Riyadh: The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is implementing its Cybersecurity Enhancement Program for the Hajj Season 1446 AH, which aims to bolster the cyber readiness of technical systems and services during this year’s Hajj, develop national cybersecurity capabilities, and increase cybersecurity awareness among both pilgrims and national government employees. The program is designed to enhance overall cybersecurity during the Hajj season and support national efforts to provide the best possible services to pilgrims.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the program includes four primary tracks: technical cyber assessments, monitoring and responding to cyber threats, enhancing cyber capabilities, and raising cybersecurity awareness. A central component of the program is the establishment of a round-the-clock cyber operations room dedicated to monitoring and analyzing cyber threats, with findings to be shared with relevant national authorities. Furthermore, NCA will deploy cyber incident response teams and support governmental bodies in conducting cyber assessments aimed at evaluating cyber risks to critical assets and systems.
Another key element of the program is the Cybersecurity Drill for the Hajj Season 1446 AH, designed to cultivate the expertise of cybersecurity specialists within national entities. This drill will familiarize specialists with contemporary cyberattack methodologies and equip them with effective response strategies, contributing to the provision of high-quality and efficient services for pilgrims.
The program also features a series of on-the-ground awareness campaigns and activities aimed at enhancing cybersecurity understanding among pilgrims and national entities’ personnel. These efforts include specialized cybersecurity awareness sessions for employees of participating entities, an interactive cybersecurity awareness exhibition at the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex of King Abdulaziz International Airport, and the distribution of varied cybersecurity awareness materials to tourist accommodation facilities in Makkah and Hajj and Umrah service providers.