Governor of the Commission Affirms the Importance of Information Security During His Opening of the Digital Security Forum

His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Darrab, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, opened today, Saturday, 17/1/1434H, the Digital Security Forum held at the Novotel Hotel in Riyadh, which continues for two days. The forum, which brings together a number of officials and those interested in the field of information technology in the Kingdom and abroad, addresses information security and its importance in ensuring the protection of institutions and facilities from hacking and intrusion operations.

Al-Darrab affirmed in his opening remarks at the forum the importance of information security in strengthening confidence in the uses of technology, and encouraging its spread, ensuring the transformation into an information society that serves as an effective pillar for all sustainable national development projects.

He added that the potential risks that may result from the misuse of technology and its threats have confirmed the growing need to make greater efforts in the field of information security to address any potential risks that threaten or limit the availability of essential services.

At the national level in the field of information security, Al-Darrab explained that relevant entities have been working to accomplish the effective tasks set out in the (National Communications and Information Technology Plan), especially those aimed at information security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This led to the establishment of the National CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) for Information Security within the Commission, to be a national center concerned with information security, providing the necessary resources for it, so that it can provide interactive services such as early warning and alerts, disseminating information related to information security issues, dealing with breaches and providing the necessary treatment for them, dealing with security vulnerabilities, receiving and analyzing information about them, while proposing strategies and solutions to address them and ensure they do not occur. More importantly, providing proactive services in the field of awareness, training, education, workshops, and others.

He concluded by stating that efforts made should not be limited to the local level or focus solely on the technical aspect, but must include international coordination and cooperation to find effective solutions that curb the destructive activities surrounding the internet, including cooperation in standardization and the development of international policies related to the internet, and combating all activities that target the security and integrity of the internet.