Navigating SEBI’s New Cyber Resilience Guidelines: How SISA Can Empower Your Cybersecurity Strategy

With deadlines for the new regulations fast approaching, understanding what this framework means for your organization and the future of the Indian securities market is essential.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently introduced the Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) to bolster the cybersecurity posture of regulated entities (REs) in the Indian securities market. This framework replaces prior SEBI guidelines and aims to enhance the cyber resilience of various organizations, ensuring they remain secure and prepared for evolving threats.

Understanding CSCRF

The new CSCRF incorporates key resilience goals from CERT-In’s Cyber Crisis Management Plan:

• Anticipate
• Withstand
• Contain
• Recover
• Evolve

These goals are mapped to six fundamental cybersecurity functions:

• Governance
• Identify
• Protect
• Detect
• Respond
• Recover

This mapping provides a structured and proactive approach to cybersecurity, guiding organizations in strengthening their defenses.

Introducing the Cyber Capability Index (CCI)

A significant feature of CSCRF is the introduction of the Cyber Capability Index (CCI). This index helps Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) and other qualified REs assess and monitor their cybersecurity maturity levels, enabling them to adapt to emerging threats effectively.

Mandatory Security Operations Center (SOC)

The framework mandates that all REs establish security monitoring mechanisms through a Security Operations Center (SOC). This measure emphasizes continuous monitoring and timely detection of security incidents.

Compliance Deadlines

For Previously Regulated Entities: January 2025

For Newly Regulated Entities: April 2025

The Challenges Ahead

The CSCRF represents more than compliance—it marks a fundamental shift towards building a sustainable and resilient security posture. For many REs, meeting these requirements may be challenging due to:

Complexity of SOC Implementation: Establishing a SOC involves significant resources and expertise.

Skill Gaps: A shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals can hinder effective implementation.

Cost Implications: Financial constraints may impact smaller entities more significantly.

Enhancing Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere compliance, organizations need to leverage the following to effectively comply with the new mandates:

Leveraging Expertise

Organizations can benefit from expertise rooted in a deep understanding of cybersecurity across multiple sectors, including finance and IT. Tailoring solutions to specific needs ensures that both compliance and proactive security measures are considered.

Proactive Risk Assessment

Conducting proactive risk assessments, gap analyses, and early identification of potential threats helps organizations become not just compliant, but also resilient. This approach focuses on mitigating risks before they materialize.

ISO 27001 Support and Certification

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a core component of CSCRF for MIIs and qualified REs. Comprehensive support can guide organizations through the complexities of achieving certification with minimal friction, demonstrating a commitment to international security standards.

Integrated SOC Implementation with Advanced Solutions

Implementing a SOC is essential under the new guidelines. Enhancing SOC capabilities with solutions like Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) can provide:

• Advanced Threat Detection
• Proactive Response Mechanisms
• Sophisticated Analytics

These features are crucial for staying ahead of sophisticated cyber threats. For smaller entities that may struggle to implement their own SOCs, scalable and adaptable solutions can enhance monitoring and response capabilities while keeping costs manageable.

Considering whether to set up your own SOC or use an MDR solution? Tools like savings calculators can help you understand if using an MDR solution is the right choice for your organization.

Customized Support for Cyber Capability Index (CCI)

With the introduction of the CCI, regularly assessing and improving cybersecurity maturity is crucial. A tailored approach ensures that REs meet CCI standards, thereby enhancing their cyber resilience.

Your Partner for Cyber Resilience and Compliance

The new CSCRF framework & cyber resilience guidelines by SEBI brings forward a proactive vision of cybersecurity for the Indian securities market—one focused not only on defending but also on adapting and evolving. SISA, with its philosophy of “Security and not only Compliance” helps regulated entities take a strategic approach to meet these requirements. We provide 24/7 support, leveraging our global reach, expert knowledge, and advanced tools to ensure compliance and strengthen your cybersecurity framework.

Achieving compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Instead turn compliance into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and future-readiness. Click here to get in touch with us.