Saudi Arabia OTCC-1:2022 — Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controls

Overview

Saudi ArabiaOTCC-1:2022 — Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controls is anational cybersecurity framework that guides organizations insecuring operational technology (OT) environments and protectingcritical infrastructure against cyber threats. The framework outlinesminimum cybersecurity requirements to reduce risks associated with OTsystems in sectors such as energy, utilities, manufacturing, andtransportation.

Published by theSaudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), OTCC-1:2022 is used byoperators of essential services and critical infrastructure providersin Saudi Arabia. The framework covers areas including securitycontrols implementation, risk management processes, access control,incident response, and monitoring for operational technologynetworks.

Organizationstypically adopt OTCC-1:2022 by integrating its requirements intotheir cybersecurity management systems, conducting controlassessments, and aligning with regulatory compliance programs. Theframework supports risk reduction, strengthens security posture, andcomplements other cybersecurity standards such as NIST CSF and ISO27001.

Why it Matters

Saudi ArabiaOTCC-1:2022 establishes a comprehensive framework for protectingoperational technology systems vital to critical infrastructure andindustrial processes.

Key benefitsinclude:

•  Strengthen OT cybersecurity governance

Establishesdefined roles, responsibilities, and policies to improve oversight ofOT cybersecurity efforts across the organization.

•  Promote operational resilience

Ensuresorganizations can anticipate, withstand, and quickly recover fromdisruptions to OT environments and essential industrial processes.

•  Enhance regulatory alignment

Supportscompliance with Saudi national requirements and industry-specificmandates, improving readiness for regulatory audits and inspections.

•  Improve incident detection capabilities

Enables earlieridentification and response to cyber threats within OT systems,reducing potential impact on operations and safety.

•  Support risk-based decision making

Provides astructured approach for identifying, assessing, and mitigating OTrisks, guiding informed investments in security controls.

How it Works

Saudi ArabiaOTCC-1:2022 — Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controlsstructures cybersecurity requirements into a comprehensive catalog ofcontrols specific to operational technology (OT) environments. Theframework groups controls by governance domains such as assetmanagement, access control, network security, monitoring, incidentresponse, and risk management. Each control is cross-referenced withregulatory requirements and mapped to stages of the OT systemslifecycle, ensuring coverage from design to operation anddecommissioning.

Organizationsimplement OTCC-1:2022 by conducting risk assessments, mapping theprescribed security controls to their existing OT infrastructure, andintegrating them into broader governance and compliance programs.Regular compliance assessments and continuous monitoring areestablished to validate control effectiveness, while operationalteams use the framework to guide incident response, maintainregulatory compliance, and enhance security practices tailored forindustrial settings.

ThroughSmartSuite, organizations leverage features such as control librariesto manage OTCC-1:2022 requirements, risk registers to track andaddress vulnerabilities, and policy governance to align procedureswith the framework. Evidence collection modules support auditreadiness, and compliance tracking allows for streamlined monitoringand reporting of control status. Automated remediation workflows helpensure continuous improvement and regulatory compliance within theorganization’s security and risk management program.

Key Elements

•  Governance and Leadership Structure

Establishesorganizational roles, responsibilities, and leadership structures foroverseeing OT cybersecurity activities.

•  Risk Management Processes

Describesmethods for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurityrisks across operational technology environments.

•  Asset and Configuration Management

Definesprocedures for tracking OT assets, maintaining inventories, andcontrolling system configurations.

•  Access Control and User Management

Specifiesrequirements for authorizing users, managing credentials, andrestricting access to critical OT systems.

•  System and Communications Protection

Outlinesmeasures to secure network communications, protect system boundaries,and safeguard information flow.

•  Incident Response and Recovery Planning

Structuresprocesses for detecting, reporting, and responding to cybersecurityincidents within OT environments.

•  Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Organizesongoing assessment, audit, and enhancement activities for maintainingcybersecurity posture.

Framework Scope

Saudi ArabiaOTCC-1:2022 — Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controls isimplemented by organizations operating industrial sectors andmanaging critical infrastructure assets. The framework governs thesecurity of operational technology systems, including industrialcontrol environments, and is commonly adopted when improvingcybersecurity practices, meeting sectoral regulatory obligations, andsupporting assurance programs within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Framework Objectives

Saudi ArabiaOTCC-1:2022 defines essential cybersecurity controls to enhanceoperational technology (OT) protection and regulatory compliance.

•  Safeguard critical OT assets through robust cybersecuritycontrols and risk management

•  Strengthen governance to ensure effective oversight of OTsecurity practices

•  Establish requirements supporting regulatory compliance withSaudi national standards

•  Enhance operational resilience by reducing disruptions fromcyber threats and incidents

•  Improve data protection to maintain confidentiality, integrity,and availability in OT environments

•  Enable audit readiness by maintaining comprehensive securitydocumentation and evidence Saudi Arabia OTCC-1:2022 establishescybersecurity controls for operational technology environments and isfrequently mapped to frameworks like NIST SP 800-82, IEC 62443, andISO 27019. Organizations typically implement OTCC-1:2022 to complywith national regulations, bolster critical infrastructure security,or align with cross-industry OT cybersecurity best practices.

Common Framework Mappings

Organizationsmap OTCC-1:2022 to established frameworks to enhance OTcybersecurity, ensure robust risk management, and demonstratecompliance with international standards for regulators and businesspartners.

Mappedframeworks include:

CIS CriticalSecurity Controls

ISA/IEC 62443

ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27002

NERC CIP

NISTCybersecurity Framework

NIST SP 800-53

PCI DSS

SOC 2