CNTXT, a leading cloud and digital transformation company in Saudi Arabia, has announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to introduce a new premium cybersecurity solution: Sovereign Controls by CNTXT. This offering is tailored to support the digital transformation journeys of organizations in the region that must adhere to strict data sovereignty, regulatory, and security requirements.
As a reseller of Google Cloud Platform services for Saudi-based customers, CNTXT provides a managed External Key Management (EKM) solution with Key Access Justifications (KAJ) and localized support. EKM with KAJ encrypts customer data at rest using keys stored outside Google Cloud’s infrastructure. This setup allows organizations to retain control over their data, even in the cloud, and requires detailed justifications each time access to keys is requested, giving customers the ability to deny access, including in response to extraterritorial data requests.
This innovative solution, designed to protect highly sensitive workloads typically kept on-premises, is offered in Saudi Arabia by SITE as part of the DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix product, integrated with Google Cloud’s Cloud External Key Manager service. SITE, known for its digital and cybersecurity solutions, provides a reliable platform for organizations to maintain high levels of security while migrating to the cloud.
The integration of SITE’s DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix enables users to create, store, and manage encryption keys outside of the Google Cloud environment, ensuring that these keys remain under customer control. The encryption keys are stored inside a FIPS 140-2 level 3 certified Hardware Security Module (HSM), separate from the cloud. With this setup, organizations can enable or disable access to their data from specific instances and locations in real-time, ensuring maximum data security.
The offering is provided through Google Cloud’s Assured Workloads, built on its Class C-certified infrastructure. This solution empowers organizations across Saudi Arabia to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining enhanced control over their data, enabling them to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.
“We are thrilled to bring Cloud External Key Manager to Saudi Arabia, offering organizations the ability to securely move their most sensitive workloads to the cloud,” said Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT. “With the integration of SITE’s DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix EKM, organizations can trust that their data is protected by the highest standards of security and encryption.”
Majed Alamri, Chief Business Solutions Officer at SITE, added, “We are excited to introduce the External Key Manager to Saudi Arabia, empowering organizations to securely migrate their most sensitive workloads to the cloud. With the integration of SITE’s DATA SHIELD powered by Fortanix EKM, clients can be assured that their data is protected by the highest standards of security and encryption.”
Bader Almadi, Google Cloud Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, emphasized Google Cloud’s commitment to working with trusted local partners. “We are proud to offer Sovereign Controls by CNTXT to help Saudi-based organizations meet more stringent data sovereignty requirements,” Almadi said.
This partnership between CNTXT, SITE, and Google Cloud marks a significant step forward in ensuring the security and compliance of digital transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia.
