NCA Launches ‘CyberIC’ Program for Development of Saudi Cybersecurity Sector

The program aims to develop and build national capabilities in cybersecurity. SPA
The program aims to develop and build national capabilities in cybersecurity. SPA
TT
20

NCA Launches ‘CyberIC’ Program for Development of Saudi Cybersecurity Sector

The program aims to develop and build national capabilities in cybersecurity. SPA
The program aims to develop and build national capabilities in cybersecurity. SPA

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) launched on Monday the ‘CyberIC’ program for the development of the cybersecurity sector, one of the main enablers of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

The program aims to develop and build national capabilities in cybersecurity, localize cybersecurity technology and training content, and stimulate the wider domestic cybersecurity sector.

According to NCA, the first phase of the CyberIC program includes numerous initiatives, most notably the training of employees of national authorities, accelerating cybersecurity activities to stimulate the sector, and encouraging the development of national cybersecurity products, services and solutions.

The program will also see the launch of the second version of the cybersecurity challenge and offer programs for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), in cooperation with the most prestigious international universities in the field.

In order to enhance the preparedness of participants to meet cybersecurity challenges, the courses will include a set of cyber exercises that take place within a virtual environment that simulates real cyberattacks and incidents.

The initiative is based on six main tracks: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity Officers (CISOs), Cybersecurity Trainers, Fresh Graduates, Cybersecurity Specialists, and Law Enforcement Agencies.

According to NCA, the first phase of CyberIC aims to increase the number of cybersecurity startups in the sector by assisting more than 60 national companies.

The program will support more than 40 startups through the cybersecurity accelerator and establish more than 20 startups through the cybersecurity challenge.

In addition, around 10,000 Saudis in the cybersecurity sector will receive support through CyberIC, including more than 1,500 beneficiaries in national authorities; 150 cybersecurity officials, who will be offered leadership skills training; and more than 5,000 Saudis who will be trained through advanced cyber exercises.



UAE: US Companies Sanctioned Over Sudan Do Not Operate in the Emirates

The Emirati Justice Ministry logo
The Emirati Justice Ministry logo
TT
20

UAE: US Companies Sanctioned Over Sudan Do Not Operate in the Emirates

The Emirati Justice Ministry logo
The Emirati Justice Ministry logo

The Emirati Justice Ministry on Friday said that the seven companies based in the United Arab Emirates and sanctioned by the US over Sudan do not own valid business licenses or operate locally.

The US has designated seven entities based in the Emirates under its Sudan sanctions program.

These entities include Capital Tap Holding LLC, Capital Tap Management Consultancies LLC, Capital Tap General Trading LLC, Creative Python LLC, Al Zumoroud and Al Yaqoot Gold & Jewellers LLC, Al Jil Al Qadem General Trading LLC, and Horizon Advanced Solutions General Trading LLC.

“Upon notice of the sanctions designations, the UAE initiated its own investigation into the entities and related individuals, seeking additional information from US authorities to support these investigations,” the Ministry said in a statement

It also confirmed that none of the seven entities hold an active business license in the UAE, nor are they currently operating in the UAE.

Relevant UAE authorities continue to monitor any potential suspicious activity in accordance with applicable UAE laws, the Ministry added.