SAMA Framework Domains
The SAMA Cybersecurity Framework is organized into four main domains covering governance, defense, resilience, and third-party management.
Who Must Comply
- Banks and banking services
- Insurance companies
- Finance companies
- Payment service providers
- All SAMA-regulated entities
Implementation Roadmap
SAMA Compliance Phases
Assessment
Gap analysis & roadmap
Foundation
Governance & policies
Implementation
Deploy controls
Maturation
Optimize & improve
18-Month Implementation Plan
Phase 1: Assessment (M 1-2)
Gap assessment, current state documentation, risk assessment, remediation roadmap
Phase 2: Foundation (M 3-6)
Establish governance, develop policies, implement risk management, begin remediation
Phase 3: Implementation (M 7-12)
Deploy technical controls, establish SOC, implement TPRM, operational processes
Phase 4: Maturation (M 13-18)
Optimize controls, penetration testing, DR/BC testing, continuous improvement
Key Deadline
Organizations must achieve full compliance by October 2025. Plan at least 12-18 months for comprehensive implementation.
Compliance Checklist
SAMA Control Requirements
Governance
Technical
Operational
Third-Party
Maturity Assessment
Banks must achieve Level 4 minimum maturity. Insurance and other entities target Level 3-4. Regular self-assessments are required.
Conclusion
SAMA compliance is not just regulatory requirement—it's essential for protecting your organization and customers. A structured implementation approach ensures sustainable compliance and robust security.
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Written by
Asfaleia Team
Security Consultant
GRC specialist with extensive experience in SAMA compliance and financial services security.