Pentests Matrix for Top Security Compliances
The multitude of guidelines and regulations can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the penetration testing requirements for each. Determining what each compliance standard requires from a penetration test can be a headache, but it's crucial to get it right. To simplify the process, we've gathered all of the top security compliance standards together in one comprehensive matrix: the Penetration Testing Requirements Matrix for Top Security Compliance Standards. In this article, we'll provide a clear, concise overview of the pentest requirements for each compliance standard, including the use case, penetration testing requirements, and references to specific paragraphs or controls that require pentest. Whether you're facing a regulatory audit or simply looking to secure your systems, this matrix will help you understand what each standard requires and how to meet those requirements.
With the following Penetration Testing Requirements Matrix for Top Security Compliance Standards, you'll have all the information you need in one place to jump-start your compliance efforts. The matrix table is organized by compliance standard, with columns for the use case, penetration testing requirements, and references. The use case column provides a high-level overview of why each standard requires penetration testing, while the penetration testing requirements column outlines what each standard requires. The references column provides specific paragraphs or controls from each standard that mandate penetration testing. Whether you're facing an upcoming audit, seeking to secure your systems, or simply looking to meet industry-specific regulations, this matrix is a valuable tool to help you understand and meet your penetration testing requirements. Here we go:
| Compliance | Use Case | Penetration Testing Requirements | References | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDPR | Data protection for EU residents | Regularly, but at least annually | Article 32 | Recommendation |
| CSA CCM | Cloud Security Alliance | Regularly, but at least annually | CSA CCM v3.0.1 | Recommendation |
| BSIMM | Building Security In Maturity Model | Regularly, but at least annually | BSIMM Framework | Recommendation |
| FedRAMP | Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program | Regularly, but at least annually | FedRAMP PMO | Strict requirement. US Federal agencies & their contractors subjected |
| FISMA | Federal Information Security Modernization Act | Regularly, but at least annually | 44 U.S.C. § 3544(b) | Strict requirement. US Federal agencies & their contractors subjected |
| SOC 2 | Service organization controls | At least annually | SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria | Recommendation |
| SOC 1 | Service organization controls | At least annually | SOC 1 Trust Service Criteria | Recommendation |
| FERPA | Educational institutions | As needed | 34 CFR Part 99.31 | Recommendation |
| CCPA | California Consumer Privacy Act | As needed | California Civil Code 1798.150(a) | Recommendation |
| GLBA | Financial institutions | Annually or as needed | Section 501(b) of the GLBA | Recommendation |
| HIPAA | Health care industry | Annually and after any significant changes to the system | 164.308(a)(8) | Recommendation |
| PCI DSS | Payment card industry | Annually and after any significant changes to network | Requirement 11.3 | |
| NYDFS | New York Department of Financial Services | Annually | 23 NYCRR 500.09 |
Note: The frequency and scope of the penetration testing will depend on the specific requirements of the compliance and the needs of the organization. In general, penetration testing should be performed regularly and after any significant changes to the system to ensure ongoing compliance and security.
In conclusion, the presented Penetration Testing Requirements Matrix for Top Security Compliance Standards provides a comprehensive overview of the pentest requirements for the most widely used security compliance standards. Our matrix is designed to simplify the process of understanding and to meet pentest requirements, allowing organizations to focus on protecting their sensitive information and securing their systems.
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