Standards Comparison

    COBIT

    Voluntary
    2019

    Framework for enterprise I&T governance and management

    VS

    23 NYCRR 500

    Mandatory
    2017

    NY regulation for financial services cybersecurity.

    Quick Verdict

    COBIT offers flexible enterprise IT governance for global organizations optimizing value and risk, while 23 NYCRR 500 mandates cybersecurity controls for NY financial firms protecting NPI. Companies use COBIT for best-practice tailoring; Part 500 for regulatory compliance.

    IT Governance

    COBIT

    COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • 11 design factors enable tailored governance systems
    • 40 objectives across five domains EDM-APO-BAI-DSS-MEA
    • CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
    • Explicit separation of governance from management roles
    • Goals cascade translates stakeholder needs to IT metrics
    Financial Services

    23 NYCRR 500

    23 NYCRR Part 500 Cybersecurity Regulation

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Annual CISO/CEO dual-signature certification
    • 72-hour cybersecurity incident notification
    • Risk-based cybersecurity program requirement
    • Third-party service provider oversight policy
    • Phishing-resistant MFA for high-risk access

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    COBIT Details

    What It Is

    COBIT 2019 is ISACA's framework for enterprise governance and management of information and technology (EGIT). It provides a holistic approach to translate stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored governance system, emphasizing value creation, risk optimization, and resource management through design factors and a core model.

    Key Components

    • **Five domainsEDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
    • 40 governance and management objectives with practices and metrics.
    • Six governance system principles and seven components (processes, structures, etc.).
    • CMMI-based performance management (levels 0-5); no formal certification, but capability assessments.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns I&T with business goals for value and agility.
    • Supports compliance mapping (e.g., SOX, GDPR) and audit readiness.
    • Reduces risks in digital transformation, cybersecurity, vendors.
    • Builds board trust via measurable outcomes and goals cascade.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: assess gaps, design via 11 factors, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
    • Applies to enterprises of all sizes; training via ISACA certificates.
    • Internal assessments; integrates with ITIL, ISO 27001.

    23 NYCRR 500 Details

    What It Is

    23 NYCRR Part 500 is the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Cybersecurity Regulation, a state-level mandate for financial entities. It establishes minimum, risk-based cybersecurity requirements to protect nonpublic information (NPI) and information systems. The approach emphasizes governance, evidence-based outcomes, and prescriptive controls like MFA and incident reporting.

    Key Components

    • 14 core requirements including cybersecurity program, CISO appointment, risk assessments, MFA, encryption, penetration testing, TPSP oversight, and 72-hour incident notification.
    • Built on risk assessment foundation; annual dual-signature certification by CISO/CEO.
    • Phased compliance with Class A enhancements (e.g., independent audits, EDR).
    • No formal certification; compliance via annual filing and 5-year record retention.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for NY-licensed financial entities (banks, insurers, etc.) to avoid multimillion-dollar fines (e.g., Robinhood $30M).
    • Enhances resilience, reduces incident risk, builds stakeholder trust.
    • Strategic differentiation in vendor selection and insurance premiums.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased roadmap: governance setup, risk assessment, controls (MFA, asset inventory), TPSP contracts, testing.
    • Applies to Covered Entities in NY financial services; scalable by size/complexity.
    • DFS examinations enforce; evidence repository critical for certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    COBIT
    Enterprise I&T governance and management across 40 objectives
    23 NYCRR 500
    Cybersecurity program for financial entities protecting NPI

    Industry

    COBIT
    All industries worldwide, adaptable to any organization
    23 NYCRR 500
    NY financial services licensees (banks, insurers, etc.)

    Nature

    COBIT
    Voluntary governance framework by ISACA
    23 NYCRR 500
    Mandatory NY state regulation with enforcement

    Testing

    COBIT
    CMMI-based capability assessments, self or third-party
    23 NYCRR 500
    Annual pen testing, vulnerability scans, continuous monitoring

    Penalties

    COBIT
    No legal penalties, certification or reputation loss
    23 NYCRR 500
    Multi-million fines, consent orders, license actions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about COBIT and 23 NYCRR 500

    COBIT FAQ

    23 NYCRR 500 FAQ

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