Cybersecurity maturity assessment framework for higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Information Security
• Cybersecurity
• Risk Management

Background:

• Existing cybersecurity frameworks in Saudi Arabia, including the CITC's Cybersecurity Regulatory Framework (CRF) and NCA's Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC), lack practical, continuous assessment mechanisms for IT systems.
• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Saudi Arabia require a tailored approach to cybersecurity assessment due to the unique nature of their IT environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment Framework (SCMAF) specifically designed for Saudi HEIs.
• To provide a practical, self-assessment tool for evaluating and enhancing cybersecurity levels within these institutions.

Main Methods:

• Developed SCMAF as a comprehensive, customized framework aligned with local and international security standards.
• Designed SCMAF as a mapping and codification model for Saudi Arabian cybersecurity regulations.
• Implemented SCMAF as a lightweight tool, available online or offline, to ensure data privacy and facilitate self-assessment, gap analysis, and mitigation planning.

Main Results:

• SCMAF enables organizations to measure their security performance against defined maturity levels.
• The framework identifies security weaknesses and supports the creation of actionable mitigation plans.
• Assessment results are presented visually through score charts and detailed evaluation reports.

Conclusions:

• SCMAF offers a practical solution for Saudi HEIs to continuously assess and improve their cybersecurity posture.
• The framework enhances compliance with national and international security standards, ensuring data and infrastructure protection.
• SCMAF empowers organizations with a clear understanding of their security status and a roadmap for improvement.