Choosing a Cybersecurity Partner for Critical National Infrastructure

Factors to consider while choosing a cybersecurity partner for Critical National Infrastructure

Imagine a world without safe transportation, clean water, or electricity. The successful running of those vital services depends on what we call Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). CNI is the backbone that supports public safety, keeps our economy running, and upholds national sovereignty.

Sadly, cybercriminals often target these systems. Just one breach, like a major power outage, stolen medical records, or delayed emergency services, can cause a chain reaction. The impact can be serious, leading to economic trouble, public panic, or even loss of lives.

The World Economic Forum reports that over 80% of CNI organizations globally faced a cyber incident in the last year, a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of robust protection.

With so much on the line, it’s crucial to choose a vendor who understands how Critical National Infrastructure works and the rules around it. But how do you find the right partner?

This guide highlights 8 key aspects that government teams, businesses, and IT leaders in the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia should look at when picking a trusted CNI cybersecurity partner. 

Let's begin with the basics. 

What is Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)?

Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) refers to the essential systems and services that a nation relies on for its security, economic stability, and day-to-day life. This includes energy grids, water treatment plants, hospitals, transportation networks, and communication systems.

A single disruption, such as a massive power outage, compromised medical data, or stalled emergency response, can trigger a chain reaction across multiple sectors, leading to dire consequences.

According to the World Economic Forum, over 80% of CNI organizations globally faced at least one cyber incident in 2023, a risk magnified in ambitious nations. In the UAE alone, authorities report facing over 50,000 cyberattacks daily.

As digital transformation accelerates across the Gulf, partnering with cybersecurity partners who understand the region’s regulatory environment and sector-specific risks is crucial. 

How is critical national infrastructure protected?

Modern infrastructure is no longer purely physical. It's driven by complex software systems used for planning, automation, monitoring, and real-time control. This digital shift introduces new risks. It's not enough just to keep the physical components of bridges, power grids, and water plants safe anymore. We also need to look for software that runs and controls all of these systems.

Today, software systems must be designed for high reliability, availability, and security from the ground up. That’s where critical systems engineering comes in. It ensures resilience by addressing both:

• Physical threats, such as structural failure, sabotage, or natural disasters
• Digital threats, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and remote exploits 

Protecting CNI requires coordination between engineers, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals. Together, they implement layered defense strategies that secure both physical infrastructure and digital systems.

Why does CNI protection matter?

The impact of a disruption to critical national infrastructure can be catastrophic:

• National security: A cyberattack on power grids or oil pipelines can paralyze defense systems and emergency response. 

• Economic stability: In regions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where economies depend on oil, finance, and global trade, CNI attacks can lead to multi-billion-dollar losses.
• Public safety: Hospitals, transport systems, and water treatment facilities must function without interruption to protect lives. 

The healthcare and financial services sectors are often prime targets for cybercriminals, making up 14.2% and 8.3% of all attacks on critical infrastructure, respectively.

CNI in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

In the Middle East, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as leaders in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection. Cyberattacks in the UAE have surged by 862% over the past five years. However, as a result of its proactive initiatives, the UAE has risen to the 1st place in the Global Cybersecurity Index.

Both countries adhere to global cybersecurity standards such as ISO 27001 and IEC 62443 to safeguard their systems. 

The UAE is home to major global hubs like Dubai, known for its finance and logistics sectors, and Abu Dhabi, a key energy center. The country is actively advancing smart city initiatives, exemplified by projects like Dubai Smart City.

• Key economic sectors: Heavy reliance on oil and gas, with ADNOC as a leading player.
• Regulatory bodies: The National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) and the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) oversee cybersecurity efforts. 

Saudi Arabia is undergoing sweeping changes under Vision 2030, which is digitizing government services, securing oil infrastructure, and building futuristic cities like NEOM.

• Key economic sectors: Oil production (led by Saudi Aramco), water desalination plants, and protection of religious sites in Makkah and Madinah.
• Regulatory bodies: National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity (SFCS) regulate cybersecurity policies. 

CNI sector threats in the UAE and KSA 

Despite these efforts, critical national infrastructure faces growing threats from multiple sources:

• Cyberattacks: Including ransomware and advanced persistent threats (APTs), such as the Shamoon virus that targeted Saudi Aramco.
• Physical sabotage: For example, the 2019 drone strike on a Saudi oil facility.
• Insider threats: Malicious actions by employees or contractors.
• Supply chain risks: Vulnerabilities introduced through third-party vendors. 

Recent incidents highlight the urgency of CNI protection:

• In 2020, Saudi Arabia successfully prevented a cyberattack on a water treatment plant.
• In 2022, Iranian-linked hackers reportedly breached UAE telecom providers. 
  

These incidents demonstrate how persistent and varied CNI sector threats can be. They also highlight why cybersecurity strategies must constantly adapt and why selecting the right cybersecurity partner is a decision that can’t be taken lightly.

In response to these growing threats, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have ramped up their cybersecurity initiatives. Their protection strategies weave technology, collaboration, and preparedness. They include:

• Advanced threat detection systems, including AI-driven analytics
• National cybersecurity readiness programs
• Air-gapped networks and improved IoT security
• Strategic public-private partnerships (e.g., DarkMatter in the UAE, Elm in Saudi Arabia)
• Large-scale cyber drills such as the UAE’s “Cyber Pulse” and Saudi Arabia’s “Cyber Shield” 

Robust CNI protection strategies for the oil and gas sector emphasize defending against threats from nation-states. They also focus on ensuring compliance with important frameworks like NESA, NCA, and ADNOC’s cybersecurity requirements.

The goal is to strengthen resilience at every level of CNI. This is especially important as our critical infrastructure becomes more interconnected. 

Understanding what’s at stake requires a closer look at the core systems behind CNI. CNI depends on complex, interwoven networks, including:

• Operational Technology (OT): Industrial control systems managing critical facilities like power plants.
• Information Technology (IT): Systems such as government databases and telecommunications networks.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Smart city sensors in Dubai and AI-driven infrastructure in NEOM. 

While these networks provide tremendous capabilities, they also present unique security challenges:

• Many CNI environments still rely on outdated legacy systems that are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• The growing overlap between IT and OT networks expands the potential attack surface.
• Managing hybrid environments, blending traditional and modern technologies, makes end-to-end protection more complex than ever. 

These vulnerabilities highlight a critical truth. Safeguarding CNI isn’t just about tools and protocols; it’s about partnering with the right experts. 

In this high-risk environment, selecting the right cybersecurity partner can make all the difference.

Below are eight key factors to consider when choosing a CNI cybersecurity partner.

1. Proven experience in the CNI sector

Generic cybersecurity knowledge won’t cut it for critical environments like power grids, desalination plants, telecom infrastructure, and hospitals. Cybersecurity partners must demonstrate deep, sector-specific experience. It is also important that they align with the operational, regulatory, and threat environments of industries such as energy, healthcare, transport, and finance.

Look for: 

• Case studies on OT/ICS protection
• Local deployment experience with public-sector entities or Giga Projects like NEOM
• Familiarity with frameworks like IEC 62443, PCI DSS, and DORA
• Ask for case studies that demonstrate successful deployments, such as:
• Securing SCADA and ICS for utility providers
• Protecting Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and meeting HIPAA or NHS compliance in healthcare
• Achieving fraud prevention and compliance in finance

2. Cybersecurity expertise and certifications

A reliable Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) cybersecurity partner must go beyond basic services to demonstrate technical excellence and a proactive security mindset. This includes a skilled technical team, robust security operations, and a culture focused on continuous monitoring, threat anticipation, and rapid incident response.

Look for partners that adhere to globally recognized cybersecurity frameworks and hold the following certifications to demonstrate cybersecurity compliance and their commitment to ongoing security maturity, which is crucial for high-stakes CNI environments.  

• ISO/IEC 27001 – Demonstrates a systematic approach to managing sensitive data and strong information security controls.
• SOC 2 Type II – Confirms secure data handling over time, with controls spanning security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
• NIS2 Directive – Sets minimum cybersecurity standards for essential service providers in the EU, including risk management and incident reporting requirements.
• IEC 62443 – Focused on Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), this standard is vital for safeguarding Operational Technology (OT) in sectors like energy, water, and transport. 

Further, top-tier cybersecurity partners maintain in-house threat intelligence teams that track emerging threats and tailor countermeasures in real time. This helps with the early detection of sophisticated attacks and helps halt incidents before they escalate.

Look for key capabilities such as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Detection, Network Traffic Analysis, and Digital Forensics.

Together, these capabilities reflect a partner’s readiness for active defense and swift recovery. 

Cybersecurity partners with in-house cybersecurity specialists for Critical National Infrastructure offer strategic benefits, like real-time threat detection, attack simulations, and recovery protocols.

3. Regulatory compliance and industry standards

For Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, following regulatory frameworks and industry standards is paramount. A competent partner should provide technology solutions and act as a proactive compliance partner.

CNI partners must help clients stay ahead of sector-specific regulations. 

• NESA Information Assurance Standards
• DESC Cybersecurity Framework
• UAE Cybersecurity Council Directives 

• National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) controls for infrastructure providers
• SFCS training guidelines
• Cybersecurity mandates across Vision 2030 mega-projects (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea)
• A regional partner should also guide you on international frameworks like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ISO/IEC 27001, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. 

4. Secure-by-design philosophy

For CNI protection, security can’t be bolted on; it must be built into the architecture. A strong cybersecurity partner will follow a Secure-by-Design approach across IT, OT, and cloud systems, integrating cybersecurity at every layer of the technology stack.

Key security design practices include: 

• End-to-end encryption: Implementing robust encryption protocols like AES-256 and TLS 1.3 to protect data in transit and at rest.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Enforcing the principle of least privilege to minimize unauthorized access.
• Network and system segmentation: Isolating critical systems to prevent lateral movement during a breach. 

• Code reviews: Regular audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
• Threat modeling: Proactively identifying potential attack vectors.
• Penetration testing: Simulating attacks to assess system defenses. 

Microminder Cyber Security emphasizes a Defense in Depth strategy that ensures multiple layers of security controls are in place to protect against a wide range of threats.

5. Transparency and third-party risk management

CNI environments depend on ecosystems of partners and contractors, making third-party risk a top concern. Effective partners adopt transparent operations and implement comprehensive third-party risk management to safeguard the entire value chain.

A trustworthy partner should offer: 

• Software Bill of Materials (SBOM): Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all software components to quickly identify vulnerabilities.
• Due diligence: Regular security assessments of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Independent security assessments: Sharing results from third-party audits and penetration tests.
• Upstream vulnerability management: Monitoring and addressing vulnerabilities in third-party libraries and tools. 

Microminder Cyber Security offers Cyber Risk Management services, including threat intelligence and vulnerability assessments, to ensure comprehensive supply chain security.

6. Incident response and business continuity planning

CNI sectors demand uninterrupted service. Downtime can have life-threatening or economically disastrous consequences in healthcare, finance, or banking sectors. A reliable partner must deliver mature incident response and resilient business continuity planning.

Preparedness is key. A robust incident response plan ensures swift action during cyber incidents, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational continuity. 

• 24/7 monitoring: Operating a Security Operations Center (SOC) for real-time threat detection.
• Incident simulation exercises: Conducting tabletop exercises to test response plans.
• Rapid recovery: Implementing backup and failover architecture to restore operations quickly.
• Alignment with DESC and NCA emergency response frameworks 

7. Interoperability and integration capabilities

CNI systems in the UAE and KSA often span legacy OT networks and modern cloud platforms.

Look for partners that support:

Interoperability expectations: 

• Seamless integration: Compatibility with legacy systems and modern applications.
• Unified visibility: Centralized dashboards for monitoring IT and OT environments.
• Standards-based APIs: Facilitating data exchange and automation without vendor lock-in.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with tools from Palo Alto, IBM, Cisco, or Fortinet 

8. Long-term partnership mindset

CNI security is not a one-time setup; it’s a continuous, evolving commitment.
The right cybersecurity partner should align with your long-term roadmap by offering: 

• Comprehensive cybersecurity maturity assessments
• Sector-specific threat intelligence and landscape briefings
• Proactive compliance updates aligned with evolving regulations like NCA and NESA
• Ongoing training, attack simulations, and executive-level reporting to strengthen internal resilience 

Microminder Cyber Security builds long-term cybersecurity partnerships with CNI clients, integrating governance, risk, and compliance with continuous monitoring and innovation.

Wrapping up: Security, trust, and strategy

In today's world, where cyber warfare, geopolitical tensions, and climate challenges are on the rise, ensuring the security of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) has become a top priority.

Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are stepping up their investments to make their infrastructure more resilient. Choosing a cybersecurity partner who truly understands the unique regional context is of prime importance.

Microminder Cyber Security is a CREST-certified company that provides/offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to clients across the GCC region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We deliver innovative, compliance-driven solutions tailored for high-risk sectors. With deep expertise and a commitment to long-term partnership, we help secure the systems that keep society running.

Ready to protect your infrastructure and reputation? Contact Microminder Cyber Security today for a free consultation tailored to the GCC markets.