Accredited Audit Firms Saudi Aramco play a vital role in Aramco’s governance framework by providing independent assurance services to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls and compliance processes. Through the smart contract, we support Aramco’s commitment to operational excellence, transparency and regulatory compliance.
What CCC Audit Firms
Audit firms have been accredited by Saudi Aramco’s Information Systems Division to conduct assessments and issue a Certificate of Compliance (CCC) in accordance with the SACS-002 Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard. The following is a list of accredited firms:
- BDO/ Dr. Mohammed Al-Amri & Associates
- Crowe
- Cyber Solutions
- Baker Tilly
- Grant Thornton
- KPMG
- Managed Services
- Defense Cyber Security Company
- RSM Saudi Arabia
- Trusted Partners
- Code
- Seven Technologies
- Sarar (STC Company)
- Deloitte & Touche Middle East Limited
Aramco CCC Certification Requirements
To obtain Aramco’s Cybersecurity Certification (CCC) via smart contract, third-party vendors and service providers must meet the following requirements in accordance with the Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard (SACS-002):
- Cybersecurity Assessment: Our dedicated team conducts a compliance assessment of SACS-002 Internal Audit Requirements in Aramco to ensure Aramco’s cybersecurity compliance.
- SACS-002 Compliance: We are committed to implementing the cybersecurity controls outlined in SACS-002, which include: risk management and governance, network and data security, access controls and identity management, incident response and recovery plans, and secure development practices.
- Compliance Documentation: We provide on your behalf evidence of compliance, including security policies, risk assessments, and technical configurations, as well as documentation of audit findings and remediation plans.
- Passing the Cybersecurity Audit: Our audit team conducts an assessment and issues a report, addressing any non-compliance before granting the certificate.
- Issuing the Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate: Once all requirements are met, we issue you a Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate (CCC), which is valid for a specified period and requires renewal through periodic re-evaluations.
How to Obtain Aramco Certification
In smart contracts, we make it easy for you to register suppliers, cybersecurity compliance, or CCC audit processes from Aramco, through the following steps:
1. Determine eligibility:
We determine for you whether your company provides products, services, or contract work related to Saudi Aramco, and confirm compliance with Aramco’s technical, financial and legal standards.
2. Registration on the Aramco Supplier Portal:
Our caring team registers your company on the Aramco Supplier Portal, through
Go to the Saudi Aramco Supplier Portal (SAP Ariba or SABRE).
Create an account and submit your company profile, including: commercial registration (commercial registration), certificates, VAT, bank account details, company profile and experience.
3. Complete the pre-qualification process
We wait for the Saudi Aramco team to evaluate your company based on: technical expertise and capabilities, financial stability, quality management system (ISO 9001 and others), and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) compliance.
4. Cybersecurity Compliance (CCC Certification):
We ensure that your company complies with the Saudi Aramco Cybersecurity Standard (SACS-002) by implementing the following: cybersecurity policies, risk management and data protection procedures, incident response plans, and business continuity strategies.
5. Undergoing a CCC certification audit:
Aramco or a certified external auditor will review the following: cybersecurity controls, technical compliance, and business policies. If you meet all the requirements, you will receive a Company Compliance Certificate (CCC).
6. Obtaining final approval and maintaining compliance:
After obtaining the CCC certificate from the smart contract, you can bid on Saudi Aramco projects, and its compliance is reviewed periodically, so your company must comply with Aramco’s cybersecurity and operational standards.
The Role of Internal Audit Firms in Ensuring Compliance with Aramco Standards
Internal Internal Audit Firms Aramco play a crucial role in helping companies meet Saudi Aramco’s compliance standards, especially to obtain the Corporate Compliance Certification. Through our expertise, we ensure that companies comply with Aramco’s requirements in terms of cybersecurity, quality, and operational compliance.
1. Pre-Assessment Consultation
We provide you with an initial gap analysis to assess the company’s readiness to comply with Aramco’s standards, including:
- Cybersecurity Policies (SACS-002)
- Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001)
- Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Policies
- Financial Documents and Corporate Governance
2. Document Review and Preparation
During the Smart Contract, our team of auditors helps you prepare company profile documents, cybersecurity policy documents, risk management frameworks, business continuity plans, and quality assurance manuals to ensure that all required documents are compliant with Saudi Aramco’s Supplier Qualification System (SQS).
3. Cybersecurity Compliance (CCC Certification)
We guide you to meet SACS-002 cybersecurity standard by:
- Developing cybersecurity policies
- Implementing data protection controls
- Conducting vulnerability assessments
- Preparing incident response plans
4. Internal Audits and Pilot Assessments
Our team conducts internal audits to identify gaps and corrective actions prior to the official Aramco CCC audit, helping you avoid rejection and improving your chances of certification.
5. Supplier Registration Support
We assist you through the smart contract in the supplier portal registration (SAP Ariba or SABER)، Upload documents, and monitor registration progress.
6. Ongoing Compliance and Reporting
After certification, our auditors ensure that the company maintains ongoing compliance through:
- Periodic internal reviews.
- Cybersecurity updates.
- Risk management reviews.
Why Does Aramco Require Internal Audit Services?
Saudi Aramco requires internal audit services to ensure that its suppliers, vendors and contractors comply with stringent quality, cybersecurity and operational standards. This is part of Aramco’s commitment to maintaining business integrity, managing risk and regulatory compliance across its supply chain. In the smart contract, we outline the main reasons for requesting internal audit services, which are:
1. Regulatory Compliance
We provide you with internal audit services required by Aramco under local and international regulations to ensure that suppliers comply with these regulations before they are approved, such as:
Cybersecurity requirements of Saudi Vision 2030
ISO Quality Standards
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Regulations
2. Cybersecurity Compliance (CCC Certification)
We ensure in the smart contract that Aramco SACS-002 (Saudi Aramco Cybersecurity Standard) is implemented to protect its supply chain from cyber threats. Internal audits ensure:
- Cybersecurity policy implementation.
- Data protection measures.
- Incident response preparedness.
- Risk assessment and compliance
3. Quality assurance
Aramco maintains high standards for products and services. Internal audit firms assess:
Quality management systems (ISO 9001).
Product specifications.
Service delivery processes.
4. Risk mitigation
By conducting internal audits, supply chain disruptions and business resilience are enhanced as companies can:
- Identify operational risks.
- Improve business continuity plans.
- Implement corrective actions.
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Transparency and governance
Internal audit services in smart contracts ensure that companies follow ethical business practices, including:
- Transparency of financial reporting.
- Anti-bribery policies.
- Corporate governance.
Steps to Become an Approved Internal Audit Firm for Aramco
We provide you with a structured qualification process to become a Certified Internal Auditor for Saudi Aramco. This certification allows you to provide internal audit services to Aramco suppliers and contractors for Corporate Compliance Certification (CCC) and other compliance audits.
1. Eligibility Assessment
We ensure that your company provides internal audit services in one or more of the following areas:
- Cybersecurity Compliance (SACS-002)
- Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
- Financial and Operational Audit
2. Company Registration on Aramco Supplier Portal
We register your company on Saudi Aramco Supplier Portal (SAP Ariba), after you send us company details, including:
- Commercial Registration Certificate (CR)
- Tax Registration (VAT Certificate)
- Bank Account Details
- Company Profile
3. Submission of Pre-Qualification Documents
We prepare and upload the following documents:
- Company Profile
- ISO Certificates (ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Audit Services Catalog
- Quality Management System (QMS) Policies
- Cybersecurity Compliance Policies
4. Saudi Aramco Evaluation Process
Aramco will evaluate your company based on On:
- Technical Expertise
- Proven Track Record in Internal Audit Services
- Certified Auditors (CISA, ISO Lead Auditor)
- Financial Stability
5. Cybersecurity Compliance (SACS-002)
Your company must comply with Aramco’s Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard (SACS-002) by implementing:
- Data Protection Policies
- Risk Management Frameworks
- Secure IT Infrastructure
6. Third-Party Audit Evaluation
Aramco may request a third-party audit to verify:
- Internal Audit Methods
- Cybersecurity Practices
- Business Continuity Plans
7. Approval and Vendor Code Assignment
We ensure that you meet all requirements, to issue an Aramco Vendor Code and list your company as an approved internal audit firm on the Vendor Portal.
8. Ongoing Compliance
Our team conducts regular self-assessments, which include:
Submitting periodic compliance reports to Aramco
Staying up to date with Aramco’s cybersecurity and quality standards
Common Challenges in Internal Audits for Aramco Vendors
Internal audits are a critical step for Saudi Aramco suppliers to obtain the Corporate Compliance Certification (CCC) and maintain ongoing compliance with Aramco standards. However, many suppliers face several challenges during the audit process, which can delay approval or lead to non-compliance. We outline for you through the smart contract the most prominent of these challenges and how to overcome them.
1. Lack of cybersecurity readiness (SACS-002 compliance)
Saudi Aramco applies strict cybersecurity standards for third parties (SACS-002), especially for suppliers dealing with sensitive information or IT services.
Challenges:
- Lack of formal cybersecurity policy
- Weak data protection measures
- Lack of incident response plans
- Weak risk management procedures
Solution:
- We develop a cybersecurity policy for you
- Our team conducts vulnerability assessments
- We implement data protection and business continuity plans
- We ensure that your cybersecurity measures are aligned with ISO 27001 standards
2. Documentation gaps
Aramco requires comprehensive documentation during a CCC audit, including:
- Company profile
- Quality management system (QMS)
- Cybersecurity policies
- Health, safety and environment policies
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Challenges:
- Missing or outdated policies
- Documents not compliant with Aramco standards
- Incomplete risk assessment reports
Solution:
- We appoint internal audit consultants to review the documents
- We use standard templates that are compliant with Aramco requirements
- We update the documents regularly based on the latest Aramco regulations
3. Technical Capabilities Assessment
Aramco assesses the technical capabilities of suppliers based on:
- Quality certifications (ISO 9001)
- Project Experience
- Technical Expertise
Challenges:
- Lack of relevant certifications
- Limited project references
- Incomplete technical profiles
Solution:
- We help you through smart contract Required certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- We provide you with a detailed company profile creation service
- Our team displays previous projects with official references
4. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Compliance
Aramco imposes strict adherence to HSE policies for suppliers operating in industrial and operational environments.
Challenges:
- Lack of HSE management system
- Lack of HSE training records
- Lack of safety risk assessments
Solution:
- We develop and implement HSE policy
- We provide you with employee training services on safety protocols
- We maintain HSE records and reports
5. Delayed Registration Process
Many vendors face delays during the registration and prequalification stages due to incomplete or incorrect submission on Saudi Aramco’s supplier portal (SAP Ariba or SABER).
Challenges:
- Incorrect information provided
- Slow response to Aramco inquiries
- Missing documents
Solution:
- We appoint a dedicated compliance coordinator
- Our team re-verifies all documents before submission
- Regular follow-ups are done through the supplier portal
6. High cost of compliance
Compliance with Aramco standards often requires investments in:
- Cybersecurity systems
- Quality certifications
- HSE training programs
Challenges:
- High cost of ISO certifications
- Upgrading cybersecurity infrastructure
- Hiring external consultants
Solution:
- We plan compliance budgets
- Our team prioritizes mandatory certifications first
- We work with certified internal audit firms to optimize costs
7. Lack of awareness of Aramco standards
Many vendors do not know the full scope of:
- Cybersecurity requirements
- HSE policies
- Quality standards
Solution:
- We provide Aramco supplier awareness sessions Programs
- We hire consultants with expertise in Aramco standards
- We regularly check for updates on Aramco supplier portal
How to Verify Certified CCC Audit Firms in Saudi Arabia?
Let us at Smart Contract ensure that your CCC is compliant with Saudi Aramco’s standards, facilitating smooth business engagement. We offer:
Access to the Official List:
Saudi Aramco provides an official list of accredited audit firms capable of issuing accredited cybersecurity compliance certificates based on the SACS-002 Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard. This list is available on the Aramco website.
Confirmation of Licensing:
We are licensed by Saudi Aramco to conduct CCC assessments, and this license is required for the validity of your certification.
Review of Credentials:
We are committed to verifying cybersecurity and compliance assessments. Find relevant certifications and a proven track record of conducting CCC audits.
What is Aramco CCC Certification, and Why is it Important?
Saudi Aramco CCC stands for Corporate Compliance Certification, a mandatory certification that ensures vendors, contractors and service providers adhere to Saudi Aramco’s cybersecurity, quality and operational compliance standards.
What is the Difference Between Internal and External Audit in Aramco?
Both internal and external audits play a critical role in assessing vendors’ and contractors’ compliance with corporate, cybersecurity, and operational standards. However, each type of audit serves a different purpose and follows separate processes. Here is an external vs. internal audit:
Internal Audit: This is a self-assessment process where the company evaluates its cybersecurity policies, health, safety, and environment compliance, quality management systems, and business continuity plans.
External Audit: The external audit was conducted by an external audit firm accredited by Saudi Aramco to formally verify the company’s compliance with: SACS-002 cybersecurity standard, quality assurance policies (ISO 9001), health, safety, and environment (HSE) regulations, and risk management and business continuity plans.
For companies seeking to partner with Aramco as internal audit service providers, we at Smart Contract ensure that you obtain SQS registration, CCC certification and meet Aramco’s compliance standards are essential steps to become a trusted partner.
