Saudi Arabia’s Energy and Manufacturing Sectors Drive Booming Demand for Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions

Saudi Arabia’s industrial cybersecurity market is entering a new era of accelerated expansion, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation agenda and the escalating need to safeguard critical infrastructure. According to the latest market analysis, the sector was valued at USD 672.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%, reaching USD 1.92 billion by 2032.

The market surge reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to secure its industrial backbone against a growing wave of cyber threats. The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) reported a 71% rise in cyberattacks in 2023, with the energy and manufacturing sectors being the primary targets — underscoring the urgency of robust cybersecurity adoption.

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National Vision 2030 Driving Cyber Resilience

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 and National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), the digital transformation of industries is creating unprecedented opportunities — and vulnerabilities. The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems across industrial operations has expanded the potential attack surface, necessitating next-generation cybersecurity solutions tailored for critical infrastructure environments.

Major national projects such as NEOM, King Salman Energy Park, and the modernization of existing industrial facilities have intensified the demand for comprehensive, scalable, and compliant cybersecurity strategies. The government’s regulatory frameworks — including the Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) and sector-specific OT guidelines — are compelling industrial enterprises to invest heavily in protective measures.

Rising Sophistication of Cyber Threats

Saudi Arabia’s strategic role as a global energy hub makes it a high-value target for cyber adversaries. Cyberattacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks are growing in frequency and complexity.

The Saudi Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-SA) reported industrial cyber incidents increasing from 187 in 2022 to 319 in 2023, with ransomware accounting for 43% of cases. In response, leading enterprises such as Saudi Aramco have significantly expanded cybersecurity budgets, investing over USD 500 million to fortify defenses against future threats.

Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0: A Dual Catalyst

The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies — including IoT sensors, AI-driven automation, and cloud-based control systems — is reshaping industrial efficiency while simultaneously heightening exposure to cyber risk. This convergence of IT and OT systems drives demand for specialized security platforms, including unified threat management, encryption technologies, and AI-based threat detection.

Saudi Arabia’s Cloud First Policy and growing reliance on cloud-based SCADA and data analytics platforms are fueling demand for cloud security solutions designed for industrial applications. The managed security services segment, growing at an estimated 14.5% CAGR, is emerging as a key market enabler amid a national shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

Sectoral and Regional Insights

• Oil & Gas remains the largest sector, accounting for 35% of the 2024 market, as energy giants like Aramco and SABIC deploy multi-layered defense architectures to safeguard petroleum infrastructure.
• Manufacturing is the fastest-growing sector, fueled by diversification efforts under Vision 2030 and the rapid digitalization of industrial operations.
• The Eastern Region leads the market with 35% share, driven by petrochemical and refinery investments, while Riyadh is the fastest-growing region, powered by government initiatives and a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem.

Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

The Saudi industrial cybersecurity market remains moderately consolidated, led by both global leaders and specialized regional players. Key companies include:
Solutions by STC, Elm Company, Advanced Electronics Company, Tech Stations, Watad Energy, Infratech, Naizak Global Engineering Systems, Cyberani Solutions, Cyberia Group, Security Matterz, Arista Middle East, and Automation & Cyber Solutions.

Recent market developments include:

• Honeywell International establishing a cybersecurity center in Jubail (Jan 2025) focused on OT protection and compliance.
• Security Matterz partnering with Cofense (Nov 2024) to strengthen email security across industrial operations.
• The National Cybersecurity Authority’s Cybersecurity Toolkit 2.0 (Dec 2024) introducing enhanced OT protection and supply chain security requirements.