How Saudi Arabia can protect its digital transformation with robust cybersecurity tools

How Saudi Arabia can protect its digital transformation with robust cybersecurity tools
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Updated 23 December 2024
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How Saudi Arabia can protect its digital transformation with robust cybersecurity tools

How Saudi Arabia can protect its digital transformation with robust cybersecurity tools
  • Mobile apps are a major target for cyberattacks, with breaches escalating as developers face pressure to prioritize speed over security
  • Ensuring robust mobile app security is essential to building user trust, regulatory compliance, and safeguarding digital infrastructure

RIYADH: In today’s hyper-connected world, mobile apps have become the gateway to almost every service and business interaction. But as businesses race to deliver convenience, they inadvertently expose themselves — and their users — to growing cyber threats.

With security breaches rising at an alarming rate, mobile apps are often the weakest link. Developers face a two-fold challenge — balancing security without sacrificing speed or innovation.

This pressing issue was the catalyst for Appknox, a mobile app security platform established in Bangalore, India, and now making inroads in Saudi Arabia, which was designed to make securing apps faster, smarter, and more efficient.

“Mobile apps are no longer just tools — they’re business-critical systems,” Subho Halder, CEO of Appknox, told Arab News. “Yet securing them has remained cumbersome, complex, and, often, reactive.”

At its core, Appknox simplifies security testing by integrating into the development pipeline, helping businesses identify and fix vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle.

By removing friction and leveraging advanced technology like AI and machine learning, Appknox bridges the gap between speed and security — two critical elements for businesses operating in the digital economy.

The demand for mobile apps has exploded, but so too have cyberattacks targeting them. For developers, traditional security solutions have long been a source of frustration.

Tools relying on source code access raise privacy concerns, while outdated systems generate high false positives, leaving teams chasing ghosts rather than fixing real problems. The result? Security becomes an afterthought — patched hastily or worse, ignored entirely.

“Developers want to ship quickly, but every delay costs businesses money,” said Halder. “The problem is that skipping security leaves apps vulnerable to breaches that are far more expensive to fix later.”

For businesses operating in highly regulated industries like fintech, banking, or government, the stakes are even higher. Regulations such as those enforced by the Saudi Central Bank, for instance, require stringent compliance with data protection standards.

Failing to meet those standards not only risks fines but can erode user trust — a death knell in industries where reliability is everything.

What makes Appknox stand out is its ability to tackle these challenges without complicating the developer workflow. It uses a binary-based scanning approach, meaning the platform does not require access to the app’s source code.

Instead, it scans compiled binaries to uncover runtime vulnerabilities, ensuring confidentiality while delivering deeper, more actionable insights.

The platform combines static analysis, dynamic analysis, and application programming interface testing, giving developers a unified view of their security posture.

Appknox’s launch in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing a dramatic digital transformation. Under Vision 2030, sectors like fintech, open banking, and e-commerce are expanding rapidly. But with this growth comes increased vulnerability.

“The digital infrastructure being built in Saudi Arabia is world-class,” said Halder. “But world-class innovation demands world-class security.”

For fintech players in particular, API security has become a priority as the Kingdom embraces open banking initiatives. APIs, while critical for enabling seamless financial transactions, are also prime targets for cyberattacks.

One of the most significant breakthroughs Appknox brings to mobile security is its ability to cut through the noise.

High false positives — a common complaint in traditional tools — are minimized using AI-driven analysis. The platform’s machine learning models are trained on vast datasets of vulnerabilities, ensuring smarter detection that focuses on real, exploitable risks.

But Halder stresses that AI alone is not enough. To ensure accuracy, Appknox combines automation with human validation. “Automation gets you speed, but human experts provide context,” he said. “It’s this balance that gives teams confidence to act on the results.”

Moreover, the AI behind Appknox continuously evolves. Every scan, every vulnerability patched, and every piece of user feedback helps improve detection accuracy over time. This adaptability is critical as new threats, such as zero-day vulnerabilities, emerge at an increasing rate.

The impact of Appknox’s solutions is already being felt across industries. In one notable case, a large Middle Eastern enterprise managing over 50 mobile applications struggled with delayed vulnerability remediation and fragmented oversight.

With Appknox, they streamlined their security processes through automated scanning, real-time monitoring, and a centralized security dashboard.

“The result was transformative,” said Halder. “They cut remediation times significantly and moved from a reactive approach to proactive security. That’s the kind of impact businesses need to stay competitive.”

As cyber threats evolve, Halder believes security tools must become predictive rather than reactive. AI will play a central role in this shift, enabling platforms like Appknox to anticipate vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

In markets like Saudi Arabia, where digital transformation is reshaping the economy, this kind of innovation is not optional — it is essential. Businesses need to secure their apps not just to comply with regulations, but to earn and maintain user trust.

“Mobile apps are the face of your business,” said Halder. “If they’re not secure, neither is your reputation. Our mission is simple: to make sure security is never the reason a business can’t grow.”

 


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
Updated 23 March 2025
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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.