Standards Comparison

    ISO 37301

    Voluntary
    2021

    International certifiable standard for compliance management systems

    VS

    23 NYCRR 500

    Mandatory
    2017

    NY regulation for financial services cybersecurity.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 37301 offers certifiable CMS for global compliance culture; 23 NYCRR 500 mandates cybersecurity for NY finance. Firms adopt ISO for broad risk management, NYCRR to avoid fines and meet regulatory demands.

    Compliance Management

    ISO 37301

    ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
    • High-Level Structure enables integration with other ISO standards
    • Risk-based compliance obligation identification and planning
    • Leadership commitment fosters compliance culture and resources
    • Mandatory whistleblowing channels with anti-retaliation protections
    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 compliance certification
    • 72-hour cybersecurity incident notification
    • Phishing-resistant MFA for high-risk access
    • Third-party service provider security policy
    • Risk-based annual penetration testing

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 37301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors, using a risk-based approach via the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Emphasizes leadership commitment, compliance culture, risk assessment, whistleblowing protections, internal audits, and continual improvement.
    • Built on HLS; supports companion standards like ISO 37302 for measurement.
    • Certification model via accredited bodies (e.g., ANAB) with three-year cycles.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust.
    • Provides third-party assurance for investors, partners; enhances reputation.
    • Mitigates fines, litigation; supports ESG/SDGs (e.g., 8,16).
    • Competitive edge through demonstrated integrity and efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: secure leadership buy-in, map obligations, build register, train, audit.
    • Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; integrates with IMS.
    • Certification optional but via accredited auditors; ongoing surveillance required.

    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 effective March 2017 with 2023 amendments. It establishes prescriptive, risk-based cybersecurity requirements for financial services entities to protect nonpublic information (NPI) and information systems. The approach emphasizes governance, evidence-based outcomes, and rapid incident response.

    Key Components

    • 14 core requirements including cybersecurity program, CISO governance, MFA, encryption, asset inventory, TPSP oversight, penetration testing, and 72-hour incident notification.
    • Built on risk assessments using frameworks like NIST CSF; annual dual CISO/CEO certification with 5-year record retention.
    • Class A companies face enhanced audits and controls; limited exemptions for small entities.

    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, and aligns with enterprise risk management.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased roadmap: gap analysis, asset inventory, MFA rollout, TPSP contracts, testing; up to 24 months.
    • Applies to NY financial services firms; no external certification but DFS examinations and annual filings required. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 37301
    Compliance obligations, risks, culture across all areas
    23 NYCRR 500
    Cybersecurity protections for NPI and systems

    Industry

    ISO 37301
    All sectors, global applicability
    23 NYCRR 500
    NY financial services entities only

    Nature

    ISO 37301
    Voluntary certifiable management standard
    23 NYCRR 500
    Mandatory regulation with enforcement

    Testing

    ISO 37301
    Internal audits, management reviews annually
    23 NYCRR 500
    Annual pen testing, vulnerability scans

    Penalties

    ISO 37301
    Loss of certification, no fines
    23 NYCRR 500
    Multi-million dollar fines, consent orders

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37301 and 23 NYCRR 500

    ISO 37301 FAQ

    23 NYCRR 500 FAQ

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