Cybersecurity Assessment Checklist for Saudi Businesses: What To Review Before Selecting a Security Provider

An overlooked security vulnerability puts your company’s data, consumers and business operations at risk. As businesses in Saudi Arabia invest more in cloud applications, custom applications and IT infrastructure, cybersecurity must become a strategic priority. 

Selecting a cybersecurity provider is more than purchasing a product. Organisations must consider their vulnerabilities, security measures and necessary actions to mitigate risks to people, processes and systems. Businesses operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) must also take local cybersecurity requirements into consideration. 

A cybersecurity assessment enables organisations to evaluate the situation before making any commitments. See what a cybersecurity assessment covers and discover the criteria for finding a suitable cyber security service provider in Saudi Arabia. 

Why is a Cybersecurity Assessment Important for Businesses in Saudi Arabia? 

A cybersecurity assessment reviews an organisation’s IT systems to detect vulnerabilities, threats and opportunities for improvement. The scope of the review depends on the service provider, but it often covers network security, endpoint protection, cloud applications, user accounts, business applications, data security and security procedures. 

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) of Saudi Arabia publishes Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC). ECC-2:2024 is the current version of the controls, which applies to businesses falling under the scope of the framework. Businesses that are not under the framework’s scope may use the controls as a reference for improving cybersecurity. 

Before selecting a cybersecurity provider, review the following seven areas. 

 7 Point Cybersecurity Assessment Checklist for Businesses in KSA 

1. Review IT Assets and Security Vulnerabilities 

Many businesses overlook the systems and processes they no longer use, but these vulnerabilities provide access to sensitive information and systems. Businesses must consider all company-owned devices, applications (including cloud applications), servers, end-user devices and network infrastructure. 

Create an inventory of IT systems, applications and network devices. Review the systems which host sensitive information and those supporting critical business processes. Ensure that your provider can detect vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your IT environment. Ask if the assessment will include: 

• IT asset identification and inventory 

• Vulnerability scans and configuration reviews 

• Detection of outdated, unsupported or unnecessary systems 

• Risk ratings and recommendations 

An effective cybersecurity provider will enable you to identify weaknesses and understand the priority for remediation. 

 2. Network and Endpoint Security 

Networks and end-user devices represent the primary attack surface for malicious actors. Misconfigured network devices and software, unpatched endpoints and the absence of appropriate protection software provide easy access to systems and data. 

Review all network devices (routers, switches, firewalls), end-user devices (desktops, laptops, servers) and network security controls. Ensure that all systems have the latest security updates and that network devices are configured to deny unauthorised inbound and outbound traffic. 

For businesses with multiple office locations and remote workers, review remote access solutions to ensure that remote devices have appropriate network security. Ask the provider how the assessment will address network and endpoint security vulnerabilities. 

3. Access Control and Identity Management 

Access control and identity management are among the most common sources of security incidents. Poorly configured access controls enable attackers to compromise systems and data, and to escalate privileges to obtain administrator rights. 

During the assessment, the provider will review administrator privileges and access control lists for servers, applications, network devices and end-user devices. Review procedures for revoking access when an employee leaves the organisation or changes roles. Ask the provider how it can help you: 

• Configure access control lists and permissions according to the principle of least privilege 

• Protect privileged and administrator accounts 

• Detect inactive or unnecessary accounts 

• Review access controls for applications and data 

Access control and identity management audits will improve your organisation’s ability to prevent and detect unauthorised data access. 

4. Cybersecurity Protection, Backup and Recovery 

Cybersecurity aims to protect data and systems from unauthorised access, modification and deletion. Organisations must understand how data is shared, stored and backed up to ensure business continuity during a cybersecurity incident. 

Review data storage locations, access permissions, encryption controls and backup procedures. Ensure that data backups are available for system recovery and that encryption is in place to protect data in case of unauthorised access. Backups should also be tested regularly to ensure that the recovery process works as intended. 

If the organisation stores personal information, consult legal advisors to understand personal data protection regulations such as the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). The PDPL and associated requirements supplement the cybersecurity requirements for organisations which process personal data. 

The provider should be able to discuss the technical controls to implement, but always consult a qualified legal advisor to understand the legal implications. 

5. Monitoring and Response 

Cybersecurity assessments examine preventive controls, but organisations also need to prepare response procedures for detecting, managing and mitigating a security incident. A delayed response to a cybersecurity incident can result in lasting damage to systems and business operations. 

Ask how the provider will help your organisation develop an incident response plan. The response procedures should cover information security incidents, including unauthorised network access, data breaches and ransomware attacks. Your checklist should include: 

• Security event and alert monitoring 

• Event investigation and response procedures 

• Information security incident management 

• Escalation procedures and communication 

• Business continuity and post-event procedures 

If the organisation requires managed security services, clarify the terms of the service-level agreement, including monitoring hours, coverage and responsibilities. Not all providers offer 24/7 managed security monitoring and management services. 

6. NCA Cybersecurity Controls and Other Requirements 

Organisations must comply with cybersecurity regulations and technical standards depending on the industry, business processes and IT infrastructure. However, many businesses mistakenly assume that all NCA cybersecurity controls apply to their organisation. 

The NCA’s cybersecurity controls apply to businesses which fall under the scope of the framework. Several other control sets apply to specific aspects, such as critical systems security, cloud system security and data security. 

Ask the provider if it can advise you on the applicable cybersecurity standards and help you implement the relevant controls. 

7. Provider’s Expertise, Scope and Reporting 

An effective assessment identifies and prioritises vulnerabilities and provides clear guidance on remediation actions. A report with a long list of vulnerabilities without prioritisation or recommendations provides limited value. 

Before finalising the agreement, clarify the scope of the assessment, the methodology and the report content. Ask the provider the following questions: 

• Which IT systems and locations will be reviewed? 

• Will the assessment include vulnerability scanning or penetration testing? 

• How will the report rank the detected issues? 

• Does the report include remediation recommendations? 

• Will the provider support retesting and further recommendations? 

Select a provider which understands the business and can translate the technical assessment results into specific recommendations. Price is an essential consideration, but the ability to deliver value-specific recommendations matters more. 

How Bluechip Saudi Can Help With Cybersecurity Requirements 

An organisation selects a cybersecurity provider based on its technical requirements and specific vulnerabilities. A cybersecurity assessment enables the provider to identify areas of concern, including access controls, network security and data security. 

Bluechip Saudi offers IT solutions to organisations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including cybersecurity assessments. Depending on the organisation’s needs, the scope can include cybersecurity assessment, penetration testing, network security assessment, identity and access management audit and similar services. 

By understanding the IT infrastructure, security concerns and organisational requirements, Bluechip Saudi can help the organisation select the most appropriate security solutions. 

Conclusion 

Cybersecurity assessments enable organisations to determine the current state of IT security and select a provider which will help them achieve their objectives. During the assessment, the provider will review the organisation’s network devices, endpoints, applications, data security and access controls. The provider will also advise on the applicable cybersecurity regulations, including NCA’s ECC requirements. 

The ultimate goal is to transform the assessment findings into a specific action plan for improving the organisation’s cybersecurity capabilities. 

Looking for a cybersecurity provider to help your business in Saudi Arabia? 

Bluechip Saudi can assist with cybersecurity assessment, vulnerability management, network security assessment and similar solutions. Contact us to learn more about our IT solutions for businesses in KSA.