ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
SAMA CSF
Saudi Central Bank mandatory cybersecurity framework for financial sector
Quick Verdict
ISO 27701 extends ISO 27001 for global privacy certification, enabling PII accountability. SAMA CSF mandates Saudi financial cyber maturity via audits and fines. Organizations adopt ISO 27701 for international trust; SAMA CSF for regulatory survival.
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701 Privacy Information Management System
Key Features
- Privacy extension to ISO 27001 ISMS framework
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers/processors
- Annex A/B privacy control objectives and mappings
- PDCA cycle for continual PIMS improvement
- GDPR alignment via detailed regulatory mappings
SAMA CSF
SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0
Key Features
- Six-level maturity model mandating Level 3 minimum
- Board-level accountability and independent CISO
- Four domains with 114 detailed sub-controls
- Risk-based approach with compensating controls
- Third-party and cloud security requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701 is an international standard extending ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 to establish a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It specifies requirements and guidance for managing PII risks, focusing on controllers and processors using a risk-based, PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 extend ISO 27001 management system for privacy.
- **Annex A39 controls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, DSARs).
- **Annex B24 controls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, assistance).
- Annexes C-F provide mappings to GDPR, ISO 29100, etc.
- Certification via accredited bodies, 3-year cycle with surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
Demonstrates privacy accountability, aligns with GDPR/POPIA/LGPD, reduces risks, enables procurement trust, and provides audit evidence for regulators.
Implementation Overview
Leverage existing ISMS; conduct gap analysis, risk assessment, implement controls, internal audits. Applies to all PII-processing organizations; 6-18 months typical, integrated audits preferred.
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
SAMA Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF) is a mandatory regulatory framework issued by the Saudi Central Bank in 2017. It establishes principle-based cybersecurity requirements for financial institutions to protect information assets. Its risk-driven approach uses a six-level maturity model, targeting at least Level 3 (Structured and formalized).
Key Components
- Four domains: Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third Party Cyber Security.
- 114 sub-controls across 29 objectives in a 5-pillar structure.
- Built on NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, Basel; maturity model from Level 0 (Non-existent) to 5 (Adaptive).
- Compliance via self-assessments, SAMA audits; no external certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for SAMA-regulated entities (banks, insurers, fintechs).
- Enhances resilience, reduces breach risks, meets Vision 2030 digital goals.
- Builds board-level accountability, continuous monitoring for competitive edge.
- Boosts stakeholder trust amid rising threats.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, governance setup, control rollout, monitoring.
- Applies to all Saudi financial institutions; scalable by size.
- Involves documentation pyramid (policies-standards-procedures), KPIs/KRIs; SAMA self-assessments and audits required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27701 | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Privacy management system (PIMS) for PII controllers/processors | Cybersecurity across governance, risk, operations, third-party |
| Industry | All sectors handling PII globally | Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurers, fintechs) |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory regulatory framework with maturity levels |
| Testing | Third-party certification audits (3-year cycle) | Self-assessments, SAMA audits, internal reviews |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Fines, license restrictions, regulatory enforcement |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27701 and SAMA CSF
ISO 27701 FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
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