RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has increased its stakes in cybersecurity protection, with the Human Resources Development Fund receiving approval to join the US-based Forum of Incident Response and Security Team – an institution known for its global best practices.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the membership enables access to global cybersecurity incident response practices and facilitates the sharing of technical information among participants.

The objective is focused on improving the efficiency of organizations in safeguarding their systems and data.

Following meeting cyber and regulatory standards, members are selected to join. The exchange of knowledge in a security incident response involves 656 businesses and government organizations spanning 101 countries.

HRDF, also known as HADAF, is the Kingdom’s 11th member and aims to improve cyber maturity by implementing measures to guarantee the protection and safety of information and services, according to SPA.

In May, the fund partnered with King Saud University to launch the career counselor training program in cooperation with the National Career Development Association.

The initiative strives to improve and develop the national competencies in the education and vocational sector and contribute to the employment of national cadres in various areas.

Additionally, it aims to promote engagement within the business community and contributes to achieving one of Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, specifically through human capacity development.

The occasion was attended by Mohammed Al-Numay, vice-rector for educational and academic affairs at KSU, and Turki bin Abdullah Al-Jawini, general manager of HRDF.

In this regard, Al-Numay delivered a speech on behalf of KSU President Badran Al-Omar, stating that the project was carefully designed to improve the effectiveness of national cadres in education and other sectors.

HADAF also signed a cooperation deal with the Kingdom’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program in January to support training and recruitment opportunities generated by the program’s initiatives.

The agreement intends to develop Saudi Arabia into a leading industrial power and an international logistical platform in several potential fields, with emphasis on the use of 4G technology.