Saudi Arabian government has set up a new authority for cyber security as per a Royal Decree and named the Minister of State Musaed Al Aiban as its Chairman, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The National Authority for Cyber Security has been created to boost the cyber security of the state, and protect its vital interests, national security and sensitive infrastructure, stated the report, citing the decree.

The Authority will be directly linked to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, it added.

The members of the board include Head of the Presidency of State Security, Chairman of the General Intelligence, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Assistant Minister of Defense.

The new authority will also help improve protection of networks, information technology systems and data, said the report.

On his new role, Al Aiban said the Authority will begin its regulatory and operational tasks in the area of ​​cyber security by enhancing the protection of networks, IT systems, operating systems, hardware and software components, services and data, taking into account the increasingly vital importance of cyber security in the lives of the public.

He disclosed that the authority also aims to establish a national industry in the field of cyber security, SPA added.

The move comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has been the target of frequent cyber attacks.

Al Aiban said the focus will be on attracting the best of talents and hiring qualified national cadres into the National Authority for Cyber Security besides building partnerships with public and private entities, and stimulating innovation and investment in cyber security.