What is the primary objective of **SAMA CSF**?

**SAMA CSF's primary objective is to create a common approach for addressing cybersecurity across Member Organizations, achieve an appropriate maturity level of cybersecurity controls, and ensure cybersecurity risks are properly managed.** Version 1.0 (May 2017) prescribes principles, objectives, and control considerations across four domains—**Cyber Security Leadership and Governance**, **Risk Management and Compliance**, **Operations and Technology**, and **Third Party Cyber Security**—using a six-level **maturity model** targeting at least **Level 3 (Structured and formalized)**, where policies, standards, procedures, and KPIs are defined and monitored.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **SAMA CSF**?

**SAMA CSF is mandatory for all SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, including banks, insurance and reinsurance companies, financing companies, credit bureaus, and Financial Market Infrastructure providers.** All domains apply fully to banks; non-banks have tailored exceptions (e.g., excluding payment systems unless handling cardholder data or SWIFT). Boards, senior management, CISOs (Saudi nationals with SAMA no-objection), and compliance teams bear accountability, with secondary application to third-party providers enabling customer compliance.

Does **SAMA CSF** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**SAMA CSF does not require external third-party certification but mandates periodic self-assessments using SAMA-provided questionnaires and independent internal audits.** SAMA conducts supervisory reviews and audits of self-assessments to verify maturity (minimum Level 3) and control effectiveness. Internal audits follow accepted standards; external auditors may assist, but compliance is demonstrated through evidence portfolios like policies, risk registers, and KRIs, without a formal certification regime.

How often should an assessment for **SAMA CSF** be performed?

**SAMA CSF requires periodic self-assessments using SAMA questionnaires, with annual reviews of critical information assets and more frequent assessments triggered by events like projects, changes, outsourcing, or new products.** Maturity levels are evaluated ongoing via KPIs (Level 3) and KRIs (Level 4+), supporting continuous improvement. Penetration testing is required annually for customer-facing services, with results reported to business owners for remediation.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **SAMA CSF**?

**Non-compliance with SAMA CSF triggers regulatory enforcement including supervisory actions, remediation demands, elevated scrutiny, audit findings, and potential operational restrictions.** As a mandated framework, violations fall under SAMA's broader supervisory powers, risking formal actions like mandated audits or business conditions. Operationally, it heightens incident risks, financial losses, reputational damage, and systemic impacts; medium/high incidents require immediate SAMA notification.

Can **SAMA CSF** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, SAMA CSF conceptually aligns with international frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and BASEL, enabling control mappings for integrated compliance.** Its principle-based structure and maturity model map NIST functions (Identify-Protect-Detect-Respond-Recover) to domains, while ISO 27001's ISMS aligns with governance and risk processes. Sector-specific controls (e.g., PCI-DSS for cards, SWIFT CSCF) are explicitly referenced, allowing dual-compliance without duplication.

What is the first step to begin implementing **SAMA CSF**?

**The first step to implement SAMA CSF is to secure Board and Senior Management sponsorship, establish governance (e.g., Cyber Security Committee and CISO), and conduct a baseline maturity assessment via gap analysis against the framework's controls.** Phase 1 (Initiation & Gap Analysis) inventories assets, scopes applicable domains/subdomains, and produces a maturity baseline (targeting Level 3 minimum) using the maturity model and control considerations.

What is the primary objective of **ISO 27701**?

**ISO 27701 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) to manage privacy risks associated with PII processing.** It extends ISO 27001 management system clauses (4–10) with privacy-specific controls in Annexes A (PII controllers) and B (PII processors), enabling demonstrable accountability through records like RoPA, DSAR procedures, and risk treatment plans.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 27701**?

**ISO 27701 applies to any organization acting as a PII controller, processor, or both, regardless of size or sector.** Controllers determine processing purposes and must implement Annex A controls (e.g., lawful basis, data subject rights); processors follow controller instructions via Annex B controls (e.g., confidentiality, subprocessor management). It supports compliance with privacy laws like GDPR but is voluntary.

Does **ISO 27701** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**ISO 27701 certification is achieved through external audits by accredited third-party certification bodies, typically in a two-stage process.** Stage 1 reviews documentation (e.g., scope, SoA); Stage 2 verifies implementation via interviews and evidence. The 2025 edition enables standalone certification, often integrated with ISO 27001 audits, valid for three years with annual surveillance.

How often should an assessment for **ISO 27701** be performed?

**ISO 27701 requires continual assessment through internal audits, management reviews, and annual surveillance audits post-certification.** Certification lasts three years, with recertification at year three; organizations must conduct periodic internal audits (Clause 9), risk reassessments, and PDCA-driven improvements to maintain PIMS effectiveness.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ISO 27701**?

**Non-compliance with ISO 27701 risks certification loss, failed surveillance audits, and weakened evidence for privacy law violations.** As a voluntary standard, direct penalties do not apply, but inadequate PIMS exposes organizations to regulatory fines (e.g., GDPR up to 4% global turnover), reputational damage, and supply-chain exclusion from privacy-assured contracts.

Can **ISO 27701** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, ISO 27701 includes annexes mapping its controls to frameworks like GDPR (Annex D), ISO/IEC 29100 (Annex C), and ISO/IEC 27018/29151 (Annex E).** Annex F details relationships to ISO 27001/27002, enabling integrated risk processes and shared SoA for unified compliance evidence.

What is the first step to begin implementing **ISO 27701**?

**The first step is defining PIMS context and scope per Clause 4, identifying PII processing activities and controller/processor roles.** Conduct a gap analysis using Annex F, produce initial RoPA, and secure leadership commitment for a privacy policy and objectives.

SAMA CSF vs ISO 27701

Standards Comparison

SAMA CSF

Mandatory

2017

Saudi framework for financial sector cybersecurity maturity

ISO 27701

Voluntary

2019

International standard for privacy information management systems

Quick Verdict

SAMA CSF mandates cybersecurity maturity for Saudi financial firms via self-assessments and audits, while ISO 27701 certifies privacy management globally. Firms adopt SAMA for regulatory survival, ISO for auditable PII governance and trust.

Cybersecurity

SAMA CSF

SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Six-level maturity model targeting Level 3 minimum
Mandatory for SAMA-regulated Saudi financial institutions
Four core domains from governance to third-party security
Principle-based controls aligned with NIST and ISO 27001
Requires board oversight and independent CISO appointment

Privacy Management

ISO 27701

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
Extends ISO 27001 with privacy risk management
Annex mappings to GDPR and other privacy laws
Three-year certification with annual surveillance audits

Detailed Analysis

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

SAMA CSF Details

What It Is

The SAMA Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF) Version 1.0, issued in May 2017 by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, is a mandatory regulatory framework for cybersecurity in SAMA-regulated financial institutions. It adopts a principle-based, risk-oriented approach focused on governance, controls, and maturity to protect information assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Key Components

Four principal domains: Cyber Security Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security.
Numerous subdomains with principles, objectives, and control considerations.
Six-level maturity model (0-5), minimum Level 3 (Structured and Formalized).
Compliance via self-assessments and SAMA audits, aligned with NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory compliance avoids penalties, audits, operational disruptions.
Enhances resilience, reduces incident risks, improves efficiency.
Builds trust, enables partnerships, competitive edge in Saudi finance.
Integrates with enterprise risk management for strategic benefits.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, risk assessment, control deployment, monitoring. Targets banks, insurers, financing firms in Saudi Arabia. Requires board sponsorship, CISO, documentation pyramid; iterative for maturity progression. (178 words)

ISO 27701 Details

What It Is

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard defining requirements for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO/IEC 27001 to manage privacy risks in processing personally identifiable information (PII), applicable to controllers and processors. It uses a risk-based, PDCA management system approach for governance and controls.

Key Components

Clauses 4–10: Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
**Annex A39 controls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, DSARs, retention).
**Annex B24 controls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
Mappings to GDPR (Annex D), ISO 27002. Built on ISO 27000 family; certification via three-year audits by accredited bodies.

Why Organizations Use It

Demonstrates GDPR/other law compliance.
Reduces privacy risks, builds stakeholder trust.
Enables procurement advantages, supply-chain assurance.
Integrates privacy into security for efficiency.

Implementation Overview

Phased: Scope, gap analysis, controls, audits.
Key activities: RoPA, risk assessments, training, DSAR processes.
Suits all sizes/industries processing PII; 6–12 months typical with ISO 27001 base.

Key Differences

Aspect	SAMA CSF	ISO 27701
Scope	Cybersecurity across 4 domains: governance, risk, operations, third-party	Privacy management system for PII controllers/processors
Industry	Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, fintech)	Any organization processing PII globally
Nature	Mandatory regulatory framework with maturity model	Voluntary certification standard extending ISO 27001
Testing	Periodic self-assessments, SAMA audits, maturity levels	Internal audits, external certification, surveillance audits
Penalties	Regulatory enforcement, fines, operational restrictions	Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

Scope

SAMA CSF

Cybersecurity across 4 domains: governance, risk, operations, third-party

ISO 27701

Privacy management system for PII controllers/processors

Industry

SAMA CSF

Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, fintech)

ISO 27701

Any organization processing PII globally

Nature

SAMA CSF

Mandatory regulatory framework with maturity model

ISO 27701

Voluntary certification standard extending ISO 27001

Testing

SAMA CSF

Periodic self-assessments, SAMA audits, maturity levels

ISO 27701

Internal audits, external certification, surveillance audits

Penalties

SAMA CSF

Regulatory enforcement, fines, operational restrictions

ISO 27701

Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SAMA CSF and ISO 27701

SAMA CSF FAQ

ISO 27701 FAQ

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SAMA CSF

ISO 27701

Quick Verdict

SAMA CSF

Key Features

ISO 27701

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

SAMA CSF Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

ISO 27701 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

SAMA CSF FAQ

What is the primary objective of SAMA CSF?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with SAMA CSF?

Does SAMA CSF require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for SAMA CSF be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with SAMA CSF?

Can SAMA CSF be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing SAMA CSF?

ISO 27701 FAQ

What is the primary objective of ISO 27701?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with ISO 27701?

Does ISO 27701 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for ISO 27701 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ISO 27701?

Can ISO 27701 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing ISO 27701?

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What if the EU would not have made GDPR mandatory...

Top 5 Reasons HITRUST CSF's MyCSF Platform Crushes Evidence Overload for R2 Assessments in Hybrid Cloud Environments

SOC 2 Audit Survival Guide: Auditor Questions, Red Flags, and Evidence Prep for First-Time Pass

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

PIPL vs WEEE

GDPR vs ISO 9001

HIPAA vs ISO 26000