In the Name of Allah the Merciful,

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds and Prayers and peace be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him,

Excellences, distinguished guests

Praises be to Allah for giving us the opportunity to celebrate today the graduation of the second batch of the Secure 18 program. The secure 18 included 26 trainees who have continued training for six and a half months between Saudi Arabia and United State of America. We aim to train a group of national cadres in the cybersecurity to work in the financial sector and all other sectors.

Honored Guests..

It is no secret that central banks and regulatory authorities are facing great challenges, particularly the rapid growing demand for digital banking products and the increasing complexity of banking products and services, which require the design and implementation of cybersecurity regulatory strategies in line with best practices and global standards. SAMA has paid great attention to the cybersecurity and has made it one of its top priorities, focusing on training, preventing and protection, apart from screening procedures and continuous risk assessment. This approach has raised the Kingdom status and its financial system to a high level of compliance with cybersecurity requirements and standards.

It is of pleasure to me informing you that in this batch we have targeted four training tracks: defense and protection, attack and penetration testing, infrastructure and structure and governance and risk management. The program was divided into four phases. The first phase in the Kingdom was the foundation where they received basic principles of cybersecurity and the development of basic personal principles and skills for five weeks.

The second phase which took 16 weeks was the advanced training stage in the United State, where the technical specialization. Trainers were divided into the four tracks according to their specialization. This phase was followed by a period of intensive practical application and on-the-job training. It encompassed attending conferences and participation in workshops and discussions. During this phase, trainees were motivated to research, expand their knowledge of the cybersecurity, and prepared for the next phase. They were giving the chance to work with experts in this field for three weeks. The final phase, where trainees were introduced to SAMA Cybersecurity Framework and project managements and defending real attacks through simulations and visits to legislative and supervisory bodies in the Kingdom.

Honored Guests

We always in SAMA strive to invest in the human element and to refine skills and provide new experiences. We have sent a number of employees for a master scholarship abroad at the best international universities. We will continue doing so for the prosperity of our precious country.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate graduates who have exerted great efforts throughout the program, whishing them success. I also like to thank all those who participated in the preparation and organization for this program, which reflects the great care attached by SAMA and other related entities to the Cybersecurity.

I thank you all for accepting our invitation and your participation to the celebration tonight at the very end of the training program for a promising generation equipped with best means of defense to protect this homeland.