Standards Comparison

    NIS2

    Mandatory
    2022

    EU directive for high cybersecurity across critical sectors

    VS

    GLBA

    Mandatory
    1999

    US law for financial privacy notices and data safeguards

    Quick Verdict

    NIS2 mandates EU-wide cybersecurity resilience for critical sectors, while GLBA enforces US financial privacy protections for NPI. Companies adopt NIS2 for regulatory compliance and infrastructure security, GLBA to safeguard consumer data and avoid FTC penalties.

    Cybersecurity

    NIS2

    Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2)

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

    Key Features

    • Expands scope via size-cap rule for medium/large entities
    • Mandates strict 24/72-hour multi-stage incident reporting
    • Enforces direct senior management accountability
    • Requires continuous risk management and supply chain security
    • Imposes fines up to 2% of global annual turnover
    Financial Privacy

    GLBA

    Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

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

    Key Features

    • Privacy notices and opt-out rights for NPI sharing
    • Comprehensive Safeguards Rule security program
    • Qualified Individual designation and board reporting
    • 30-day FTC breach notification for 500+ consumers
    • Broad financial institution definition including non-banks

    Detailed Analysis

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

    NIS2 Details

    What It Is

    NIS2, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity resilience across member states. It targets essential and important entities in critical sectors using a proactive, risk-based approach with continuous assurance.

    Key Components

    • Four pillars: risk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
    • Strict reporting: 24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report.
    • Leverages standards like ISO 27001, NIST CSF; features spot checks, no formal certification but enforced compliance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Essential for legal compliance amid fines up to 2% global turnover or €10M. Enhances cyber resilience, protects critical infrastructure, builds stakeholder trust, ensures business continuity, and provides competitive edge in EU markets.

    Implementation Overview

    Applies to medium/large entities (50+ employees, €10M+ turnover) in sectors like energy, transport, digital services. Involves risk assessments, supply chain security, training, governance. EU states transpose by October 2024; requires ongoing audits and adaptation.

    GLBA Details

    What It Is

    The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a US federal law enacted in 1999, establishing privacy and security standards for financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI). Its primary purpose is to ensure transparency in data-sharing practices and robust protection of consumer financial data through a risk-based approach.

    Key Components

    • Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313): Mandates initial/annual notices and opt-out rights for nonaffiliated third-party sharing.
    • Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314): Requires a comprehensive written information security program with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including risk assessments and vendor oversight.
    • **Pretexting ProvisionsProhibits obtaining NPI under false pretenses. Built on risk-based governance; compliance via FTC enforcement for non-banks, no formal certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legal compliance for covered financial institutions (broad scope: banks, lenders, tax firms).
    • Mitigates enforcement risks (fines up to $100K/violation).
    • Enhances customer trust, operational resilience, and vendor management.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scoping, risk assessment, policy development, technical controls, testing. Applies to US financial entities of all sizes; involves audits, board reporting, no external certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    NIS2
    Cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure and digital services
    GLBA
    Privacy and security of consumer financial information (NPI)

    Industry

    NIS2
    Essential/important entities across EU sectors (energy, transport, etc.)
    GLBA
    Financial institutions (broad: banks, lenders, tax preparers) in US

    Nature

    NIS2
    Mandatory EU directive with national transposition and fines
    GLBA
    Mandatory US federal law enforced by FTC and banking regulators

    Testing

    NIS2
    Risk assessments, supply chain security, continuous monitoring
    GLBA
    Penetration testing, vulnerability scans, annual risk assessments

    Penalties

    NIS2
    Up to 2% global turnover or €10M for essential entities
    GLBA
    Up to $100K per violation, criminal penalties up to 5 years

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about NIS2 and GLBA

    NIS2 FAQ

    GLBA FAQ

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