APRA Updates Guidance on Managing Information Security Risks

APRA, in March 2019, had proposed to update the cross-industry Prudential Practice Guide CPG 234 Management of Security Risk in Information and Information Technology, which is being renamed as the Prudential Practice Guide CPG 234 Information Security. APRA made a number of minor changes to CPG 234 as part of the final review process. The guide is aimed at boards and senior management as well as risk and information technology experts in regulated entities. It outlines how entities can maintain information security capabilities commensurate with the size and complexity of their business and the sensitivity of the data they possess. It also explains how entities can optimize their resilience when aspects of their information security are managed by third parties. The guide also sets out key information a board could consider in relation to its responsibilities under CPS 234. 

CPS 234 is expected to shore up APRA-regulated entities’ resilience against information security incidents (including cyber-attacks) and their ability to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a breach. The APRA letter states that, with the July 01 start date for CPS 234 imminent, it is important that all APRA-regulated entities have assessed their level of compliance with the standard and taken appropriate steps to address any gaps. APRA recognizes that the new information security requirements materially raise the bar across the industry and will take time to be fully effective. If an entity assesses that it will not be able to fully comply with the new standard from July 01, it should immediately contact its APRA supervisor.

Related Links

• Media Release
• CPG 234 Information Security (PDF)
• Response to Submissions (PDF)

Keywords: Asia Pacific, Australia, Banking, Insurance, CPG 234, CPS 234, Information Security, Prudential Practice Guide, Cyber Risk, Operational Risk, APRA