Green Shield · Governance

NCA National Cryptographic Standards

Know exactly where and how your organization uses encryption, and bring it in line with the National Cybersecurity Authority's National Cryptographic Standards, with a plan for what comes next, including post-quantum algorithms.

What the National Cryptographic Standards Are

The National Cryptographic Standards (NCS) define the cryptographic algorithms, key lengths and uses that are acceptable for protecting data and systems in the Kingdom. They give organizations one reference for choosing and configuring encryption, hashing, digital signatures and key exchange.

The standards are evolving. The National Cybersecurity Authority has consulted publicly on updates that add post-quantum algorithms, random number generators and quantum key distribution. Organizations that know their cryptographic inventory today will be able to migrate calmly tomorrow.

Who Needs This

  • Organizations within the scope of NCA controls that must use approved cryptography.
  • Teams building or buying systems that encrypt, sign or exchange keys.
  • Security leaders planning for post-quantum cryptography.
  • Entities that have never inventoried where encryption is used.

Our Methodology

Every engagement follows the Cyber Shields rhythm: Assess, Protect, Monitor. For this engagement, that translates into the following steps.

  1. Crypto inventory. Under a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement, we find where cryptography is used: protocols, certificates, applications, databases, devices and keys.
  2. Standards review. Each use is checked against the NCS for algorithm, key length and configuration.
  3. Key management review. We review how keys and certificates are generated, stored, rotated and retired.
  4. Migration plan. A prioritized plan to replace weak or non-compliant cryptography, with a view to post-quantum readiness.
  5. Policy. A cryptography policy and standard your teams can follow.

What You Receive

  • Cryptographic inventory of systems, protocols, certificates and keys.
  • Findings against the NCS with recommended changes.
  • Key and certificate management review.
  • Migration and post-quantum readiness plan.
  • Readout session with your team, in Arabic and English.

Standards & References

Findings are anchored to recognized frameworks so they are defensible and cross-mappable.

  • NCA NCS
  • NCA ECC
  • NIST post-quantum standards

Engagement & Investment

Every engagement is scoped individually. Pricing depends on the size and complexity of your environment, the systems or controls in scope, and the timeline you need to work to. Rather than publish figures that rarely fit a specific situation, we prepare a written proposal with a clear fee and schedule once your scope is understood.

Tell us about your organization and the deadline you are working toward, and we will return a tailored proposal within five business days, following a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why start with an inventory?

Most organizations do not know every place encryption is used. Without the inventory you cannot check compliance or plan a migration.

Is post-quantum migration urgent?

The planning is. Data encrypted today could be stored and decrypted later, so knowing your inventory and priorities now is the sensible first step.

Will you change our systems?

We recommend the changes and help your teams plan them. Implementation stays with your teams or vendors, with our support if you want it.

Will the report be available in Arabic?

Yes. Reports, the executive summary, and the readout session are available in both Arabic and English at no additional cost.

Related Services

Often Engaged Alongside

NCA ECC

Gap assessment and remediation against the National Cybersecurity Authority Essential Cybersecurity Controls, the mandatory baseline for most Saudi organizations.

Learn more

NCA DCC

Data Cybersecurity Controls: protecting data by its classification, across its whole lifecycle.

Learn more

Systems & Network Security

Hardening, segmentation, secure baselines and architecture review for production environments.

Learn more
From the blog

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Post-Quantum

Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Cryptography Under the National Cryptographic Standards

The post-quantum algorithms NCS-2:2025 accepts, its hybrid requirement, and a calm plan to get ready.

Read the article

Request a Proposal for Cryptography Alignment

Tell us about your systems and we will return a written proposal within five business days. NDA first, always.