🔐 Cybersecurity Glossary

The first domain of SAMA CSF that establishes requirements for organizational leadership, accountability, and strategic oversight of cybersecurity programs within financial institutions. This domain mandates board-level cybersecurity oversight, appointment of qualified Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) with direct reporting lines to senior management, development of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies aligned with business objectives, establishment of risk management frameworks, and allocation of adequate resources. It emphasizes integration of cybersecurity into enterprise risk management and requires regular reporting to SAMA on the institution's cybersecurity posture.

The fourth domain of SAMA CSF that establishes comprehensive requirements for managing cybersecurity risks associated with third-party service providers, vendors, and business partners of financial institutions. This domain mandates due diligence assessments before engagement, contractual cybersecurity obligations including data protection and incident notification clauses, continuous monitoring of third-party security posture, right-to-audit provisions, and requirements for fourth-party (sub-contractor) oversight. It specifically addresses cloud service providers, fintech partnerships, payment processors, and outsourced IT services, requiring alignment with PDPL data protection requirements and ensuring third parties maintain security controls equivalent to the financial institution's own standards.