Aramco, AEC Launch Cybersecurity Solution, Designed and Manufactured in Saudi Arabia

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Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), a Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) company, has signed an agreement with Aramco to launch a new cybersecurity product designed and manufactured in the Kingdom. Known as a “data diode,” it is the result of cooperation between the two companies on designing and manufacturing the product.

The data diode is the first of its kind cybersecurity device made in Saudi Arabia. One of the most critical cybersecurity tools, it is used to protect networks of vital establishments from cyber-attacks and prevent any external penetration, thereby protecting valuable information and sensitive industrial systems. The device is characterized by its easy installation, configuration and maintenance, and its data processing speed reaches 10 GB per second.

Furthermore, it contributes to the domestic economy through the localization of industries and services, in line with AEC's aspirations and vision. The company is certified by Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) program, which aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s commercial ecosystem. AEC achieved a high grade in iktva’s evaluation standards.

AEC President & CEO, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, said the company was focusing its efforts on developing latest technologies, adding: “We appreciate Aramco’s great and important role in enhancing local capabilities and encouraging the domestic workforce through a national strategy to support local content. Our partnership with Aramco is a milestone in our journey, due to the two companies' important positions at the local, regional and international levels. This cooperation resulted in a device that provides cybersecurity solutions and is the first of its kind made in the Kingdom. It contributes to protecting infrastructure and vital information from cyber intrusions and attacks, ensuring the security, confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. The completion of this ambitious project is part of AEC’s commitment to increasing local content and creating job opportunities in line with localization goals and Saudi Vision 2030.”

Aramco Technical Services Senior Vice President, Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, said: “Aramco has always been the first to support local content in its initiatives and projects, as well as in its operations and services. The company is taking a step forward today in the production and manufacturing of advanced technologies in network security and critical infrastructure, through a collaboration with Advanced Electronics Company. The production of the data diode device will play a role in stimulating localization and sends an encouraging message to companies that are investing in local content.

“The data diode device is an integral element in protecting networks from cyber threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure. It is one of the factors enabling industrial digital transformation applications in the Kingdom. It has been developed and manufactured with national competencies to provide the best solutions and systems in the field of cybersecurity. Additionally, on the basis of sustainable product support, the circular economy concept is incorporated into the product development cycle, from manufacturing to maintenance processes.”