As technology advances and the use of biometric data becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to address the privacy concerns and regulatory compliance associated with this sensitive data. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) plays a key role in safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights and ensuring the responsible handling of biometric data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can also be utilized to ensure compliance and responsible handling of biometric data.

Germany is widely acknowledged as one of the most technologically advanced nations. However, this prominence also implies a significant reliance on its critical infrastructures (KRITIS), which are essential to the smooth operation of the state and society. To safeguard these infrastructures, Germany has enacted new laws, IT Security Act 2.0 and KRITIS Regulation 2.0, that aim to improve the security of IT systems.

As we approach the end of the federal government fiscal year, it's a good time to review the legislative and policy landscape. Several updates and changes have recently arrived or are already in motion regarding cloud security and data resilience.

In the dynamic and ever-shifting realm of cybersecurity, the Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS2 Directive) has emerged as a cornerstone framework, designed to ensure the safety of critical network and information systems across the European Union. This recent directive, which has entered into force, holds considerable significance, casting far-reaching implications for diverse sectors and entities operating within the EU.

While there is no unitary law for cybersecurity and data protection in Germany, the cyber security landscape is held together by a combination of federal and European laws and regulations. Like every European country, Germany’s data protection is governed and enforced by the strict EU-GDPR.

The U.S. Federal Government passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C.§1030) (CFAA) in 1986 as an amendment to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, which included the first federal computer crime statute. Since enacting the CFAA, congress and the federal government have amended the act multiple times to extend its reach and impose criminal and civil liability on additional malicious computer activities.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a U.S. federal law regulating consumer credit information collection, dissemination, and use by consumer reporting agencies. Understanding the FCRA is vital for organizations directly utilizing consumer credit information and individuals who want to exercise their rights over their personal credit information. Monitor your organization’s attack surface and stay FCRA compliant with UpGuard BreachSight >

By now you’ve heard about the new cybersecurity rules from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requiring public companies to report material cybersecurity incidents and disclose critical information related to cybersecurity risk management, expertise, and governance. Companies will be required to disclose risks in their annual reports beginning on December 15, 2023.

In 2016, the European Commission adopted the EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive. The directive aims to establish regulations that improve the overall cybersecurity level across Europe and was recently updated in January 2023 to a new directive called NIS2. The NIS Directive is a multifaceted legislation that applies to various industry sectors, providing regulations that help EU member states build strong cybersecurity postures.