Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Market size is estimated at USD 1.97 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 3.30 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 10.95% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

As online shopping surges, smart gadgets captivate, and cloud technologies gain traction, the market is witnessing a robust growth, driven by escalating cyber threats. With the proliferation of smart devices and IoT technologies, the specter of advancing cyber threats looms larger. In response, businesses are increasingly adopting sophisticated cybersecurity measures, not just to detect and mitigate, but to counteract these threats, further propelling market expansion.

Key Highlights

• Application security focuses on developing, enhancing, and evaluating application features to address security vulnerabilities. Essential protective measures—authentication, encryption, authorization, and logging—aim to prevent unauthorized access, modifications, and anomalies. These safeguards empower enterprises to shield customer data, streamline workflows, and oversee the application lifecycle. In the IT sector, digital transformation and cloud adoption emerge as key catalysts. As companies endeavor to outpace rivals, the emphasis on speed and application security becomes paramount in their digital transformation journey.
• Managed security services encompass a range of solutions, from exposure assessments and detection to security monitoring and operational consulting. MSS providers utilize diverse engagement models, prioritizing both technology and management. As business needs evolve, managed security services have cemented their status as a go-to solution, leading to increased outsourcing advantages for both SMEs and large corporations.
• Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's leading hub for information and communication technology, is in a state of constant evolution. As a pivotal player in the region's growth, the nation is making significant advancements in both infrastructure and technology.
• Transitioning from traditional to advanced authentication solutions in cybersecurity may require specialized skills, which current IT teams might lack. This skill deficiency could hinder the adoption of cybersecurity measures, especially in smaller enterprises.

Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Market Trends

SMEs are Expected to Witness Major Growth

• Saudi Arabia's ongoing investments in digital infrastructure drive SMEs to adopt technology for enhanced operational efficiency and competitiveness. However, due to this digital shift has made them prime targets for cybercriminals. Increasing reports of cyberattacks ranging from ransomware and phishing to data breaches highlight the serious implications for businesses of all sizes. Often perceived as less secure due to their limited resources, SMEs are particularly vulnerable, underscoring the urgent need for effective cybersecurity measures.
• Also, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a steady rise in the number of SMEs. According to a report from the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the Saudi market saw a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase of 3% in the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reaching 1.27 million by the end of Q3 2023. This marks a significant rise of approximately 30% year-on-year (YoY) from 978,400 in Q3 2022. Such a rise in the SMEs in the region would propel the market.
• As the number of SMEs increases, business owners are beginning to understand the importance of cyber security. A successful cyberattack can lead to severe financial losses, operational disruptions, and damage to customer trust.
• Further, there has been a growing demand for cybersecurity in the retail sector among SMEs. As e-commerce, digital payments, and online customer interactions surge, retail businesses find themselves increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. This vulnerability has spurred a notable uptick in the demand for cybersecurity solutions. Historically, large enterprises have been at the forefront of adopting advanced security measures. However, there's a notable shift: SMEs in Saudi Arabia's retail sector now emphasize protecting their operations and data from potential cyber threats.
• The rising demand for cybersecurity solutions among Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity SMEs reflects the evolving digital landscape. As cyber threats grow and regulations tighten, SMEs recognize the need to protect their operations. This awareness, combined with technological advancements and regulatory frameworks, creates opportunities for cybersecurity innovation. By addressing these challenges, Saudi SMEs can safeguard themselves and strengthen their financial position.

Cloud is Expected to Witness Major Growth

• Saudi Arabia's digital transformation, driven by the economic diversification goals of Vision 2030 and a move away from oil dependency, has accelerated in recent years. As the nation increasingly relies on cloud services, both businesses and government entities are placing a premium on cybersecurity. This intensified emphasis on cloud-centric cybersecurity solutions is a direct response to rising cyber threats and the need for agile, effective security measures.
• Furthermore, Saudi Arabian companies are increasingly turning to cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. These cloud platforms enable real-time updates and facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence. Given the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, staying updated with the latest security measures and threat data is crucial. Microsoft reports that from July 2022 to June 2023, around 9% of network intrusions in the MENA region, linked to nation-state or state-affiliated actors, were directed at Saudi Arabia.
• Unlike traditional systems, cloud-based platforms frequently leverage advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, allowing for more effective threat detection and response.
• As demand surges in Saudi Arabia, numerous companies are unveiling new cloud-based cybersecurity solutions to capture a larger market share. For example, in May 2024, Palo Alto Networks, a US-based cybersecurity provider, unveiled a new cloud location in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move ensures that customers in the Kingdom and the broader region gain local, high-performance access to Palo Alto's premier cybersecurity offerings, aligning with their data residency requirements.

Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Industry Overview

The Saudi Arabian cybersecurity market is fragmented and dominated by a few major players like IBM Corporation, Broadcom Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Trend Micro Inc., and Cisco Systems Inc. These major players, with a prominent share of the market, are focusing on expanding their customer base across foreign countries.

The cybersecurity market comprises several regional and global players in the competitive market space. Although the market poses high barriers to entry for the new players, several new entrants have gained traction.

This market is characterized by moderate/high product differentiation, growing levels of product penetration, and high levels of competition. Generally, the solutions are offered as a package solution, making the consolidated offering look like a part of the product's service.

Many users opt for annual contracts to cut their costs. Lately, companies have also been opting for services that provide faster security updates. This led to increased demand for Cybersecurity solutions, as the updates can be received in real-time. The service-based industry prefers such deployment.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support