Standards Comparison

    ISO 27032

    Voluntary
    2012

    International guidelines for Internet cybersecurity and collaboration

    VS

    MAS TRM

    Mandatory
    2021

    Singapore guidelines for financial technology risk management

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27032 offers voluntary global guidelines for Internet security collaboration, while MAS TRM enforces technology risk management for Singapore FIs. Organizations adopt ISO 27032 for best practices worldwide; MAS TRM ensures regulatory compliance and resilience.

    Cybersecurity

    ISO 27032

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023 Cybersecurity Guidelines for Internet Security

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Multi-stakeholder collaboration for cyberspace security
    • Guidelines for Internet-specific security risks
    • Annex mapping to ISO 27002 controls
    • Emphasis on detection and incident response
    • Non-certifiable advisory complement to ISO 27001
    Technology Risk Management

    MAS TRM

    MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines

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

    Key Features

    • Board and senior management accountability
    • Proportional risk-based implementation
    • Third-party risk management integration
    • Cyber resilience and defense-in-depth
    • Annual penetration testing for internet systems

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 27032 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023, titled Cybersecurity – Guidelines for Internet Security, is a non-certifiable international guidance standard. It provides high-level recommendations for managing Internet security risks in interconnected ecosystems, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration across information, network, and critical infrastructure security. Its risk-based approach integrates with ISO 27001 via mappings to ISO 27002 controls.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: stakeholder roles, risk assessment, incident management, technical/organizational controls.
    • Thematic domains cover threats, vulnerabilities, awareness, and continuous improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle and ecosystem principles.
    • No fixed controls; advisory with Annex A mappings.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enhances resilience against Internet threats like DDoS and phishing; reduces legal/regulatory risks (e.g., NIS2); improves efficiency via framework alignment; builds stakeholder trust and competitive edge in digital markets.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, risk prioritization, control deployment, monitoring. Suited for all sizes with online presence; integrates into ISMS; no certification but supports audits via existing frameworks.

    MAS TRM Details

    What It Is

    MAS Technology Risk Management (TRM) Guidelines (revised January 2021) are supervisory guidelines from Singapore's Monetary Authority for financial institutions (FIs). This principles-based framework promotes sound practices for technology and cyber risk governance, controls, and resilience, focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) proportionate to risk profile and complexity.

    Key Components

    • 15 sections spanning governance, risk frameworks, secure SDLC, IT operations, resilience, access controls, cryptography, cyber defense, assessments, and audit.
    • Synthesised 12 core principles including board accountability, asset inventories, third-party oversight, and defense-in-depth.
    • Risk-based model with no fixed controls; emphasizes continuous monitoring and independent assurance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets MAS supervisory expectations to avoid enforcement actions.
    • Enhances cyber resilience, operational stability, and customer trust.
    • Supports digital transformation while mitigating systemic risks.
    • Builds competitive edge through robust risk management.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: establish governance, inventory assets, assess risks, deploy controls, test resilience.
    • Applies to all MAS-supervised FIs; scalable by size and exposure.
    • Evidenced via audits, metrics, and board reporting; no formal certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27032
    Internet security guidelines in cyberspace
    MAS TRM
    Technology risk management for financial institutions

    Industry

    ISO 27032
    All sectors globally
    MAS TRM
    Singapore financial services only

    Nature

    ISO 27032
    Voluntary international guidance
    MAS TRM
    Supervisory guidelines with enforcement

    Testing

    ISO 27032
    Risk assessments and exercises
    MAS TRM
    Annual PT for internet systems, DR tests

    Penalties

    ISO 27032
    No direct penalties
    MAS TRM
    Fines, license revocation, enforcement

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27032 and MAS TRM

    ISO 27032 FAQ

    MAS TRM FAQ

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