Cybersecurity Governance and Data Protection in Digital Transactions: A Comparative Legal Analysis of Saudi Regulations and International Frameworks

Abstract

This study examines the legal and regulatory framework governing cybersecurity governance and data protection in digital transactions through an analytical and comparative assessment of Saudi regulations against relevant international frameworks and standards. It assesses how effectively the Saudi regulatory environment integrates a governance model based on international best practices to enhance digital trust and the security of digital transactions. The research adopts a doctrinal legal research design based on analytical and comparative approaches to examine Saudi laws, regulations, and cybersecurity controls, combined with a comparative approach to evaluate their consistency with leading international references, particularly the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study concludes that the Saudi regulatory framework provides an advanced governance model that integrates institutional governance, cybersecurity risk management, regulatory compliance, data protection, and business continuity, reflecting substantial alignment with contemporary international standards. Securing digital transactions depends on the integration of governance, risk management, operational controls, audit, and regulatory frameworks rather than purely on legislative and technological approaches. The study contributes to the legal scholarship by developing an integrated analytical framework that combines cybersecurity governance, data protection, and digital transactions from a regulatory perspective. It also offers comparative insights for policymakers, regulators, and firms that want to enhance digital trust and promote the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia.