The Cybersecurity Safe Harbor Law was recently enacted in several states around the United States, including Connecticut. This groundbreaking legislation is crucial for both businesses and consumers because it protects firms from responsibility in a cybersecurity breach while also mandating that they satisfy minimal cybersecurity requirements that safeguard consumer data privacy. After making CMMC and DFARS compulsory for DoD vendors, the demand for DFARS consultant Virginia Beach has seen an uptick.
The Cybersecurity Safe Harbor Law, in theory, protects businesses from being held accountable for any cybersecurity infringements on their networks – but only if one essential criterion is met. Companies should develop a cybersecurity framework centered on defined standards, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, which includes NIST 800-53A and NIST 800-171, to be protected by this statute.
Security Assessment Framework for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
For regulated companies, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
For regulated entities, the Federal Information Security Management Act
When a cyberattack occurs, you’re safe from privacy lawsuits and other legal allegations relating to the attack as long as you can show that your company is following a recognized framework.
Connecticut’s Cybersecurity Safe Harbor Law
Connecticut’s Cybersecurity Safe Harbor Law, also known as An Act Incentivizing the Adoption of Cybersecurity Standards for Businesses, was signed on July 6, 2021, and into effect on October 1, 2021. Like other similar legislation, it shields corporations from punitive penalties in tort situations when they are sued for “failure to establish adequate cybersecurity measures” that result in a data leak. However, the regulation does not apply in circumstances where a company fails to take cybersecurity safeguards owing to “gross negligence, intentional or wanton behavior.”
The state urges firms to deal with cybersecurity ahead of schedule rather than waiting for worst-case scenarios by providing legal protection rather than penalties such as expensive costs.
How can the NIST CSF help you qualify for safe harbor?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a set of standards and best practices for addressing cybersecurity threats. Identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering are the system’s five basic tasks. Each function explains the DFARS cybersecurity capabilities, initiatives, procedures, and everyday actions businesses should consider to decrease cyber threats.
The identify function assists you in determining the cybersecurity dangers that your company faces. This entails learning about your company’s operations and systems, as well as determining which assets must be safeguarded.
Protect lets you put protections in place to avoid and/or detect an illegal access to networks and data. This involves putting in place security controls like access control and data security.
The detect feature aids in detecting cybersecurity events and possible threats early. Integrating activity tracking and recording tools is part of this.
The reply feature aids in the containment and mitigation of cybersecurity events. Establishing and executing incident response strategies, managing communications, and performing forensic investigations are part of this.
After a cybersecurity event, the recover feature assists you in restoring regular operations. This includes data and system backups and changes to avoid or reduce future catastrophes.
Because it is a thorough methodology that covers all areas of cybersecurity, the NIST CSF is a suitable fit for achieving Connecticut’s safe harbor criteria. It’s also updated regularly to keep up with alterations in the threat landscape and new technologies.
Furthermore, the NIST CSF is extensively used and has received government, business, and academic support. This implies that organizations wishing to apply the framework will have access to a multitude of information and assistance.
Finally, the NIST CSF is adaptable and can be tailored to any organization’s needs. As a result, it’s a terrific fit for companies of various sizes and sectors.