Skip to main content
Menu Icon
Close

InfoBytes Blog

Financial Services Law Insights and Observations

NYDFS Issues Reminder on Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance Effective August 28

State Issues Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security NYDFS Compliance Bank Regulatory 23 NYCRR Part 500

State Issues

On August 28, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) issued an announcement reminding all NYDFS-regulated banks, insurance companies, and other financial services institutions that they must now begin complying with the state’s “first-in-nation cybersecurity regulation.” As previously covered in Infobytes, the regulation took effect March 1, 2017, but August 28 was the first compliance date. Covered entities are now required to implement the following: (i) a cybersecurity program designed to protect consumers’ private data; (ii) board/senior officer-approved written policy or policies; (iii) a designated Chief Information Security Officer to help protect an entity’s data and systems; and (iv) “controls and plans in place to help ensure the safety and soundness of New York’s financial services industry.” Furthermore, covered entities must begin reporting cybersecurity events through NYDFS’ online cybersecurity portal. (See previous InfoBytes coverage here.) Notices of exemption may be filed within “30 days of the determination that the covered entity is exempt,” and covered entities must file a certificate of compliance confirming compliance for the previous calendar year no later than February 15, 2018. NYDFS also released a series of frequently asked questions to provide assistance to institutions when complying with the regulation’s requirements.