Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC)

Overview

The Essential Cyber security Controls (ECC), established by the National Cyber security Authority (NCA) of Saudi Arabia, is a critical framework designed to enhance the cyber security posture of organizations within the Kingdom. Our ECC Compliance Services help organizations achieve and maintain compliance with the ECC requirements while strengthening their cyber security defences against evolving threats.

Service Offerings

1. ECC Gap Assessment and Readiness

• Initial Gap Analysis:
  • Assess current cybersecurity practices against the ECC requirements.
  • Identify compliance gaps across all 5 ECC domains and 29 subdomains.
• Compliance Roadmap:
  • Develop a tailored compliance plan with prioritized recommendations.
  • Provide timelines and milestones for achieving full ECC compliance.
• Maturity Level Assessment:
  • Evaluate the organization’s cybersecurity maturity using ECC guidelines.

2. Policy Development and Documentation

• Custom Policy Creation:
  • Develop cybersecurity policies aligned with ECC requirements (e.g., access control, incident response, and risk management).
• Procedure Standardization:
  • Establish procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across all organizational units.
• Policy Review and Updates:
  • Regularly review and update policies to reflect changes in ECC guidelines or business operations.

3. Implementation of ECC Controls

• Technical Controls:
  • Deploy tools and technologies to meet ECC requirements, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and encryption.
  • Implement secure configuration practices for IT systems and networks.
• Administrative Controls:
  • Define roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity across the organization.
  • Conduct regular security awareness training for employees.
• Physical Controls:
  • Enhance the security of physical assets through access controls, CCTV monitoring, and facility security measures.

4. Cyber Risk Management

• Risk Assessment Frameworks:
  • Implement risk management processes aligned with ECC guidelines.
  • Identify and address risks to critical assets and systems.
• Third-Party Risk Management:
  • Assess the cybersecurity posture of vendors and partners.
  • Enforce compliance with ECC requirements across third parties.

5. Incident Response and Business Continuity

• Incident Response Planning:
  • Develop and implement an incident response plan in line with ECC recommendations.
  • Conduct tabletop exercises to test incident response readiness.
• Business Continuity Management:
  • Create and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) plans.
  • Conduct regular BC/DR tests to ensure operational resilience.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Reporting

• Security Monitoring Solutions:
  • Deploy Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for continuous threat detection.
  • Implement vulnerability management tools for proactive identification and remediation.
• Compliance Reporting:
  • Provide regular reports to demonstrate compliance with ECC requirements.
  • Assist with reporting to the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA).

7. Security Awareness and Training

• Employee Training Programs:
  • Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness training to educate employees on ECC principles and best practices.
• Phishing Simulations:
  • Conduct simulated phishing exercises to improve employee readiness against social engineering attacks.
• Management Workshops:
  • Provide executive-level training to ensure leadership understands ECC requirements and their role in compliance.

Key Benefits of Our ECC Services

• Compliance Assurance:
  • Achieve and maintain compliance with NCA’s ECC framework.
• Enhanced Security Posture:
  • Strengthen defenses against cyber threats and reduce risks to critical assets.
• Operational Resilience:
  • Ensure business continuity with robust plans and incident response readiness.
• Cost-Effective Solutions:
  • Access expert services tailored to your organization’s size and industry.
• Regulatory Preparedness:
  • Avoid penalties and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.

• Enhanced Security Posture:
  • Protect remote access to SCADA systems, refinery data, and other critical assets.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure alignment with Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity standards, such as ECC and CSCC.
• Operational Continuity:
  • Maintain productivity in remote work settings while safeguarding sensitive data.
• Custom Solutions for Oil & Gas:
  • Tailored services designed for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
• Proactive Risk Management:
  • Minimize the risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Who Should Leverage ECC Compliance Services?

• Government entities and semi-government organizations in Saudi Arabia.
• Critical infrastructure operators in sectors such as energy, finance, and healthcare.
• Private sector organizations seeking to comply with NCA’s ECC mandates.
•  Businesses preparing for audits or recovering from compliance violations.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise in Saudi Cybersecurity Regulations:
  • Extensive experience with NCA frameworks, including ECC, CCC, and CSCC.
• Tailored Approach:
  • Custom solutions designed to align with your industry and operational needs.
• Comprehensive Support:
  • End-to-end assistance, from assessment to implementation and audit readiness.
• Advanced Tools:
  • Partnerships with leading cybersecurity vendors for cutting-edge solutions.
• Commitment to Excellence:
  • Dedicated team focused on delivering measurable results and long-term value.

Delivery Models

• Consulting Services:
  • Expert guidance to develop and implement ECC compliance programs.
• Managed Compliance Services:
  • Ongoing support to monitor and maintain ECC adherence.
• Project-Based Engagements:
  • Focused support for specific ECC compliance initiatives or audits.