Riyadh, March 10, 2024, The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has unveiled the National Policy for Managed Security Operations Centers (MSOC) and the Regulatory Framework for Licensing MSOC Services, signaling a significant step in the Kingdom's cybersecurity sector regulation. This move is aimed at bolstering the nation's vital interests and national security while enhancing the quality of services offered in the sector, as per an official statement from NCA.
According to the announcement, the National Policy for MSOC is designed to elevate cybersecurity situational awareness both at the organizational and national levels. It aims to facilitate access to dependable, mature, and high-quality MSOC services, thereby fostering growth within the cybersecurity domain and optimizing cybersecurity expenditure.
Furthermore, the Regulatory Framework for Licensing MSOC Services outlines the prerequisites for delivering these services to government entities and private sector organizations involved in owning, operating, or hosting critical national infrastructure, as well as other entities across the Kingdom. This initiative is geared towards fortifying the Kingdom's cybersecurity landscape, fostering innovation and investment within the sector, and nurturing national expertise specialized in offering MSOC services.
These policy documents, crafted following public consultations, fall within NCA's purview to establish policies, governance mechanisms, frameworks, standards, controls, and national cybersecurity guidelines. NCA is set to commence receiving license applications from MSOC service providers this month through 'Haseen,' the national cybersecurity services portal.
NCA, serving as the Kingdom's cybersecurity steward, is mandated to advance the nation's cybersecurity posture to safeguard its vital interests, national security, critical infrastructures, priority sectors, and governmental services and operations.
