The new offering, which CNTXT provides as a Google Cloud Platform service reseller for Saudi-based customers, enables local organisations to meet digital sovereignty mandates.
In a strategic move, CNTXT introduces a new cybersecurity offering in collaboration with Google Cloud, empowering Saudi organisations to enhance data security and compliance in their digital transformation journeys.
CNTXT, a leading cloud and digital transformation company in Saudi Arabia, has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to introduce Sovereign Controls by CNTXT, a new premium cybersecurity offering tailored for the Saudi market.
This solution is designed to assist regional organisations with digital transformation efforts, particularly those needing to comply with stringent data sovereignty, regulatory, and security requirements.
The new offering, which CNTXT provides as a Google Cloud Platform service reseller for Saudi-based customers, enables local organisations to meet digital sovereignty mandates. It includes a managed External Key Management (EKM) service with Key Access Justifications (KAJ) and offers localized support.
This service ensures that customer data at rest is encrypted with keys stored outside of Google Cloud’s infrastructure, with each access to these keys requiring detailed justifications. This allows customers to deny access for any reason, including extraterritorial data requests, thereby safeguarding highly sensitive workloads typically kept on-premises.
The EKM solution, available in Saudi Arabia through SITE, is an integral part of the “DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix” product and Google Cloud’s External Key Manager service. SITE is renowned for providing innovative, reliable digital and cybersecurity services, developing future technologies, and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures Saudi talent. This integration enables organisations to migrate their data to the cloud while maintaining the same level of security for encryption keys as in their on-premises environments.
DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix allows users to create, store, and manage encryption keys independently of the Google Cloud environment. This ensures customers retain complete control over their encryption keys, stored within a FIPS 140-2 level 3 certified Hardware Security Module (HSM). Organisations can enable or disable data access from specific instances and locations in real time, ensuring maximum security for their data.
Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to bring Cloud External Key Manager to Saudi Arabia, enabling organisations to move their most sensitive workloads to the cloud securely. With the integration of SITE’s DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix EKM, organisations can trust that the highest security and encryption standards protect their data.”
Majed Alamri, SITE’s Chief Business Solutions Officer, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are proud to introduce the External Key Manager to Saudi Arabia, giving organisations the confidence to migrate their most sensitive workloads securely to the cloud. With SITE’s DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix EKM, clients can be assured that top-tier security and encryption standards safeguard their data.”
Bader Almadi, Google Cloud’s Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, highlighted Google Cloud’s commitment, saying, “Google Cloud is dedicated to collaborating with trusted local partners to help our customers meet digital sovereignty requirements. We are pleased to offer Sovereign Controls by CNTXT to support Saudi-based organisations in adhering to stricter data sovereignty regulations. This solution, provided through Assured Workloads and built on Google Cloud’s Class C-certified infrastructure, empowers organisations across the Kingdom to accelerate their digital transformation journeys while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhanced data control.”
