RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has secured second place in the Global Cybersecurity Index in the World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2023 by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development. The Kingdom also ranked 17th overall in 2023 — jumping by seven places from 2022 — in the competitiveness ranking, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. With Saudi Arabia frequently ranking among the top economies in the world for cybersecurity, the latest recognition is a testament to the efforts of entities like the National Cybersecurity Authority, one of Saudi Arabia’s key national security institutions. The Kingdom has cemented its leadership position through several initiatives to build a sound and sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem. The International Telecommunications Union has also designated it a global leader in cybersecurity, ranking Saudi Arabia second on its Global Cyber Security Index. The NCA works to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cyberspace, enabling it to protect national security and vital state interests. The authority defends the Kingdom’s critical infrastructure, priority economic sectors, and government services and activities from cyber threats. It sets the necessary standards for licensing the import, export, and use of hardware and software in terms of cybersecurity, while ensuring compliance with these standards.