Saudi forms new authority for cyber security

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a decree on Tuesday to set up the National Cyber Security Authority which will be linked to the him directly.

The authority is created to "boost cyber security of the state, protect its vital interests, national security and sensitive infrastructure", according to the decree on Saudi Press Agency.

Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Musaed al-Aiban has been appointed as chairman of the board of directors of the authority which will include the following members: head of state security, chairman of general intelligence, deputy interior minister and assistant to the minister of defense.

Aiban explained that the authority will begin its regulatory and operational tasks in the area of cyber security by enhancing network protection, IT systems, operating systems, hardware and software components, services and data.

He disclosed that the authority also aims to establish a national industry in the field of cyber security and will take into consideration the increasingly vital importance of cyber security in the lives of the public.

Minister Aiban stressed that the authority will give top priority to attract and hire qualified national figures, build partnerships with public and private entities, and stimulate innovation and investment in cyber security to contribute to achieving a technological renaissance that serves the future of the Kingdom’s national economy.