OPSWAT Expands in Saudi Arabia’s Growing Cybersecurity Market

Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market is experiencing remarkable growth, with its value reaching SAR 13.3 billion (US$3.55 billion) at the start of 2024. This surge underscores the Kingdom’s evolving needs for advanced cybersecurity measures, aligning perfectly with OPSWAT’s expertise in critical infrastructure protection (CIP) technologies. OPSWAT’s solutions seamlessly integrate Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) security, positioning the company as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity landscape.

Headquartered in Florida, OPSWAT has significantly expanded its footprint in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country’s impressive business and economic growth over the past two years. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes enhancing the resilience of critical national infrastructure and boosting cybersecurity education and awareness.

Sertan Selcuk, OPSWAT Vice President METAP & CIS, highlighted the importance of this strategic move, stating, “Protecting Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure from escalating cyber threats is crucial for national security and economic stability. OPSWAT is committed to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s defenses with advanced training and innovative solutions. Our goal is to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s essential services remain resilient against evolving cyber challenges.”

As part of its broader strategy, OPSWAT has been named the official educational partner and gold sponsor for the MENA Information Security Conference 2024. OPSWAT Academy, the company’s educational division, will provide complimentary CIP certifications to all event attendees, tailored specifically for the region’s cybersecurity professionals.

Irfan Shakeel, VP of OPSWAT Academy, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “We are dedicated to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts to protect critical infrastructure. Our partnership with MENA ISC 2024 creates opportunities for participants to access top-tier CIP cybersecurity training. This effort is part of OPSWAT’s global SAR 37.5 million (US$10 million) scholarship program, addressing the growing need for certified CIP cybersecurity professionals.”

Recent reports have highlighted a surge in state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure amid the nation’s rapid digital transformation. With the average cost of a data breach in the Kingdom hitting approximately SAR 30 million (US$8 million), the urgency for robust cybersecurity solutions and skilled professionals is greater than ever. OPSWAT’s initiatives are set to tackle these challenges, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s essential services are well-protected and that the Kingdom’s cybersecurity workforce is equipped with world-class skills.