In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity compliance has become a critical requirement for companies that partner with major organizations like Saudi Aramco. As one of the world’s largest energy companies, Saudi Aramco imposes stringent cybersecurity standards to protect its data, infrastructure, and supply chain from cyber threats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving SACS-002 Compliance with Exchange Online
Achieving SACS-002 compliance with Exchange Online is a critical step if your company provides IT services or needs to work with Saudi Aramco as a contractor. We assure you in the Smart Contract that this cybersecurity standard ensures that your email communications systems meet Saudi Aramco’s security, privacy and data protection requirements, through the following steps:
1. Understand SACS-002 requirements
Our Smart Contract team downloads the latest SACS-002 guidelines from the official Saudi Aramco portal. Focus on key requirements related to:
- Email Encryption
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Email Filtering and Anti-Malware
- Logging and Monitoring
- Data Residency (Data Storage in KSA if required)
2. Implement Microsoft Exchange Online Security Features
We create an Exchange Online (Microsoft 365) environment as per SACS-002 Compliance Services:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Enable multi-factor authentication for all users via Azure AD
- Email Encryption Set up Office 365 Message Encryption (OME)
- Anti-Phishing and Malware Protection Using Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Create DLP policies for sensitive information types
- Logging and Monitoring Enable audit logs and integration with Microsoft Sentinel
- Email Filtering Configure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
3. Data Residency (Optional)
If your contract requires data to be stored within KSA, you need to activate datacenters and Microsoft 365 Security Consultation
4. Risk Assessment and Gap Analysis
We conduct an internal Vendor Risk Assessment to identify any gaps between your current Exchange Online setup and SACS-002 requirements. Use tools such as: Microsoft Compliance Manager، Microsoft Secure Score.
5. Documentation and Policy Development
Our team prepares formal documents, including:
- Email Security Policies
- Incident Response Plans
- Backup and Data Recovery Policies
- Access Control Policies
6. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
We conduct email penetration testing using external tools to verify that your email system is secure.
7. Submitting Evidence of Compliance to Saudi Aramco
We complete the following documents for submission through the Saudi Aramco Supplier Portal:
- Technical Configuration Report
- Risk Assessment Report
- Policies and Procedures
- Security Certifications
8. Certification Approval
Saudi Aramco will review your application and conduct an external audit to verify your company’s compliance with its cybersecurity standard. Once approved, your company will receive a SACS-002 Compliance Certificate.
How Exchange Online Enhances Cybersecurity for Aramco Compliance
We provide you with the Exchange Online smart contract, which is one of the leading solutions in cloud email services within the Microsoft 365 platform, as it provides a set of advanced cybersecurity features that help companies comply with the requirements of the Saudi Aramco SACS-002 standard.
1. Identity & Access Management
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Our team enables two-factor authentication for all users to prevent unauthorized access, through:
- Accessing Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
- Enable MFA for all users
- Using the Microsoft Authenticator app
2. Data Protection
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
We help you prevent the leakage of sensitive data such as national ID numbers or financial information, through the Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal:
- Create DLP policies
- Enable automatic protection for information such as:
- National ID numbers
- Bank accounts
- Confidential data
Email Encryption
All messages containing sensitive information should be automatically encrypted, and this feature can be enabled through:
- Setting up Office 365 Message Encryption (OME)
- Linking encryption to DLP policies
3. Threat Protection
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
We provide you with advanced protection from attacks through a smart contract Electronic, through:
- Setting Safe Links policies
- Enable Safe Attachments feature
4. Monitoring & Auditing
Audit Logs
Our team activates audit logs for all email activities and monitors suspicious access:
- Enable Unified Audit Logs through the Compliance Center
- Configure Microsoft Sentinel to view advanced analytics
5. Data Residency Compliance
Aramco requires data to be stored within Saudi Arabia in some contracts, and Microsoft 365 Saudi Arabia Data Centers currently provides the option to host data locally.
Common Challenges in Meeting SACS-002 Requirements and How to Overcome Them
Achieving SACS-002 compliance for Saudi Aramco can be a complex process, especially for IT and technical service providers using Exchange Online or other cloud solutions. The requirements are stringent, and non-compliance can delay your CCC certification or even disqualify your company from working with Saudi Aramco. In Smart Contract, we break down the most common challenges and practical solutions to overcome them.
1. Identity and Access Management (MFA and RBAC)
Challenge:
Not implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users or failing to properly implement role-based access control (RBAC).
How to overcome:
We enforce two-factor authentication for all users through Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
Our team helps you restrict administrator access using role-based access control (RBAC)
We use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to grant temporary administrator access
2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Challenge:
Difficulty identifying sensitive information or properly configuring DLP policies.
How to overcome:
- Our team at Smart Contract uses Microsoft Purview Compliance Center
- We create DLP policies for predefined sensitive data types (Saudi ID, IBAN, credit card numbers)
- Set rules to automatically block emails when sensitive data is detected
3. Email Encryption
Challenge:
Not enabling automatic encryption for sensitive emails.
How to overcome:
- We configure Office 365 Message Encryption (OME)
- Use transport rules to automatically encrypt outgoing emails based on keywords like “confidential” or sensitive data types
4. Phishing and Malware Protection
Challenge:
Lack of advanced protection against phishing emails and malware attachments.
How to overcome:
- We care about activating Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Enable secure links to block malicious URLs
- Configure secure attachments to scan all email attachments
5. Logging and Monitoring
Challenge:
Not enabling audit logs or not keeping logs for the required period (at least 1 year).
How to overcome:
- Enable unified audit log in Microsoft Purview
- We retain logs for 365 days or more
- Integrate logs with Microsoft Sentinel or any SIEM system for real-time alerts.
6. Data Residency
Challenge:
Ensure sensitive business data is stored within KSA if the contract requires it.
How to overcome:
- We use Microsoft 365 data centers in KSA
- We set up data residency policies in Microsoft Purview to restrict data storage in KSA data centers
7. Risk Assessment and Gap Analysis
Challenge:
Not conducting a comprehensive gap analysis before applying for certification.
How to overcome:
- We use Microsoft Compliance Manager to assess your environment
- The smart contract team conducts regular risk assessments
- Our team prepares a remediation plan before submitting documents
The Role of Exchange Online in Strengthening Aramco’s Cybersecurity Framework
Exchange Online plays a critical role in helping vendors and contractors comply with Saudi Aramco’s Cybersecurity Framework (SACS-002) by providing a secure, cloud-based email platform that meets the highest standards of security and compliance. As one of the core services of the smart contract, Exchange Online offers you advanced cybersecurity features that directly align with Aramco’s cybersecurity requirements.
- We define the SACS-002 framework for you, the cybersecurity controls and technical security requirements that all vendors and third-party contractors must implement to ensure the protection of Aramco’s sensitive information.
- SACS-002 compliance is mandatory for obtaining a Contractor Certificate of Compliance (CCC), which is required to participate in any projects with Saudi Aramco.
- We provide you with Exchange Online with built-in security features that address the key cybersecurity areas identified in SACS-002, including:
- Identity and Access Control Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) + Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Prevent unauthorized access
- Data Protection Data Loss Prevention (DLP) + Email Encryption Protect sensitive data in emails
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Threat Protection Detect and block malware, phishing, and zero-day attacks
- Monitoring and Audit Logs Unified Audit Logs + Microsoft Sentinel Track user activity and generate audit reports
- Incident Response Microsoft Compliance Manager + Automated Alerts Automatically detect and respond to suspicious activity
Best Practices for Maintaining Continuous SACS-002 Compliance
Maintaining ongoing compliance with SACS-002 is essential to ensuring your company remains eligible to work with Saudi Aramco and protects its business reputation. Compliance is not a one-time process. It requires continuous monitoring, regular updates, and continuous improvements to your cybersecurity posture, which we provide in the smart contract as follows:
1. Identity and Access Management
- We enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users (mandatory for admin and privileged accounts)
- We review user access permissions every 3 months
- Our team implements Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit admin privileges
- We use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to grant temporary admin access
2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Our team creates DLP policies using the Microsoft Purview compliance portal
- We automatically block outgoing emails containing sensitive data
- We enable incident reports to notify security teams when sensitive data is shared
- Update DLP rules based on the latest Saudi Aramco Data Classification Guidelines
3. Email Encryption
- We use Office 365 Message Encryption (OME) in the smart contract
- We implement encryption based on DLP policies
- We educate employees on how to send encrypted emails
- We test encryption configurations Regularly
4. Threat Protection and Phishing Defense
- We activate Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- We enable secure links to protect users from malicious URLs
- Our team configures anti-phishing policies for executive level users
- We run monthly phishing simulation campaigns
5. Audit Logs and Security Monitoring
- We enable unified audit logs in Microsoft Purview
- We retain logs for at least 12 months
- We use Microsoft Sentinel to automate real-time alerts
- We review audit logs quarterly for suspicious activity
6. Incident Response Plan (CIRP)
- We develop a cyber incident response plan that complies with SACS-002 requirements
- We conduct incident response drills every 6 months
- We use Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence to monitor attack patterns
- We appoint a dedicated Security Incident Response Team (SIRT)
7. Continuous Risk Assessment
- We conduct risk assessments every 6 months
- We use Microsoft Compliance Manager to assess your security score
- We prioritize high-risk areas and create plans Repair
- We send risk assessment reports to Saudi Aramco’s supplier portal
8. Security Awareness Training
- Our team conducts mandatory cybersecurity awareness training every 6 months
- We use Microsoft Attack Simulation Training for phishing training
- Our team tracks employee training completion rates
9. Data Residency and Cloud Compliance
- We help you move to Microsoft 365 datacenters in Saudi Arabia
- We enable data residency policies through Microsoft Purview
- We conduct quarterly data residency compliance audits
10. Compliance Reporting
- We maintain all security policies and technical configurations in a single document
- Our team prepares monthly compliance status reports using Microsoft Compliance Manager
- We send evidence packages to Saudi Aramco annually
How Professional Support Can Simplify Your SACS-002 Compliance Journey
Professional Compliance Service helps your company meet SACS-002 requirements faster with expert guidance and pre-built solutions, while reducing the risk of failure. Here’s how Professional Support from Smart Contract can help you:
1. Compliance Gap Assessment
Before you start your compliance journey, we conduct a detailed gap assessment of missing security controls, system vulnerabilities, and compliance gaps. We provide you with a full gap analysis report, a prioritized remediation plan, and a compliance roadmap.
2. Exchange Online Configuration
Professional support ensures that Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online Configuration Support are configured according to SACS-002 security controls, including:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Email Encryption Policies
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365
3. Policy Documentation
One of the most common reasons for compliance failure is missing or incomplete security policies, so our Smart Contract Professional Consultants provide:
- Access Control Policy
- Data Loss Prevention Policy
- Email Encryption Policy
- Cyber Incident Response Plan
- Audit Log Retention Policy
- Risk Assessment Report
4. Pre-Audit Compliance Review
Before submitting your compliance evidence to Saudi Aramco, we conduct a pre-audit review to ensure:
- All security features are configured correctly
- Required documentation is complete
- Your work is ready for Aramco’s technical audit
5. Ongoing Compliance Support
Compliance doesn’t end after certification, as Aramco conducts regular compliance audits to verify that vendors are maintaining standards SACS-002. Professional support includes:
- Quarterly compliance audits
- Risk assessments
- Data loss prevention policy testing
- Audit log review
What is Aramco SACS-002?
SACS-002 is a cybersecurity standard developed by Saudi Aramco to protect sensitive information and ensure vendors follow strict security measures for email services and cloud platforms such as Exchange Online (Microsoft 365).
Benefits of Using Exchange Online for SACS-002 Compliance
Exchange Online is one of the most effective and secure cloud-based email platforms for achieving SACS-002 compliance – Saudi Aramco’s Cybersecurity Standard for Contractors and Vendors. Through a smart contract, you benefit from Exchange Online:
- We enable your organization to meet the technical security requirements of SACS-002 while improving overall cybersecurity, enhancing operational efficiency, and simplifying compliance management.
- Exchange Online provides you with built-in security controls that directly comply with SACS-002 requirements without the need for external tools.
- We guarantee you built-in security services Pre-configured security features compliant with ISO 27001 and NIST frameworks
- Our team encrypts data Automatic email encryption of sensitive information
- We perform multi-factor authentication (MFA) Enforces multi-factor authentication for all user accounts
- We perform data loss prevention (DLP) Prevents unauthorized sharing of sensitive data (Saudi IDs, bank account numbers)
- We provide threat protection Protects against phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks
- We perform audit logging and monitoring Automatically creates consolidated audit logs for compliance reporting
- We support you in storing data locally in Saudi Aramco certified data centers
Need Help Achieving Aramco SACS-002 Compliance?
At Smart Contract, our SACS-002 Compliance Professional Services simplify your entire compliance journey from assessment to certification while ensuring your systems are aligned with Saudi Aramco’s cybersecurity requirements. Here’s how our process works:
- Compliance Gap Assessment Full Gap Analysis Report 2 days
- Exchange Online Configuration Microsoft 365 Secure Setup 5 days
- DLP & Encryption Policies Pre-built Policy Templates 3 days
- Compliance Documentation SACS-002 Compliant Policies & Reports 5 days
- Pre-Audit Review Technical Review + Compliance Screening 2 days
- Certification Submission Ready-to-Submit Evidence Package 1 day.
FAQs
Why is SACS-002 Compliance Important?
- Mandatory for all vendors working with Saudi Aramco
- Improves your credibility and trust in the Saudi market
- Opens the door for CCC certification
- Protects sensitive business information
Why is SACS-002 compliance mandatory?
- Qualifies your company to participate in Aramco contracts and tenders
- Builds trust and credibility with Aramco and other key Saudi customers
- Strengthens your company’s cybersecurity posture
- Helps protect sensitive business information from cyber threats
How does Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) help meet SACS-002 requirements?
MFA is mandatory under SACS-002 Section 4.1 to prevent unauthorized access to email accounts.
Does Exchange Online support Saudi Arabia Data Residency?
Yes, Microsoft 365 provides Saudi Arabia Data Centers that allow local data storage to meet Aramco’s Data Residency requirements.
Achieving SACS-002 compliance is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a strategic step that the smart contract provides you to strengthen your company’s cybersecurity position and build trust with Saudi Aramco.
