📚 Knowledge Base

The NCA ECC framework mandates several critical cloud security controls for organizations in Saudi Arabia. Key requirements include: (1) Data Classification and Protection - organizations must classify data stored in cloud environments and apply appropriate encryption both at rest and in transit; (2) Cloud Service Provider Assessment - entities must conduct thorough security assessments of cloud providers, ensuring compliance with NCA standards and obtaining necessary approvals for hosting sensitive data; (3) Access Control and Identity Management - implementation of multi-factor authentication, privileged access management, and regular access reviews for cloud resources; (4) Security Monitoring and Logging - continuous monitoring of cloud environments with centralized log collection and retention for at least one year; (5) Data Residency and Sovereignty - ensuring critical data remains within Saudi borders or approved jurisdictions, particularly for government entities and critical infrastructure; (6) Incident Response Planning - documented procedures for cloud-specific security incidents; and (7) Regular Security Assessments - periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of cloud deployments. Organizations must also ensure contractual agreements with cloud providers address security responsibilities, data ownership, and compliance obligations aligned with Saudi regulations.