To address the growing threat of cyber attacks, Saudi Arabia established the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute in Riyadh, in response to the rapid development of cyberspace and its potential to transform society. The institute aims to tackle the most challenging cybersecurity issues facing governments, businesses, and individuals and serve as a catalyst for the exchange of ideas and research to inform policy solutions and action. The establishment of the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute in Riyadh, was followed by a royal decree by King Salman in June.
Saudi Arabia, the largest information and communication hub in the Middle East, has seen an unprecedented rise in cyberattacks in recent years, with over 7 million attacks targeting the Kingdom in the first two months of 2021 alone. Cybersecurity expert Abdullah Al-Gumaijan told a source “the utilization of cyberweapons increased due to attackers now realizing the value of such attacks as they continue to prove their power and damage. Therefore, the trends toward investments in cyberattacks are growing.”
This initiative underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leader in cybersecurity, as it is currently ranked second globally in the cybersecurity index within the World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2022. The establishment of the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s determination to elevate cybersecurity measures on a global scale.
Moataz BinAli, regional vice president and managing director at Trend Micro explains, “Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global cybersecurity stems from a holistic strategy, balancing regulation, talent cultivation, technological innovation, and international collaboration. The decree by King Salman to establish the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute underlines this commitment, aiming to elevate cybersecurity measures on a global scale.”
Despite being a prime target for cyberattacks, BinAli said it has “converted adversity into strength, emerging as the Middle East’s largest cybersecurity market.” As BinAli emphasizes, robust cybersecurity not only enhances the quality of life but also drives economic and digital innovation.
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