CNTXT Launches Sovereign Controls for Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia

CNTXT, a prominent cloud and digital transformation company in Saudi Arabia, has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to launch a new cybersecurity solution: Sovereign Controls by CNTXT. This offering is designed to meet the stringent data sovereignty, regulatory, and security requirements essential for organizations operating within the region.

As a reseller of Google Cloud Platform services, CNTXT now provides local organizations with a managed External Key Management (EKM) with Key Access Justifications (KAJ) service, alongside localized support. This advanced solution encrypts customer data at rest using keys stored outside Google Cloud’s infrastructure, allowing organizations to deny access to these keys for any reason, including in response to extraterritorial data requests. This level of control is crucial for safeguarding sensitive workloads that are traditionally kept on-premise.

In collaboration with SITE, the EKM solution is offered as part of the “DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix” product, integrated with Google Cloud’s Cloud External Key Manager service. This integration empowers organizations to transition their data to the cloud while maintaining the same level of security as in their on-premises environments. With encryption keys stored in a FIPS 140-2 level 3 certified HSM, customers retain full control over their data, ensuring it remains secure even in the cloud.

Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT, expressed enthusiasm about bringing this advanced solution to Saudi Arabia. “We are thrilled to offer the Cloud External Key Manager, providing organizations the ability to securely move their most sensitive workloads to the cloud.”

Majed Alamri, Chief Business Solutions Officer at SITE, highlighted the importance of this solution in empowering organizations to securely migrate to the cloud, ensuring data protection with the highest standards of security.

Bader Almadi, Google Cloud’s country manager for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the commitment to supporting local organizations in meeting digital sovereignty requirements. He noted that Sovereign Controls by CNTXT, provided through Assured Workloads, empowers Saudi-based organizations to accelerate their digital transformation while maintaining stringent control over their data.