Saudi Aramco launched the first domestically produced information security technology, known as a "data valve" that immunizes networks against cyber intrusions and greatly exceeds traditional protection techniques, in continuation of the vital role Saudi Aramco plays in maintaining the balance of the world's energy supply.

Saudi Aramco is making efforts to develop the information security infrastructure to prevent any breach that could result in severe economic or social effects globally, as it works diligently to reach high levels to protect cybersecurity, after the succession of hacks that threaten this security globally and deeply strike devices and the Internet of things and invade technologies The cloud.

This technology is the result of a joint work between Saudi Aramco and Advanced Electronics Company, following the signing of a data valve development and manufacturing agreement during the fifth session of the Forum and Exhibition for the Enhancing Total Value Added Program for the Supply Sector in the Kingdom (IKTVA) in February 2020.

The "data valve" device is one of the most important tools for fortifying the cybersecurity of industrial facilities, such as gas plants and refineries, as it protects valuable information and sensitive industrial systems. The design of the device has taken into account ease of installation, configuration and maintenance.

The development and manufacture of the device locally with Saudi minds, and Saudi Aramco's registration of two patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, represents a quantum leap in the field of information security in the Kingdom, and a pioneering step in the project of localizing advanced technologies that meet the needs of local and global markets.

Senior Vice President for Technical Services at Saudi Aramco Ahmed Al-Saadi said: “Saudi Aramco has always been proactive in supporting local content, whether it is in its initiatives and projects, or operating and services works. The production and manufacture of advanced technologies in network security and infrastructure, through cooperation with the Advanced Electronics Company, and the production of the data valve device will be a catalyst for the localization of technologies, a starting point for many promising opportunities, and encouraging companies to invest in supporting local content.

Al Saadi added: “The data valve device is an important tool to protect networks from cyber threats, and to provide maximum protection for sensitive networks. It is one of the factors enabling the industrial digital transformation in the Kingdom, as it was developed and manufactured by national competencies to provide the best solutions and systems in the field of cybersecurity, in addition to that, and in order to support the sustainable product, the circular economy was adopted in the development stages of the device, starting from manufacturing to Maintenance process. ”

Saudi Aramco includes a set of advanced technologies that contribute to reshaping its main operations, making a quantum leap in enhancing efficiency, and enabling the company's leadership in the field of digital transformation, as the company uses millions of advanced sensors and analysis applications, which closely monitor all major equipment and basic work in its facilities in all Throughout the Kingdom, the Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions also manage operations to ensure quality and safety of business, and create a vibrant business ecosystem in the Kingdom, supercomputers that were manufactured locally by Saudi hands are analyzing exploration data, and they also manage artificial intelligence technologies and drones - which have become part An integral part of the operations - remotely and control the operations of the basic sectors in the company, while the cloud services, which the company brought to the Kingdom through an agreement with Google, works to provide cloud services that enable companies and sectors across the Kingdom to maximize their market presence, while providing products Digital services faster and more reliable.

All of these technologies need strict measures to enhance its security and the safety of its business. The "data valve" technology supports the ambitions and efforts of Saudi Aramco in making the technology the basis for the future of its business in the oil and gas industry, and the company places cyber threats among the highest risks that must be faced by investing in the infrastructure that includes Information and business safety and security, so the data valve will be adopted in the company's industrial facilities, to secure a digital transformation strategy and manage solutions and challenges in the energy field.

Instead of what was prevalent in the past of purchasing the first generation of data valve technology and importing it from abroad, the technology will allow the company to be a major contributor to the development of the national information and communication technology field, whose index has been growing in the Kingdom since 2017 by 64%, through the design of the second generation of Data valve.

The second generation of data valve technology was developed locally, with the aim of protecting the Kingdom's vital infrastructure and its diverse industrial scene, to support the development of growing digital technologies, ensure safe data transmission, and reduce cyber attacks in the contemporary business environment, after digital technologies have become vulnerable to cyber attacks and breaches. Information networks, and the destruction of data by electronic infiltration.

The innovative design of the second generation provides the ability to support multiple applications, making it superior to most solutions on the market, and a catalyst for entrepreneurs to invest in local talent to develop their technical ideas into products, and opens the door to creating a launching pad for future opportunities in the field of cybersecurity, and the dissemination of highly specialized knowledge. And value in design and manufacturing, issuance of patents, and encourage the domestic market to develop and manufacture technical products to achieve self-reliance and cost-saving.