Guideline of Risk and Business Continuity Management for Digital Government

Published 01/01/2024

Reading mode

Night Mode

Maximize

Minimize

Download the digital version

1. Introduction

In order to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and in line with the Digital Government Authority's commitment to realizing its strategic goals, as well as to enhance the reliability and continuity of digital services provided by government entities, the rapid pace of digital transformation has highlighted the need for a clear and detailed framework for risk management and business continuity within government entities. This framework ensures a comprehensive understanding of risks associated with local and global changes and their impact on the operating environment and business continuity for the digital government.

The Digital Government Authority (DGA) plays a regulatory role in digital transformation by establishing controls, standards and guidelines to enable government entities to develop the necessary capacities, methodologies and procedures to enhance their readiness in managing risks and ensuring business continuity. In this context, DGA has developed the "Guideline of Risk and Business Continuity Management for Digital Government" to elevate the maturity of risk management and business continuity practices within government entities. This initiative aims to enhance the continuity of their digital services and improve the experience of their beneficiaries.

This framework serves as a reference for government entities to support compliance with the “Controls of Risk Management and Business Continuity for Digital Government" issued by the Digital Government Authority. It further provides general guidance, not professional advice, and does not replace the requirements outlined in the local and international standards.

The application of risk management and business continuity practices depends on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the operational environment of the government entity, related external parties, international best practices, and the regulatory requirements and standards issued by the Authority and other relevant regulatory bodies.

2. Guideline Objectives

The Guideline aims to support government entities to comply with the risk management and business continuity controls for digital government issued by the Digital Government Authority, and achieve the following objectives:

Enhancing integration among government entities and strengthening the resilience and flexibility of digital government services to ensure digital services continuity while reducing costs during incidents and crises.
Promoting risk management and business continuity practices within government entities in alignment with best standards, through the implementation of effective and clear methodologies and identification of tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures.
Cultivating a culture of risk management and advancing maturity, including fostering a culture of business continuity management and compliance with regulatory requirements to improve the digital government services delivered to beneficiaries.
Ensuring business sustainability and protecting the reputation of government entities by adopting a proactive approach to risk management, identifying appropriate mitigation strategies, and optimizing the use of resources and capabilities to protect and enhance the reputation of the digital government.

3. Guideline Scope

This Guideline includes the most important instructions for designing and implementing the framework and basic components of the risk management and business continuity management systems in line with the operations of the government entity. The Guideline includes:

A‌. Risk Management System Instructions This section explains the components of the risk management system, its importance and its principles, with examples of the most prominent relevant international and local standards. It also details the stages of the risk management system methodology and guidance.

B‌. Business Continuity System Instructions This section explains the importance of the business continuity management system, and the most important benefits resulting from its implementation, followed by its principles and success factors, in addition to examples of the most prominent local and international standards. It also details the stages of the business continuity management system methodology and guidance.

C‌. Documents Management: This section explains the instructions for keeping data, documents and forms for the risk management and business continuity management systems, and automation of the two systems.

4. Targeted Audience

Government entities that provide digital services and products, as well as operators and relevant stakeholders, regardless of their type, size, or nature of operations The applicability of the instructions and recommendations depends on the operational environment of the government entity, the scale of its operations, and its geographical locations.

5. Statement of the Guideline

For more information; Check the digital version.

6. Table of Definitions

The following terms and phrases shall have the meanings assigned thereto wherever stated herein; unless the context requires otherwise:

Term	Definition
DGA	Digital Government Authority (DGA).
Digital Government	Promotes administrative, organizational, and operational processes between the various government agencies in their transition to a comprehensive digital transformation to allow easy and effective access to government digital information and services.
Government Entities	Ministries, authorities, public institutions, councils, and national centers, including any additional form of public Agency
Administrative Unit	A business unit within the organizational structure of the Agency, specializing in specific roles and responsibilities.
Controls	The controls specify the conditions that government agencies must comply with and what they must do to achieve the objectives and general provisions stated in the policy associated with them.
Digital Transformation	Digitally and strategically transforming and developing business standards and models that would rely on data, technologies, and ICT.
Risk Management System	The principles, frameworks, and processes followed by the organization in managing risks for digital government to achieve the strategic objectives of the organization.
Risk	The probability of an event occurring that will have negative or positive effects.
Incident	An incident that has consequences and implications that may affect the achievement of the entity's objectives either negatively or positively.
Internal and External Risks	Internal or external incidents that may affect the achievement of the entity’s strategic objectives.
Risk Management	Applying strategies, policies, and procedures to prevent the emergence of new risks, reduce existing risks, and manage residual risks. By anticipating and identifying, analyzing, evaluating, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing of the risks, and preventing and mitigating the negative effects resulting from them.
Risk Management Policy	The main document defines the governance and scope of risk management, along with risk management objectives and the roles and responsibilities of relevant parties.
Authority Matrix	A documented structure detailing the allocation of roles and responsibilities assigned for performing tasks.
Risk Management Strategy	The entity's approach to managing risks and identifying optimal solutions to minimize their impact on the entity.
Risk Appetite Level	The level, type, and magnitude of risks the entity can accept while ensuring the achievement of its objectives.
Risk Tolerance Level	Risk Tolerance Level
Risk Management Framework	Methodology and mechanisms for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks, treating them, and following them up periodically at the entity.
Risk Assessment	A quantitative or qualitative approach to identifying, analyzing, and estimating the likelihood of occurrence and impacts of potentially risks, taking into account exposure factors, vulnerabilities, and vulnerability.
Control Measure	A policy, procedure, practice, process, or technology designed to reduce the likelihood and/or impact of risks.
Risk Owner	The party responsible for managing a specific risk within its jurisdiction and mandate, including anticipating, identifying, analyzing, assessing, prioritizing, monitoring, reviewing, preventing, mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from it in coordination with supporting and assisting entities.
Owner of Risk Response Plans	The individual or entity authorized to implement, execute and report risk treatment plans to the Risk Management Team and stakeholders.
Risk Champions	The resulting consequences in case a risk occurs within the various main departments of the entity, to coordinate, monitor, and execute risk management tasks and submit related reports.
Impact	The consequences and outcomes resulting from a risk when it occurs.
Likelihood	The extent to which a risk can occur and recur within a specific period of time.
Inherent Risks	Preliminary risks before implementing any mitigation measures to reduce the impacts resulting from them.
Residual Risks	Continuing risks after implementing prevention and mitigation controls, which require continuous work treat them.
Risk Matrix	A mechanism used during risk assessment to determine the level of risk based on the likelihood and possibility of the risk occurring versus the implications of the risk occurring.
Key Risk Indicators (KRIs)	A measure used to monitor changes in the level of risk exposure, and is used as an early warning sign for risks.
Risk Register	A document containing a list of risks, including all related data and information, such as: Risk Registration Date, Risk Code, Sector, Risk Owner, Risk Classification, Risk Description, Risk Occurrence Scenario, Likelihood Level, Impact Level, Risk Level, Key Risk Indicators, and Treatment Strategy and Plans.

Term	Definition
RTO	Recovery Time Objective
RPO	Recover Point Objective
MTPD	Maximum Tolerable Period of Disruption
MBCO	Minimum Business Continuity Objective
BIA	Business Impact Analysis
MCA	Multi-Criteria-Analysis
ICT	Information and communication technology
HSSE	Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Term	Definition

Term	Definition

Term	Definition

Term	Definition

Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Links to official Saudi websites end withgov.sa

Government websites use the HTTPS protocol for encryption and security.

Guideline of Risk and Business Continuity Management for Digital Government

Browse Setting