Cybersecurity is a vital aspect of any business that deals with sensitive data and information systems. As a third party contractor or vendor for Saudi Aramco, you are required to comply with the SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Standard, which defines the minimum cybersecurity controls and requirements for protecting Saudi Aramco’s data and assets. Failing to comply with this standard can result in serious consequences, such as breach of contract, legal liability, reputational damage, and loss of business opportunities.
But how can you ensure that you meet the SACS-002 standard and demonstrate your compliance to Saudi Aramco? What are the steps you need to take to implement the cybersecurity controls and requirements in your organization? And how can you benefit from the Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can help you achieve compliance with ease and efficiency?
In this blog post, we will answer these questions and guide you through the 5 key steps for Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation. We will also explain how our services can assist you in each step and provide you with the best practices and solutions for cybersecurity compliance.

Step 1: Understand the SACS-002 Standard and its Scope

The first step for achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is to understand what it is and what it covers. The SACS-002 standard is a comprehensive document that specifies the cybersecurity controls and requirements for third parties who receive, store, process, or transmit Saudi Aramco’s data and information systems. The standard covers the following areas:

• General requirements: These are the basic cybersecurity controls and requirements that apply to all third parties, such as establishing and communicating a cybersecurity acceptable use policy, enforcing password protection measures, conducting annual cybersecurity training, and obtaining a cybersecurity compliance certificate from an authorized audit firm.
• Specific requirements: These are the additional cybersecurity controls and requirements that apply to specific scenarios or situations, such as using cloud services, hosting websites, conducting penetration testing, encrypting data, implementing firewalls, and conducting incident response.

You should read and understand the standard carefully and identify which controls and requirements apply to your organization and your scope of work with Saudi Aramco.

If you need any help or clarification on the SACS-002 standard and its scope, you can contact us and we will provide you with the necessary support and guidance. We have a team of experts who are familiar with the standard and can help you interpret and apply it to your specific situation and needs.

Step 2: Assess your Current Cybersecurity Posture and Identify Gaps

The second step for achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is to assess your current cybersecurity posture and identify any gaps or weaknesses that need to be addressed. You should conduct a thorough and systematic cybersecurity risk assessment on your information systems and applications, using the SACS-002 standard as a reference. You should also review your existing cybersecurity policies and procedures and compare them with the standard’s requirements.

The purpose of this step is to evaluate your current level of compliance and identify any areas where you need to improve or implement new controls or measures. You should document your findings and recommendations in a report that clearly shows your compliance status and your action plan for remediation.

If you need any help or assistance in conducting your cybersecurity risk assessment and gap analysis, you can use our Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can provide you with the following benefits:

• We can conduct the cybersecurity risk assessment and gap analysis for you, using our proven methodology and tools, and provide you with a comprehensive and accurate report that shows your compliance status and your action plan for remediation.
• We can also conduct a remote or on-site assessment of your information systems and applications, using the SACS-002 standard as a guideline, and provide you with a detailed and objective report that shows your compliance status and your action plan for remediation.
• We can help you prioritize and address the most critical and urgent gaps or weaknesses and provide you with the best practices and solutions for cybersecurity compliance.

Step 3: Implement the Required Cybersecurity Controls and Requirements

The third step for achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is to implement the required cybersecurity controls and requirements that you identified in the previous step. You should follow your action plan and remediate the gaps or weaknesses that you found in your cybersecurity posture. You should also update your cybersecurity policies and procedures to align with the standard’s requirements and communicate them to your employees and stakeholders.

The purpose of this step is to ensure that you meet the minimum cybersecurity controls and requirements that are mandated by Saudi Aramco and that you protect your information systems and data from cyber threats. You should document your implementation process and evidence in a report that shows your compliance status and your verification methods.

If you need any help or support in implementing the required cybersecurity controls and requirements, you can use our Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can provide you with the following benefits:

• We can help you implement the required cybersecurity controls and requirements, using our expertise and experience, and provide you with the best practices and solutions for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can also help you update your cybersecurity policies and procedures, using the SACS-002 standard as a reference, and provide you with the templates and examples for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can help you communicate and train your employees and stakeholders on the new cybersecurity policies and procedures, using our effective and engaging methods, and provide you with the materials and resources for cybersecurity awareness.

Step 4: Verify your Compliance Status and Obtain a Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate

The fourth step for achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is to verify your compliance status and obtain a cybersecurity compliance certificate from an authorized audit firm. You should conduct a self-assessment or an internal audit of your information systems and applications, using the SACS-002 standard as a criterion, and provide a report that shows your compliance status and your verification methods. You should also contact one of the authorized audit firms listed in the SACS-002 standard and request a formal audit of your compliance status. You should provide the audit firm with your self-assessment or internal audit report and any other relevant documents or evidence. The audit firm will then conduct a remote or on-site audit of your information systems and applications, using the SACS-002 standard as a guideline, and provide you with a report that shows your compliance status and any findings or recommendations. If you meet the standard’s requirements, the audit firm will issue you a cybersecurity compliance certificate that is valid for two years.

The purpose of this step is to ensure that you have an independent and objective verification of your compliance status and that you have a valid and recognized certificate that proves your compliance to Saudi Aramco. You should submit your compliance certificate to Saudi Aramco through the Saudi Aramco e-Marketplace system and keep a copy for your records.

If you need any help or guidance in verifying your compliance status and obtaining a cybersecurity compliance certificate, you can use our Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can provide you with the following benefits:

• We can help you conduct a self-assessment or an internal audit of your information systems and applications, using our reliable and efficient methodology and tools, and provide you with a comprehensive and accurate report that shows your compliance status and your verification methods.
• We can also help you contact and coordinate with one of the authorized audit firms and prepare you for the formal audit of your compliance status, using our knowledge and experience, and provide you with the tips and advice for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can help you review and address any findings or recommendations from the audit firm and ensure that you meet the standard’s requirements and obtain a valid and recognized cybersecurity compliance certificate.

Step 5: Maintain your Compliance Status and Renew your Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate

The fifth and final step for achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is to maintain your compliance status and renew your cybersecurity compliance certificate every two years. You should monitor and review your cybersecurity posture and performance on a regular basis and ensure that you follow the SACS-002 standard and its updates. You should also conduct periodic vulnerability scans and penetration tests on your information systems and applications and address any issues or risks that you find. You should also conduct annual cybersecurity training and awareness for your employees and stakeholders and ensure that they follow the cybersecurity policies and procedures. You should also prepare for the renewal of your cybersecurity compliance certificate and contact the authorized audit firm before the expiry date of your current certificate. You should provide the audit firm with your updated compliance report and any other relevant documents or evidence. The audit firm will then conduct a remote or on-site audit of your information systems and applications, using the SACS-002 standard as a guideline, and provide you with a report that shows your compliance status and any findings or recommendations. If you meet the standard’s requirements, the audit firm will issue you a new cybersecurity compliance certificate that is valid for another two years.

The purpose of this step is to ensure that you maintain a high level of cybersecurity and compliance and that you keep your cybersecurity compliance certificate valid and current. You should submit your new compliance certificate to Saudi Aramco through the Saudi Aramco e-Marketplace system and keep a copy for your records.

If you need any help or support in maintaining your compliance status and renewing your cybersecurity compliance certificate, you can use our Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can provide you with the following benefits:

• We can help you monitor and review your cybersecurity posture and performance, using our advanced and automated tools, and provide you with the reports and feedback for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can also help you conduct periodic vulnerability scans and penetration tests on your information systems and applications, using our certified and experienced team, and provide you with the results and recommendations for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can help you conduct annual cybersecurity training and awareness for your employees and stakeholders, using our interactive and customized methods, and provide you with the materials and resources for cybersecurity compliance.
• We can help you prepare for the renewal of your cybersecurity compliance certificate and contact and coordinate with the authorized audit firm, using our expertise and experience, and provide you with the tips and advice for cybersecurity compliance.

Conclusion

Achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard is not only a contractual obligation but also a strategic advantage for your business. By complying with the standard, you can demonstrate your commitment and capability to protect Saudi Aramco’s data and assets, as well as your own, from cyber threats. You can also enhance your reputation and credibility as a trusted and reliable third party contractor or vendor for Saudi Aramco. You can also improve your cybersecurity posture and performance and reduce your risks and costs associated with cyber incidents.

However, achieving compliance with the SACS-002 standard can also be a challenging and complex process that requires time, effort, and resources. That is why we offer you our Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity Compliance Implementation Services, which can help you achieve compliance with ease and efficiency. We can provide you with the expertise, experience, and solutions that you need to implement the cybersecurity controls and requirements, verify your compliance status, obtain and renew your cybersecurity compliance certificate, and maintain your compliance status. We can also provide you with the best practices and guidance that you need to enhance your cybersecurity and compliance.

If you are interested in our services or have any questions or comments, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve compliance with the SACS-002 standard.