Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil and gas company. It handles a lot of sensitive information, making it a target for cyber-attacks. To stay safe, Aramco introduced cybersecurity rules that their business partners must follow.
One important rule is called the Saudi Aramco Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard (SACS-002). This rule ensures that all companies working with Aramco meet specific cybersecurity requirements to protect important data and systems from cyber threats. Companies must check their IT systems, identify any weak areas, and fix them according to the guidelines in SACS-002. After making these improvements, they must create a report with proof that their security measures are in place. Once Aramco reviews and approves the report, they issue a Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate.
Both current vendors and companies wanting to work with Aramco need this certificate to continue or start their partnership. By following these steps, businesses can show they meet Aramco’s strict cybersecurity standards.
Guide to Aramco
Cybersecurity
Certification
Saudi Aramco introduced two classes of cybersecurity certifications for their supply chain partners depending on the nature of work outsourced to them, or the classification of the company. One was the Cybersecurity Compliance Certification or CCC and the other was the Cybersecurity Compliance Certification Plus, or CCC+.
The goal of these certifications is to reduce cyber risks, address security weaknesses, and ensure strong protection for third-party vendors. This step was taken to tackle cybersecurity threats, which had been a significant challenge for Saudi Aramco in the past.
- Companies offering services such as general requirements, outsourced infrastructure, customized software, and cloud computing must obtain the CCC certification.
- Companies involved in network connectivity and critical data processing are required to obtain the CCC+ certification.
- The certification is valid for two years from the date of issue. During this period, organizations must remain compliant to retain their certification.
- The SACS-002 outlines the standards and controls third parties need to meet, including 24 common requirements and 87 specific ones.
- The first step in the standard is Identification, which includes categorizing assets, setting cybersecurity policies, conducting risk evaluations like penetration testing, and managing risks through detection and remediation.
- Protection involves securing access through passwords, badges, and other controls, safeguarding information and applications, planning for disaster recovery, and defining protection measures for critical systems.
- Detection focuses on identifying unauthorized activity through continuous monitoring with scans and physical checks.
- Response includes having an incident management policy, a response strategy, and measures to address vulnerabilities effectively.
Our Aramco CCC Compliance Services
Initial Evaluation
We start by reviewing your business operations to see if they meet Aramco’s standards, including safety, quality, and environmental practices.
Aramco CCC Gap Assessment
Our experts check your current security measures to see if they match the Aramco CCC standard and find any gaps that need fixing.
Cyber Risk Assessment
We compare your current practices with Aramco’s standards to find any risks to your data security and privacy.
Risk Treatment Plan
We create a plan to fix any security gaps and lower risks to meet the standards set by SACS-002.
Aramco CCC Policies & Procedures
We help you develop the right policies and procedures to keep your business secure and compliant with Aramco’s requirements.
Technology Implementation
If there are any technology gaps, we guide you on how to close them and apply the right security controls.
Aramco CCC Internal Audits
We regularly check your business to make sure you’re following the security policies and fix any issues we find.
Security Awareness Training
We train your employees on Aramco CCC requirements to prevent security mistakes and keep your business safe.
Aramco CCC Implementation Reviews
We review your compliance regularly to make sure you continue to meet Aramco’s standards and fix any new issues.
Benefits of ARAMCO CCC
Any vendor looking to partner with Saudi Aramco must have the Third-Party Cybersecurity Certification (SACS-002). This certification offers several benefits that go beyond just meeting requirements. The most important advantage is reducing the risk of cyber-attacks for both your business and Saudi Aramco. Here are some other key benefits:
- Improved reputation: Earning the Aramco CCC shows your commitment to cybersecurity. This improves your company’s image, making you more appealing to other potential clients. Since Aramco works with many organizations, this certification helps your business stand out.
- Competitive Advantage: Being Aramco CCC certified sets you apart from competitors who aren’t certified, giving your business an edge in the market.
- Cost Savings: Investing in cybersecurity upfront is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences of a cyber-attack. The certification helps you avoid the high costs of data breaches and ensures your systems are better protected.
Challenges Faced In Getting ARAMCO CCCCertification
While the Aramco CCC is mandatory for doing business with ARAMCO and offers several benefits, it is not without its challenges.
- High Cost: Getting certified often requires significant investment in terms of time, money, and skilled professionals. For businesses with limited awareness about cybersecurity, this can seem like an overwhelming task.
- Complex Regulations: Vendors must comply with several national and international laws, which can make the process complicated and time-consuming.
- Ongoing Effort: The certification isn’t a one-time task. Businesses must continuously update their systems and processes to meet the evolving standards of SACS-002. Keeping up with new cybersecurity threats and changing regulations can be challenging.
These challenges can be managed effectively by partnering with experts like Wattlecorp, who can guide you through the process, streamline your efforts, and help you achieve certification with ease.
Why Select AusafTech ARAMCO CCC Service
Any vendor looking to partner with Saudi Aramco must have the Third-Party Cybersecurity Certification (SACS-002). This certification offers several benefits that go beyond just meeting requirements. The most important advantage is reducing the risk of cyber-attacks for both your business and Saudi Aramco. Here are some other key benefits:
- Certified Aramco CCC experts who handle each project accurately and carefully
- Personalized services that are aligned with the critical objectives of your organization
- Superior quality services that are economically priced
- Short turnaround time with no compromise on quality
- Assured Aramco CCC compliance thanks to our scrupulous evaluation and policies
- Continuous monitoring to ensure maintenance of compliance
- Iron-clad security for critical assets and quick detection of security gaps
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