GLBA
U.S. law for financial privacy notices and safeguards
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity framework reducing attack surface
Quick Verdict
GLBA mandates privacy notices and security programs for US financial firms handling NPI, enforced by FTC with heavy penalties. CIS Controls offer voluntary, prioritized cybersecurity best practices for all organizations to reduce attack surfaces and build resilience.
GLBA
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized controls with 153 safeguards
- Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for scalability
- Asset inventory and software control focus
- Mappings to NIST, ISO, PCI frameworks
- Free Benchmarks and assessment tools
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GLBA Details
What It Is
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a U.S. federal regulation enacted in 1999. It establishes privacy and security standards for financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI). Primary purpose: ensure transparency in data sharing and robust safeguards against unauthorized access. Adopts a risk-based approach via Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule.
Key Components
- Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313): notices, opt-outs for nonaffiliated sharing.
- Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314): written security program with administrative, technical, physical controls; Qualified Individual; board reporting.
- **Pretexting protectionsanti-social engineering measures. No certification; enforced via FTC for non-banks, with breach notification.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for financial entities; avoids penalties up to $100,000/violation. Enhances risk management, customer trust, vendor oversight. Builds resilience against breaches, supports competitive data practices.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping, risk assessment, controls (encryption, MFA), training, testing. Applies to banks, fintech, tax firms; all sizes (exemptions <5,000 customers). Requires audits, documentation; ongoing monitoring.
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1 is a community-driven, prescriptive cybersecurity framework of prioritized best practices to reduce attack surfaces and enhance resilience. It applies across industries, focusing on actionable safeguards via Implementation Groups (IG1-IG3) tailored to organizational maturity and risk.
Key Components
- 18 Controls with 153 Safeguards, covering asset inventory, data protection, access management, vulnerability remediation, monitoring, and incident response.
- Built on real-world attack data; scalable via IG1 (56 basic safeguards) to IG3 (full suite).
- No formal certification; self-assessed compliance with mappings to NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates 85% of common attacks; accelerates regulatory compliance.
- Delivers ROI via efficiency, insurance discounts, and trust.
- Builds resilience against breaches, supply-chain risks.
Implementation Overview
- Phased roadmap: governance, gap analysis, IG1 foundational controls (3-9 months), expansion to IG2/IG3.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; automates discovery, patching; uses free Benchmarks/tools.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GLBA | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Privacy notices, safeguards for financial NPI | 18 cybersecurity controls across all assets |
| Industry | Financial institutions (broad non-banks), US | All industries worldwide, all sizes |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal regulation, FTC enforced | Voluntary prioritized cybersecurity framework |
| Testing | Risk assessments, pen tests, board reporting | Vulnerability scans, pen tests by IG level |
| Penalties | $100K/violation civil, 5yr jail criminal | No penalties, reputational/compliance benefits |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GLBA and CIS Controls
GLBA FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
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