RIYADH — The Agricultural Development Fund has obtained ISO 22301:2019 Certificate for business continuity management system, becoming one of the first institutions in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East to obtain ISO 22301 in its latest edition that was released on October 2019. The ISO 22301:2019 standard enables institutions to respond quickly and effectively when facing crisis or threats of external risks. Meeting the standards of the certificate helps the institutions to reduce the possibility of systems hacking, disruption in the workflow or damage to the institution’s property. This certificate is one of the most reliable certifications in information technology. It provides a comprehensive management process to identify potential threats and their effects on institutions. It also introduces mechanism to operate and conduct business and to provide services to customers if those threats occur. Obtaining this certificate confirms that the Fund is adhering to the information technology standard. It also confirms the commitment of the Fund"s staff to information systems to protect data and customers information. The gaining of this certificate also indicates the Fund’s constant efforts to provide continuous development of information security programs and systems that the Fund is operating on. The Fund, represented by the Information Technology Department, developed a framework for planning, establishing, implementing and monitoring to ensure the business continuity and to respond quickly and effectively if any accidents or disasters that may affect business continuity occur. — SG