Saudi Aramco, the world’s most profitable company, has signed an agreement with Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) to jointly develop and manufacture the first-of-its-kind cybersecurity device in the Kingdom.

The agreement for the ‘data diode’ was signed at the 5th edition of the In-Kingdom Total Value Add Program for the Supply Sector (IKTVA) organised at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center (Dhahran Expo) in Khobar on Monday, according to Saudi local media.

The data diode, an important tool for cybersecurity, will be used in the protection of vital networks from cyber-attacks and in preventing any external penetration, thereby protecting valuable information and sensitive industrial systems. With easy installation, configuration, and maintenance features, the device’s data processing speed reaches up to 10GB per second.

According to Eng. Youssef Al Olayan – Aramco Vice President of Information Technology, the partnership between Aramco and AEC is an important step forward towards self-sufficiency in advanced tech know-how that can meet both local and international market needs. “The fact that the device is being locally developed and manufactured and the company registering two patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office represents a major transformation in the field of cybersecurity,” he said.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, CEO – AEC, also spoke on the occasion and said, “This agreement expresses and strengthens the depth of cooperative relations between both companies by achieving national accomplishments that help protect the Kingdom’s assets from sabotage, cybersecurity threats, and foreign attacks.”

The device, which has been developed and manufactured by local talent, is part of the AEC’s objectives to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The device not only ensures safe data transfer and transmission but also provide the highest levels of security for enterprise networks, said Al-Duailej.