Author(s): Bader Aldossary, Abdulaziz Al-Towairqi, Hussam Alomari, Mahmud Maqsood, Hoda Mahmoud AboAlsmh, Ibrahim Tawfeeq Alsedrah, Zahra Afridi
Cybersecurity is becoming an urgent requirement that requires our immediate attention in today's digital environment. Protecting systems, networks, and programs from cyberattacks is the practice of cybersecurity. These hacks typically try to disrupt regular corporate operations, extort money from users through ransomware, or access, alter, or delete important information. The Saudi Arabian government recognized the importance of having a safe and reliable national cyberspace as a critical enabler for development and prosperity. The expansion of technology use also creates new opportunities for cyber threats, necessitating the improvement of cybersecurity to secure networks, information technology systems, industrial control systems, and operational technologies, as well as the hardware and software that make up those systems. Along with providing a secure and reliable infrastructure that supports government services and the digital transformation, data and services must also be secured from cyber threats and dangers like amendment, disruption, illegal use, and exploitation. The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) was created by the Saudi Arabian government to be the governmental organization in charge of the nation's cybersecurity and to act as the national authority on those matters. In 2017, a Royal Order formed the NCA. The NCA works closely with public and private organizations to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity posture in order to protect its vital interests, national security, critical infrastructures, high-priority sectors, and government services and activities in line with Vision 2030. The NCA has both regulatory and operational responsibilities related to cybersecurity. This report will focus on the following: • The history of cybersecurity and criticality in the new digital era. • Digital transformation impact on cybersecurity. • Digital risk management and cybersecurity. • The role of the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA).