Saudi Arabia is stepping up its game when itcomes to cybersecurity, and the pace is impressive. The kingdom has embarked onan ambitious economic overhaul known as Vision 2030, which promises to drasticallychange its sociopolitical and economic landscapes. A significant component of thistransformation involves enhancing its digital defenses against increasing cyber threats.
At the heart of this initiative is the National Transformation Program, which encouragesindustries to adopt digital solutions. This program is about more than just speed; it aims toprovide time-saving, secure digital services to citizens and solidify the role of the privatesector. Mohamad Hashem, general manager of Kaspersky for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain,emphasized the importance of this digital shift, stating, “Saudi Arabia’s approach isvisionary, and we are committed to supporting the country’s digital transformation,” reaffirmingKaspersky's commitment to safeguarding both public and private sectors as the kingdomjuxtaposes itself with advanced economies.
The country’s tech scene is booming, thanks to itsyoung, tech-savvy population and supported by widespread access to mobile devices andthe internet. With government initiatives promoting smart cities and infrastructureinvestments, the digital ecosystem is thriving—but this expansion also attracts theattention of cybercriminals.
Last year alone, Kaspersky reported approximately 50 million cyberattacks, makingSaudi Arabia one of the most targeted nations for cyber threats. These attacks are diverseand range from mundane phishing attempts to sophisticated, prolonged intrusionsknown as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). APTs are often state-sponsored and aim toreconnoiter or disrupt important sectors such as government bodies, telecommunications,healthcare, and aviation. According to Hashem, Kaspersky is currently tracking 20 ofthese APT groups operating within the region, reflecting the geopolitical tensions and theever-evolving cyber threat spectrum facing Saudi Arabia.
Recently, Kaspersky published findings illustrating the multifaceted cyber threatlandscape of the Middle East, spotlighting various malicious activities, includingransomware attacks, data breaches, and hacktivism. The report brought to light 19active ransomware groups roving throughout the region, with Saudi Arabia and the UAEexposed as significant targets. Not to be overlooked, the theft of 10 million useraccount records was highlighted across these nations, fueling concerns over privatedata security.
To combat these rising threats, Kaspersky has rolled out its Threat IntelligencePortal, distinguishing itself by monitoring the dark web to keep clients informed andprotected. This initiative grants Saudi Arabian organizations the tools necessary to shieldtheir digital assets more effectively.
“Safeguarding Saudi’s digital future” is slowly being realized with Kaspersky leading thecharge. The cybersecurity titan has invested significantly within the kingdom, includingestablishing its first Middle Eastern headquarters right in Riyadh earlier this year.
This move isn’t just symbolic; it marks 17 years of consistent growth for the companyacross the region, thanks to numerous governmental partnerships and strategicengagements. “Saudi Arabia is a strategic market for Kaspersky, and our growthreflects its significance,” explains Hashem, adding the company has witnessed astoundinggrowth rates of 70 percent from 2022 to 2023 and 22 percent during the first sixmonths of this year.
This new headquarters aims to offer localized support for operational activities anddrive business development across Saudi Arabia and the greater region. Kaspersky’sestablishment is built on its expansive global network, which operates across 30countries, with remarkable resources dedicated to research and development.
Education plays another key role in fortifying Saudi Arabia’s digital defenses. Kasperskialso runs the Kaspersky Academy, focusing on nurturing the next generation of cybersecurityprofessionals. Hashem noted the pressing need for more skilled individuals, asresearch suggests over 40 percent of firms within the region suffer from inadequatecybersecurity expertise. Kaspersky’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) servicesallow companies to delegate their cybersecurity needs to specialists, which can help close thegap created by workforce shortages.
With ambitious initiatives involving 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), andartificial intelligence (AI), Saudi Arabia is moving toward its digital-first approach. Truly,as these technologies integrate themselves more thoroughly within its economy, theymay significantly heighten interest from cybercriminals and exacerbate practical cyberthreats.
Recognizing its role as part of this proactive cybersecurity framework, Kasperskylaunched its Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Assessment service lastSeptember. This program aims to strengthen the kingdom’s industrial infrastructure—coveringvulnerabilities from physical security risks to network defenses, especially for sectors likethe construction and energy industries.
Interestingly, Kaspersky identified construction, oil and gas, and financial servicesas sectors exposed to vulnerabilities attributed to poor employee behaviors. “Toaddress these vulnerabilities, we’re collaborating closely with the Saudi government andlocal businesses. Our ICS Security Assessment service contributes to Vision 2030 byfostering local cybersecurity talent,” plans Hashem, showing how Kaspersky aims tosupport Saudi cybersecurity goals with active market engagement.
Building specialized solutions is imperative to adequately protect industrial networks andautomation systems, according to Hashem, who highlights Kaspersky’s IndustrialCyberSecurity offerings. These solutions aid organizations striving to blend IT and OT—Operational Technology—requirements and provide scalability based on the demands of the business.
To bolster its presence even more, Kaspersky has partnered with the Saudi EsportsFederation. This collaboration aims to create platforms promoting cybersecurityawareness and education through engaging and competitive gaming experiences, reachingyounger tech enthusiasts.
Herein lies the crux of Kaspersky’s strategy: addressing both the immediate threatposed by cybercriminals and fostering future capabilities by supporting human capitaldevelopment. Regardless of the challenges ahead, Saudi Arabia's unwavering ambition tobecome a cybersecurity stronghold is evident as it presses forward with its Vision2030 agenda.