs can mitigate the risk of data breaches and other cyber incidents.
- Regulatory compliance: Organizations can demonstrate compliance with data protection regulations by partnering with CCC compliant CSPs.
- Cost savings: Preventing data breaches and associated recovery costs can lead to significant financial savings for CSTs.
CCC: Key requirements to consider
| CCC compliance requirements | What is it? | Predefined reports in EventLog Analyzer |
| 2-4 Networks Security Management | To ensure the protection of networks managed by CSPs and CSTs from cyber risks. |
|
| 2-8 Backup and Recovery Management | To ensure the protection of CSPs’ data and information, including information systems and software configurations, from cyber risks as per organizational policies and procedures and related laws and regulations. | Exchange Online Backup |
| 2-11 Cybersecurity Event Logs and Monitoring Management | Ensure timely collection, analysis, and monitoring of cybersecurity event logs for the proactive detection and effective management of cyberattacks to prevent or minimize the impact on CSPs’ and CSTs’ businesses. |
|
| 2-12 Cybersecurity Incident and Threat Management | Ensure timely collection, analysis, and monitoring of cybersecurity event logs for the proactive detection and effective management of cyberattacks to prevent or minimize the impact on the CSPs’ and CSTs’ business. |
|
What is TCC compliance?
The TCC is a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard organizations in Saudi Arabia as they transition to remote work environments. Recognizing the increasing reliance on technology and the potential cyber risks associated with remote work, the NCA developed the TCC to mitigate these threats. Building upon the ECC, the TCC provides specific guidelines for securing telework operations. For examples, these controls may involve secure VPN access, MFA, endpoint security for remote devices, and policies for secure handling of sensitive information outside the corporate network.
The framework encompasses three primary domains, encompassing 21 main controls and 42 sub-controls, to address various aspects of remote work security. These controls aim to protect organizational data and systems, enhance cybersecurity resilience, and contribute to the overall cybersecurity posture of the country. Compliance with the TCC is mandatory for government entities, critical infrastructure organizations, and strongly encouraged for other businesses in Saudi Arabia. To ensure ongoing adherence, the NCA employs self-assessments and external compliance evaluations.
Objectives of the TCC
The primary goals of the TCC are:
Enabling secure remote work: To equip organizations with the necessary cybersecurity measures to conduct business operations remotely without compromising security.
Enhancing cybersecurity resilience: To strengthen organizations' ability to withstand cyberattacks and recover quickly from incidents in a telework environment.
Contributing to national cybersecurity: To elevate the overall cybersecurity posture of the country by promoting standardized security practices.
Implementing the TCC is essential for safeguarding organizations from the growing cyberthreats associated with remote work. By following these controls, businesses can significantly bolster their cybersecurity defenses, reduce the risk of data breaches and financial losses, and ensure a smooth transition to remote operations. Moreover, aligning with international cybersecurity standards through TCC compliance demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust with stakeholders.
Benefits of implementing the TCC
Implementing the TCC is crucial for several reasons:
- Enhanced cybersecurity resilience: By adhering to the TCC, organizations can significantly improve their ability to defend against cyberthreats and protect sensitive information.
- Mitigated cyber risks: The TCC addresses common vulnerabilities associated with remote work, reducing the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and other cyberattacks.
- Seamless remote operations: The framework facilitates a smooth transition to remote work while maintaining security standards.
- Cost reduction: Preventing cyber incidents through TCC compliance can save organizations significant financial losses due to data breaches, downtime, and reputational damage.
- Alignment with global standards: The TCC is based on international cybersecurity best practices, ensuring compatibility with global security standards.
TCC: Key requirements to consider
| TCC compliance requirements | What is it? | Predefined reports in EventLog Analyzer |
| 2-4 Networks Security Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s network from cyber risks. |
|
| 2-8 Backup and Recovery Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s data and information, including information systems and software configurations, from cyber risks as per organizational policies, procedures, and related laws and regulations. | Exchange Online Backup |
| 2-11 Cybersecurity Event Logs and Monitoring Management | To ensure timely collection, analysis, and monitoring of cybersecurity events for early detection of potential cyber-attacks in order to prevent or minimize the negative impacts on the organization’s operations. |
|
| 2-12 Cybersecurity Incident and Threat Management | To ensure timely identification, detection, effective management and handling of cybersecurity incidents and threats to prevent or minimize negative impacts on organization’s operation taking into consideration the Royal Decree number 37140, dated 14/8/1438H. |
|
What is CSCC compliance?
The CSCC is a comprehensive framework designed to bolster the security of critical systems within organizations operating in Saudi Arabia. It complements the ECC by providing more stringent requirements specifically tailored for systems deemed crucial to the country's infrastructure and operations. The CSCC comprises 32 main controls and 73 subcontrols, offering a detailed roadmap for securing critical systems.
Components of the CSCC
The CSCC recognizes that critical systems are composed of various elements:
- Technical components: Network infrastructure (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls), databases, storage, middleware, servers, applications, encryption devices, and peripherals.
- Human element: Individuals involved in critical system operations, including users, technical staff, and operators.
- Supporting documentation: Documentation related to all system components.
Objectives of the CSCC
The primary goals of the CSCC are:
- Enabling secure remote work: To equip organizations with the necessary cybersecurity measures to conduct business operations remotely without compromising security.
- Enhancing cybersecurity resilience: To strengthen organizations' ability to withstand cyberattacks and recover quickly from incidents in a telework environment.
- Contributing to national cybersecurity: To elevate the overall cybersecurity posture of the country by promoting standardized security practices.
Organizations that should comply with the CSCC Here are some entities that should comply with these guidelines:
- Government organizations, including ministries, authorities, and embassies.
- Government subsidiaries.
- Private sector entities operating critical systems.
Importance of compliance
Adhering to the CSCC is paramount for organizations operating critical systems. It offers several benefits:
- Enhanced cybersecurity resilience: Strengthens defenses against cyberthreats.
- Protection of critical assets: Safeguards vital systems and sensitive information.
- Legal and regulatory compliance: Aligns with NCA mandates and avoids potential penalties.
- Reputation enhancement: Demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity best practices.
- Risk mitigation: Reduces the likelihood of significant losses due to cyber incidents.
CSCC: Key requirements to consider
| CSCC compliance requirements | What is it? | Predefined reports in EventLog Analyzer |
| 2-4 Networks Security Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s network from cyber risks. |
|
| 2-8 Backup and Recovery Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s data and information, including information systems and software configurations, from cyber risks as per organizational policies, procedures, and related laws and regulations. | Exchange Online Backup |
| 2-11 Cybersecurity Event Logs and Monitoring Management | To ensure timely collection, analysis, and monitoring of cybersecurity events for early detection of potential cyber-attacks in order to prevent or minimize the negative impacts on the organization’s operations. |
|
What is OTCC compliance?
The OTCC is a specialized cybersecurity framework designed to protect critical infrastructure systems. It recognizes the unique challenges posed by Operational Technology (OT) environments, such as ICSs, and provides tailored security measures to mitigate risks.
Objectives of the OTCC
The primary goals of the OTCC are:
- Enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure: To safeguard essential systems and services from cyberattacks.
- Improving organizational preparedness for cyberthreats: To equip organizations with the necessary tools and training to respond effectively to cyber incidents.
- Contributing to overall national cybersecurity: To strengthen the nation's resilience against cyberthreats and protect critical assets.
The OTCC focuses on securing ICSs within critical facilities, including those in both the government and private sectors. It applies to organizations that own, operate, or host critical national infrastructures (CNIs).
Potential OTCC control areas
Given the nature of OT environments, the OTCC likely addresses the following areas.
Network security:
- Segmentation of OT networks from IT networks
- Use of firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Secure remote access protocols
Device hardening:
- Patch management for OT devices
- Configuration management and change control
- Vulnerability management
Data protection:
- Data classification and protection
- Backup and recovery procedures
Access control:
- Role-based access control
- Strong authentication mechanisms
Incident response and recovery:
- Incident response planning and procedures
- Business continuity and disaster recovery
Importance of the OTCC
Implementing the OTCC is crucial for organizations operating critical infrastructure. Key benefits include:
Securing critical infrastructure: Protects vital systems from cyberattacks and disruptions.
Compliance: Aligns with national cybersecurity mandates and regulations.
Risk mitigation: Reduces the likelihood of cyber incidents and their consequences.
Strengthening ICS: Enhances the security of industrial control systems, a critical component of operations.
OTCC: Key requirements to consider
| OTCC compliance requirements | What is it? | Predefined reports in EventLog Analyzer |
| 2-4 Networks Security Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s OT/ICS networks from cyber risks. |
|
| 2-8 Backup and Recovery Management | To ensure the protection of the organization’s data and information, including information systems and software configurations, from cyber risks as per organizational policies, procedures, and related laws and regulations. | Exchange Online Backup |
| 2-11 Cybersecurity Event Logs and Monitoring Management | To ensure timely collection, analysis, and monitoring of cybersecurity events for early detection of potential cyber-attacks in order to prevent or minimize the negative impacts on the organization’s operations. |
|
| 2-12 Cybersecurity Incident and Threat Management | To ensure timely identification, detection, effective management, and handling of cybersecurity incidents and threats to prevent or minimize negative impacts on organi- zation’s OT/ICS operation. |
|
What is DCC compliance?
The primary purpose of the DCC is to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of organizations across various sectors within Saudi Arabia. This framework was developed in response to growing cybersecurity threats and aims to protect the country's critical infrastructure, national security, and vital interests.
Structure of the DCC
The NCA DCC is organized into a hierarchical structure designed to cover various aspects of cybersecurity:
- The framework is divided into three main domains. These domains represent broad areas of cybersecurity control that encompass various aspects of data protection and management.
- Within each domain, there are 11 subdomains. These subdomains further break down the domains into more specific areas of focus, allowing for detailed management and oversight of cybersecurity practices.
- There are 19 core controls within the framework. These controls provide specific directives and practices that organizations must implement to safeguard their data.
- The controls are further divided into 47 sub-controls. These sub controls offer detailed guidelines and procedures to ensure comprehensive implementation of the core controls.
Objectives of the DCC
The primary goals of the DCC are:
- Enhance cybersecurity standards: Elevate the standards for protecting national data to safeguard against threats and breaches.
- Support organizations: Provide continuous support to entities in securing their data throughout its life cycle, helping to mitigate cybersecurity threats and risks.
- Increase awareness: Foster a better understanding of secure data handling practices across various organizations.
Scope and applicability
The NCA DCC is applicable to:
- Government organizations: This includes ministries, authorities, and affiliated entities within the Saudi government.
- Private sector organizations: Entities involved in critical national infrastructure must adhere to these controls. This includes private organizations that own, operate, or host such infrastructures.
- General organizations: While the primary focus is on government and critical infrastructure entities, NCA encourages all organizations in the Kingdom to adopt these controls. Doing so will help improve their cybersecurity posture and ensure robust data protection.
DCC: Key requirements to consider
| DCC compliance requirements | What is it? | Predefined reports in EventLog Analyzer |
| 2-6 Secure Data Disposal | To ensure a secure data disposal as per organizational policies and procedures and related to laws and regulations. |
|
| 2-7 Cybersecurity for Printers, Scanners, and Copy machines | To ensure secure handling of data when using Printers, scanners, and copy machines. | Print server log monitoring |