Saudi Arabia’s stc Group Sets Regional Benchmark in Cybersecurity Innovation and Resilience

As the global digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Saudi Arabia’s stc Group is taking a leading role in safeguarding the region’s digital future through advanced cybersecurity innovation.

With cybercrime projected to cost the global economy trillions annually, cybersecurity has become a critical pillar of economic stability. In this context, stc’s robust cyber capabilities are setting new industry benchmarks, with the group achieving a Cybersecurity Index (CS Index) rating of 89.88% and a capability maturity level of 4.51—well above the global telecom average of 65.7% as of 2024.

To combat increasingly sophisticated threats targeting sectors such as healthcare, finance, and logistics, stc has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity framework. Central to this effort is sirar by stc, the group’s managed security services provider, which leverages AI-powered analytics and big data to detect and neutralise threats before they escalate.

At Black Hat 2024 in Riyadh—now the world’s fastest-growing cybersecurity event—sirar by stc introduced Athar, a Saudi-developed data protection solution designed to prevent leaks and boost organisational resilience.

stc’s Security Operations Center (SOC), bolstered by sirar by stc’s technology, offers 24/7 real-time monitoring and rapid response, enhancing both public and private sector preparedness. The group also promotes accountability and compliance through its Security Pass Program, which requires partners to meet strict cybersecurity standards certified by authorised audit firms.

stc’s cybersecurity strategy extends beyond technology to national and international collaboration. Domestically, it works closely with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) to fortify Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure. These partnerships not only strengthen the Kingdom’s cyber defences but also foster a culture of awareness and innovation.

Globally, stc is enhancing its digital security posture through strategic alliances with major technology players. In 2024, the group announced a partnership with Oracle to boost cloud security and ensure regional data sovereignty. Through sirar, stc also deepened ties with Google Cloud Security and Group-IB to deploy AI-powered, regionally tailored threat detection and risk management solutions.

As stc Group continues to expand its global footprint across telecommunications, IoT, AI, and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity remains a cornerstone of its growth strategy—ensuring that innovation is built on a secure and resilient foundation.