NCA Boosts Hajj Cybersecurity And Pilgrim Awareness For Season 1445 AH

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has reported that over 200 national entities participated in the Hajj season 1445 AH, with more than 900,000 pilgrims benefiting from the "Cybersecurity Enhancement Program for Hajj Season." This initiative aimed to improve the cybersecurity readiness of systems and services provided during this year's Hajj, develop national cybersecurity capabilities, and raise awareness among pilgrims and staff.

The program featured four main tracks: Technical Cyber Assessments, Cyber Threat Monitoring and Response, Cyber Capability Enhancement, and Cybersecurity Awareness. The NCA conducted over 240 cyber assessments to identify risks to assets and systems related to the Hajj season. These assessments included reviewing the architecture and configurations of technical infrastructures, network security, web application security, and mobile application security.

The NCA activated the Cyber Operations Room through the Cyber Threat Monitoring and Response track. This facility supports national entities participating in the Hajj season by operating around the clock. Specialized teams monitor and analyze cyber threats, collaborate with national entities, and address any cyber developments or incidents through swift response teams dedicated to cyber incidents.

Cybersecurity Exercise

In the capacity-building track for cyber capabilities, the NCA conducted the "Cybersecurity Exercise for Hajj Season 1445 AH" with over 200 national entities. This exercise involved more than 600 cybersecurity officials and experts. It simulated various types of cyber attacks and implemented response mechanisms, including preparedness, detection, analysis, containment, recovery, post-incident procedures, information sharing, and lessons learned.

Cybersecurity Awareness Initiatives

The NCA also implemented a series of initiatives under the cybersecurity awareness track to raise awareness among pilgrims and national entities' staff. These initiatives included organizing an interactive cybersecurity awareness exhibition at the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex and Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Additionally, a cybersecurity awareness exhibition was held for the Hajj season 1445 AH in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.

Cybersecurity Awareness Guide

The NCA, in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, issued a "Cybersecurity Awareness Guide" during this year's Hajj season. Available in 16 languages, this guide aims to raise awareness among pilgrims about cybersecurity. It covers topics such as social engineering techniques, phishing methods, safe internet browsing practices, application security, regular mobile phone backups, and other subjects.

This comprehensive program by the NCA underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for pilgrims during the Hajj season. By enhancing cybersecurity measures and raising awareness among all stakeholders involved, the NCA aims to provide reliable and secure services to all participants.

With inputs from SPA