Riyadh - Mubasher: The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) announced the granting of licenses to several companies to provide Tier 1 managed cybersecurity operations center services. This will enable them to offer their services to all entities, including government agencies and the private sector, particularly those that own or manage critical national infrastructure.

The Authority affirmed that this step falls within its strategy to develop the cybersecurity sector in the Kingdom and encourage investment in it, contributing to enhancing digital protection at the national level and improving the quality of services provided to national entities.

The list of licensed companies includes: Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), Advanced Technology and Cybersecurity Limited (SARAR), Hoboob Technology for Communications and Information Technology, Middle East Solutions for Information Technology (Cyberani), Technology Control Limited, and Advanced Electronics Limited.

This license will enable companies to provide specialized cybersecurity services, including monitoring and analyzing cyber threats, and providing recommendations to address them.

The authority explained that granting these licenses follows the issuance of the "Regulatory Framework for Licensing the Provision of Managed Cybersecurity Operations Center Services," along with the "National Policy for Managed Cybersecurity Operations Centers," which requires government agencies and the private sector operating critical national infrastructure to contract with accredited Tier 1 service providers.

It's worth noting that the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is the authority responsible for cybersecurity affairs in the Kingdom and the national authority for cybersecurity protection. It works to enhance information security to protect the state's vital interests and national security, as well as to protect critical infrastructure and priority sectors. It also encourages innovation and investment in the cybersecurity sector, and regulates licensing and related activities.