The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the kickoff of the training phase of the specialized cybersecurity program (SECURE) in its third edition as of Sunday, 30/05/2021. The program is aimed at training and qualifying a group of national cybersecurity cadres to work in the financial sector as well as other sectors.

In a statement, SAMA explained that the program will be orchestrated by the finest specialists in cybersecurity training and will last for six months. Towards the end of the program, 21 trainees will receive scientific qualification, training and practical application by international experts in this field. The program will be sponsored by the Saudi Central Bank.

SAMA pointed out that during the first phase of training, which is the cornerstone of the program, the trainees will learn the principles of cybersecurity in addition to the development of basic and personal skills.

After this phase, the technical specialization of the trainees will be divided into three technical paths: defense and protection, attack and hack testing, infrastructure, structure, governance and risk management. This phase also includes intensive practical application, on-the-job training, conference attendance and panel discussions and mentoring. This phase is also set to motivate trainees to research and will boost their knowledge of cybersecurity, as well as prepare them for the next phase by working with cybersecurity experts.

During the final phase of the program, trainees will receive training in project management and real attacks through simulation experience, and the sessions will include visits to legislative and oversight bodies in Saudi Arabia.

It serves to note that the process of admission to the program went through several stages of evaluation of applicants according to a scientific methodology that included a large number of applicants and graduates of all disciplines of computer and information technology departments from the universities of the Kingdom and other foreign accredited universities.

Furthermore, the Central Bank celebrated the graduation of 26 students from the second batch of SECURE on April 21, 2019. The students participated in intensive training for over six months between Saudi Arabia and USA, while entities interested in attracting fresh graduates included both SAMA and the financial sector.