GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
SAMA CSF
Saudi regulatory framework for financial cybersecurity maturity.
Quick Verdict
GDPR UK mandates data protection for all UK personal data handlers, enforcing rights and accountability via ICO fines. SAMA CSF requires Saudi financial firms to achieve cybersecurity maturity levels through structured governance and audits. Organizations adopt them for legal compliance and risk mitigation.
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Demonstrable accountability principle requires compliance evidence
- Fines up to 4% global annual turnover
- Seven core data processing principles enforced
- Risk-based DPIAs for high-risk processing mandatory
- Extra-territorial scope targets non-UK UK data activities
SAMA CSF
SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0
Key Features
- Six-level maturity model targeting Level 3 minimum
- Four domains including third-party cybersecurity
- Principle-based controls for financial institutions
- Board-level governance and CISO requirements
- Self-assessment with SAMA supervisory review
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit retained version of EU GDPR, a binding legal regulation enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It governs personal data processing with a risk-based, accountability-focused approach applying to UK-established and extra-territorial organizations targeting UK individuals.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Individual rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Controller/processor obligations, DPIAs, RoPA, breach notifications.
- No certification; compliance demonstrated via documentation and ICO enforcement model with fines up to £17.5m or 4% turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal mandate reduces fines/reputational risks; builds trust via transparent processing; enables secure data use in AI/marketing; supports cross-border operations post-Brexit.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance, data mapping/RoPA, policies/contracts, DPIAs/security, rights/breach processes, audits. Applies universally to data handlers; ICO guidance aids proportionality for SMEs.
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF), Version 1.0 (May 2017), is a mandatory regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. Its primary purpose is to ensure cybersecurity resilience through governance, risk management, and controls, protecting information assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It employs a principle-based, risk-oriented approach with a six-level maturity model targeting at least Level 3.
Key Components
- Four main domains: Cyber Security Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security.
- 114 sub-controls across subdomains like IAM, incident response, payment systems.
- Built on NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS; compliance via self-assessment and SAMA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for banks, insurers, finance firms to avoid penalties, audits.
- Enhances resilience, reduces incidents; strategic edge in fintech partnerships.
- Builds trust, efficiency via metrics; aligns with Vision 2030 digital goals.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, control deployment, monitoring. Applies to all SAMA entities; iterative self-assessments, no external certification but SAMA review.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR UK | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing principles, rights, security | Cybersecurity governance, operations, third-party risks |
| Industry | All sectors handling UK personal data | Saudi financial institutions only |
| Nature | Mandatory data protection regulation | Mandatory cybersecurity maturity framework |
| Testing | DPIAs, audits, ICO consultations | Self-assessments, maturity levels, SAMA audits |
| Penalties | £17.5M or 4% global turnover fines | Supervisory actions, remediation demands |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR UK and SAMA CSF
GDPR UK FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Top 5 Reasons Automation Tools Like Vanta Slash SOC 2 Type 2 Timelines from Months to Weeks
Automation tools like Vanta cut SOC 2 Type 2 prep from 6 months to 6 weeks, saving 70% costs. See SignWell examples, AWS/Okta/GitHub integrations. CISOs: Get fi
CIS Controls v8.1 Metrics That Matter: KPIs, KRIs, and Dashboards for Board-Ready Cyber Reporting
Quantify CIS Controls v8.1 success with KPIs, KRIs & dashboards. Learn what to measure, calculations, and executive presentations linking security to business r
Top 10 Cost-Saving Hacks for CMMC Compliance: Budgeting Blueprints for Small DIB Suppliers
Slash CMMC costs 30-50% with top 10 hacks for small DIB suppliers. Enclave scoping, FedRAMP clouds, automation, POA&M tips & budgeting blueprints for Level 2 co
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
COBIT vs BRC
Discover COBIT vs BRC: IT governance framework COBIT 2019 excels in enterprise IT risk & value, while BRCGS ensures food safety compliance. Compare key diffs & pick the best for your needs now!
SQF vs CMMI
Compare SQF vs CMMI: GFSI HACCP food safety (Modules 2/11) vs process maturity levels 1-5 for IT/software. Discover key differences, benefits, and choose your compliance path.
IATF 16949 vs ISO/IEC 42001:2023
Discover IATF 16949 vs ISO/IEC 42001:2023—automotive QMS meets AI governance. Compare clauses, risks, core tools & leadership for compliance edge. Unlock insights now!