Cybersecurity & Data Protection Assessment Standards (CDPAS) to standardize third-party assessments for cybersecurity

• The Secure Control Framework Council (SCF Council) has established the Cybersecurity & Data Protection Assessment Standards (CDPAS) to standardize third-party assessments for cybersecurity and data protection controls.
• The CDPAS offers a consistent framework for assessments, attestation, and certification while emphasizing flexibility to suit unique organizational needs and compliance obligations.
• Intended for a wide range of stakeholders, the CDPAS promotes clear terminology, effective documentation, and robust assessment processes to enhance security, efficiency, and accountability.

The Cybersecurity & Data Protection Assessment Standards (CDPAS), created by the SCF Council, aim to provide a unified and consistent framework for conducting third-party assessments, attestation, and certification services in cybersecurity and data protection. These standards address the fragmented approaches currently used, ensuring assessments meet predefined quality and compliance benchmarks.

The CDPAS distinguishes between assessments, which evaluate control implementation and effectiveness, and audits, which examine compliance with policies and procedures. It introduces processes for conducting assessments, issuing attestations based on findings, and authorizing certifications when requirements are met.

Tailored for diverse users—including organizations seeking assessments, third-party assessment organizations, and service providers—the CDPAS emphasizes adaptability to meet statutory, regulatory, and operational needs. The document also provides clear definitions, mandatory criteria, and guidelines for assessment boundaries, controls, and terminology to ensure precise communication and robust governance in cybersecurity and data protection initiatives.

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