Cyber Law at Saudi Arabia

06 Apr 2025 --
0 Comments

Saudi Arabia has developed a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to address cybersecurity and data protection, aiming to enhance national security, economic growth, and digital trust.

🛡️ Cybercrime Legislation

The Anti-Cyber Crime Law criminalizes various offenses, including unauthorized access to computer systems, data interception, and cyber fraud, Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to SAR 5 million (approximately USD 1.33 million) Additionally, equipment used in committing cybercrimes may be confiscated.

🔐 Data Protection

The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), effective from September 2023, regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal dat. Compliance enforcement begins in September 202. Violations can result in fines up to SAR 3 million (approximately USD 800,000) for sensitive data breaches and up to SAR 5 million for general PDPL violatios.

🏛️ **National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)*

Established by Royal Decree No. 6801 in 2017, the NCA is responsible for developing and implementing the National Cybersecurity Stratey. The strategy aims to create a secure and reliable Saudi cyberspace that fosters growth and prosperty.

🔧 Cybersecurity Controls and Frameworks

**Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC-2)*: The NCA's updated framework comprises 108 controls across five domains, including governance, risk management, and incident respost. It mandates that all cybersecurity positions within organizations be occupied by qualified Saudi professioals.

*Cloud Cybersecurity Controls: Issued by the NCA, these controls consist of 37 main controls and 96 subcontrols for cloud-service providers, aiming to reinforce the reliability of cloud services and protect national secuity.

*Cybersecurity Toolkit: A set of regulations and procedures covering areas such as malware protection, email and network security, data security, and social media security, designed to assist entities in strengthening their cybersecurity measres

👥 CyberIC Progra

Launched by the NCA, the CyberIC program aims to develop the cybersecurity sector by training over 10,000 Saudis, supporting more than 60 national cybersecurity startups, and offering programs for chief information security officers in cooperation with international universties.

🛠️ Enforcement and Compliane

The NCA has the authority to enforce compliance with its standards, with penalties for violations including fines up to SAR 25 million (approximately USD 6.66 million), license suspensions, and publication of decisions at the violator's epenses.