Testing rules compared, US, Gulf and benchmarks.

All 84 rules on the dimensions that decide what a test looks like, grouped by country. Each name opens the rule in full, with the clause and quote behind every code. Reviewed October 30, 2026.

How each rule tests.

Whether the rule binds, how often it tests, what it asks of testers and of the regulator, and whether it reaches for threat intelligence, replay, retests or automation. Codes are words; the square only helps the eye, and Not addressed means the full text is silent.1

Legal force, cycle, testers and oversight, 84 rules
Rule Legal forceHow oftenThreat intelTester rulesIn-house testersPurple or replayRetestRegulator roleAutomation, AI
United States19
NYDFS Part 500 MandatoryAnnualNot addressedRequiredAllowedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
FFIEC IS booklet SupervisoryRisk-basedNot addressedRecommendedAllowedNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
FFIEC CAT (sunset) VoluntaryRisk-basedRecommendedRecommendedNot addressedNot addressedRecommendedNot addressedAddressed
SEC Reg SCI MandatoryEvery 3 yearsNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CFTC system safeguards MandatoryAnnual (DCOs, SDRs, covered DCMs)RequiredRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
Interagency security guidelines MandatoryRisk-basedNot addressedRecommendedWith conditionsNot addressedRecommendedExaminesNot addressed
FTC Safeguards Rule MandatoryAnnual (unless continuous monitoring)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedAddressed
FISMA + NIST 800-53 MandatoryAnnual (statute); CA-8 org-definedRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
FedRAMP Rev5 (legacy) MandatoryAnnualRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsAddressed
FedRAMP CR26 / 20x MandatoryAnnual independent assessmentNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
CISA HVA (BOD 18-02) MandatoryEvery 3 yearsRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredLeads the testAddressed
OMB M-22-09 MandatoryPeriodic, as systems changeNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
OCC GENIUS Act rule (12 CFR 15) MandatoryPeriodic, no interval setNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
FHFA information security bulletins SupervisoryRisk-basedNot addressedRecommendedWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
FCA cyber risk management rule MandatoryRisk-basedNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
Fed Regulation HH (designated FMUs) MandatoryAnnual (business continuity); periodic and after major changes (other tests)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
SEC Regulation SE system safeguards MandatoryRisk-basedRequiredRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
IRS Pub 1075 MandatoryEvery 3 yearsRecommendedRecommendedWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
CMS ARC-AMPE MandatoryAnnualRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsAddressed
Saudi Arabia10
SAMA CSF MandatoryAnnualNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
SAMA FEER MandatoryEvery 3 yearsRequiredRequiredNot allowedRequiredRequiredLeads the testNot addressed
SAMA CRFR MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedExaminesAddressed
NCA ECC-2:2024 MandatoryPeriodic (entity-defined)Not addressedRecommendedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
NCA CSCC-2:2026 MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
NCA OTCC-1:2022 Mandatory3, 6 or 12 months by facility levelNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
CMA Cybersecurity Guidelines MixedAnnualNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
NCA CCC-2:2024 MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
NCA TCC-1:2021 MandatoryAnnualNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
SAMA IPO Rules MandatoryNot specifiedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedExaminesNot addressed
United Arab Emirates10
CBUAE operational risk regulation MandatoryPeriodic, interval not setNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
CBUAE retail payment services regulation MandatoryRisk-basedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
Enabling technologies guidelines SupervisoryAnnualNot addressedRecommendedWith conditionsNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
DFSA GEN 5.5 (DIFC) MandatoryAnnual (internet-facing)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
ADGM FSRA GEN 3.5 MixedAnnual (internet-facing)RecommendedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
UAE IA Standard v2.1 MandatoryNot addressedNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredLeads the testAddressed
Dubai DESC ISR MandatoryNot publicNot publicRequiredNot publicNot publicNot publicExaminesNot public
CMA VASP and ATS Regulation 2026 MandatoryAnnual (internet-connected systems)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
CBUAE retail payment systems regulation MandatoryPeriodic, interval not setNot addressedNot addressedWith conditionsNot addressedNot addressedExaminesNot addressed
CBUAE electronic insurance regulations MandatoryRegular, interval not setNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
Qatar9
QCB technology risks for banks MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
QCB insurance cyber regulation MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
QCB payment service provider regulation MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRequiredRequiredNot allowedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedAddressed
QCB financial services operator instructions MandatoryRegularly (not specified)Not addressedRequiredNot allowedNot addressedNot addressedExaminesNot addressed
QFCRA CTRL 8.5 MixedRisk-basedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
NCSA NIA Standard v2.1 MixedAnnual (pentest optional)Not addressedRecommendedWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
NCSA penetration testing accreditation MixedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
QFMA and NCSA controls for markets MandatoryMonthly scans; no pentestNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
NCSA vulnerability management guidelines MixedDaily scans (agent assets); no pentest cycleNot addressedNot addressedAllowedNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
Bahrain9
CBB OM-5.5 banks MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBB RM-9 insurance and investment MandatoryAnnualRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
NCSC baseline controls MandatoryAnnualNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
NCSC critical-sector standards MandatoryNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicExaminesNot public
CBB GR-12.2 payments and open banking MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRecommendedRequiredNot allowedNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBB CRA-5.8 crypto-asset MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBB SIO-9.6 stablecoin issuers MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBB RM-3 money changers MandatoryEvery 6 monthsRecommendedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBB OM-5.2 financing companies MandatoryEvery 6 monthsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
Kuwait3
CBK CORF MandatoryAnnualRequiredRequiredNot addressedRecommendedRequiredExaminesAddressed
NCSC national baseline controls MandatoryMonthly scans; no pentestNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesAddressed
CBK e-payment cyber minimum MandatoryPre-launch onlyNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
Oman11
CBO CS&RF MandatoryAnnual (internet-facing)Not addressedRecommendedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
MTCIT government security assessment MandatoryEvery 1 to 2 yearsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedAddressed
CBO BCM framework MixedEvery 3 years (TLPT of critical systems)RequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
CBO open banking framework MandatoryPeriodic, before go-live and on changeNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsAddressed
CBO PSP licensing policy MandatoryAnnual (online services)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
CBO BNPL framework MandatoryAnnual (online services)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
CBO digital bank framework MandatoryOn CBO requestNot addressedRequiredNot allowedNot addressedNot addressedExaminesNot addressed
FSA listed company guidelines MandatoryAnnualNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
CDC external cloud policy MandatoryNot specifiedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedExaminesNot addressed
MTCIT managed services standards MandatoryPeriodic (not specified)Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
MTCIT government mobile app standards MandatoryBefore launchNot addressedRequiredNot allowedNot addressedRequiredExaminesNot addressed
International benchmarks13
UK CBEST United Kingdom SupervisoryAt regulator requestRequiredRequiredNot allowedNot addressedRequiredLeads the testAddressed
EU TIBER-EU European Union MixedEvery 3 years (norm)RequiredRequiredWith conditionsRequiredRequiredLeads the testNot addressed
EU DORA TLPT European Union MandatoryEvery 3 yearsRequiredRequiredWith conditionsRequiredRequiredLeads the testAddressed
HK iCAST (C-RAF 2.0) Hong Kong SupervisoryRegular; interval not publicRequiredRequiredNot publicNot publicRecommendedExaminesNot public
HK PCICSO code of practice Hong Kong MandatoryAnnualRecommendedRecommendedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsNot addressed
SG ABS AASE Singapore VoluntaryRisk-based; at least every 24 monthsRecommendedRecommendedAllowedRecommendedRecommendedNot addressedAddressed
SG MAS TRM section 13 Singapore SupervisoryAnnual (internet-facing systems)RecommendedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
SG CSA CCoP 2026 Singapore MandatoryRed or purple team every 24 months; pen test and vulnerability assessment every 12 months (IT), 24 months (OT)RequiredRequiredNot addressedRecommendedRequiredReceives resultsAddressed
SG MAS AI risk management guidelines Singapore SupervisoryBefore deployment; then risk-based re-validationNot addressedNot addressedWith conditionsNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
AU CFR CORIE v2.0 Australia SupervisorySet by regulator per tierRequiredRequiredNot allowedRecommendedRecommendedLeads the testAddressed
AU APRA CPS 234 Australia MandatoryRisk-based; program reviewed annuallyNot addressedRequiredWith conditionsNot addressedRequiredReceives resultsAddressed
AU APRA AI letter 2026 Australia SupervisoryBefore AI deployment and throughout the lifecycle; no intervalNot addressedNot addressedWith conditionsNot addressedRecommendedExaminesAddressed
AU SOCI SoNS tests Australia MandatoryOn the Secretary’s noticeNot addressedNot addressedAllowedNot addressedNot addressedLeads the testNot addressed

Which seams each rule reaches.

Whether the test must cross from systems into people, buildings, suppliers, operational technology and cloud services, and whether the rule deals with other jurisdictions. Codes are words; the square only helps the eye, and Not addressed means the full text is silent.1

The five seams and cross-border provisions, 84 rules
Rule Human seamPhysical seamSupplier seamOTCloud, SaaSCross-border
United States19
NYDFS Part 500 PermittedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
FFIEC IS booklet PermittedControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressed
FFIEC CAT (sunset) PermittedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
SEC Reg SCI Not addressedControls onlyRequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CFTC system safeguards Controls onlyControls onlyRequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Interagency security guidelines Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
FTC Safeguards Rule Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
FISMA + NIST 800-53 PermittedPermittedRequiredPermittedPermittedNot addressed
FedRAMP Rev5 (legacy) RequiredPermittedRequiredNot addressedRequiredNot addressed
FedRAMP CR26 / 20x Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedRequiredNot addressed
CISA HVA (BOD 18-02) PermittedNot addressedRequiredPermittedRequiredNot addressed
OMB M-22-09 Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
OCC GENIUS Act rule (12 CFR 15) Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
FHFA information security bulletins PermittedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
FCA cyber risk management rule Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Fed Regulation HH (designated FMUs) Not addressedControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
SEC Regulation SE system safeguards Controls onlyControls onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
IRS Pub 1075 RequiredControls onlyRequiredNot addressedAssurance onlyAddressed
CMS ARC-AMPE RequiredControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
Saudi Arabia10
SAMA CSF Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressed
SAMA FEER PermittedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
SAMA CRFR Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
NCA ECC-2:2024 Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
NCA CSCC-2:2026 Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
NCA OTCC-1:2022 RequiredRequiredAssurance onlyRequiredNot addressedAddressed
CMA Cybersecurity Guidelines Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedAssurance onlyAddressed
NCA CCC-2:2024 Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedRequiredAddressed
NCA TCC-1:2021 Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
SAMA IPO Rules Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
United Arab Emirates10
CBUAE operational risk regulation Controls onlyControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBUAE retail payment services regulation RequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Enabling technologies guidelines Not addressedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
DFSA GEN 5.5 (DIFC) Controls onlyControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
ADGM FSRA GEN 3.5 PermittedControls onlyPermittedNot addressedPermittedAddressed
UAE IA Standard v2.1 Not addressedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
Dubai DESC ISR Not publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot public
CMA VASP and ATS Regulation 2026 Controls onlyControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBUAE retail payment systems regulation Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBUAE electronic insurance regulations Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Qatar9
QCB technology risks for banks Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedPermittedAddressed
QCB insurance cyber regulation Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedPermittedAddressed
QCB payment service provider regulation Not addressedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedPermittedAddressed
QCB financial services operator instructions RequiredNot addressedPermittedNot addressedPermittedAddressed
QFCRA CTRL 8.5 Not addressedControls onlyAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
NCSA NIA Standard v2.1 Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
NCSA penetration testing accreditation PermittedPermittedNot addressedExcludedNot addressedAddressed
QFMA and NCSA controls for markets Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
NCSA vulnerability management guidelines Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedPermittedNot addressed
Bahrain9
CBB OM-5.5 banks PermittedPermittedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBB RM-9 insurance and investment PermittedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
NCSC baseline controls PermittedNot addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressed
NCSC critical-sector standards Not publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot public
CBB GR-12.2 payments and open banking PermittedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBB CRA-5.8 crypto-asset PermittedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBB SIO-9.6 stablecoin issuers PermittedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBB RM-3 money changers PermittedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBB OM-5.2 financing companies Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Kuwait3
CBK CORF RequiredControls onlyAssurance onlyRequiredAssurance onlyAddressed
NCSC national baseline controls Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressed
CBK e-payment cyber minimum Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
Oman11
CBO CS&RF PermittedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedAssurance onlyAddressed
MTCIT government security assessment Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBO BCM framework Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
CBO open banking framework Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBO PSP licensing policy Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBO BNPL framework Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CBO digital bank framework Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
FSA listed company guidelines Controls onlyControls onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
CDC external cloud policy Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedRequiredAddressed
MTCIT managed services standards Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
MTCIT government mobile app standards Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
International benchmarks13
UK CBEST United Kingdom PermittedExcludedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
EU TIBER-EU European Union PermittedPermittedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
EU DORA TLPT European Union PermittedPermittedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
HK iCAST (C-RAF 2.0) Hong Kong Not publicNot publicNot publicNot publicNot publicAddressed
HK PCICSO code of practice Hong Kong Not addressedNot addressedRequiredNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
SG ABS AASE Singapore PermittedPermittedPermittedPermittedPermittedNot addressed
SG MAS TRM section 13 Singapore PermittedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
SG CSA CCoP 2026 Singapore PermittedNot addressedAssurance onlyRequiredNot addressedAddressed
SG MAS AI risk management guidelines Singapore Not addressedNot addressedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
AU CFR CORIE v2.0 Australia PermittedPermittedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
AU APRA CPS 234 Australia PermittedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedAddressed
AU APRA AI letter 2026 Australia Not addressedNot addressedAssurance onlyNot addressedNot addressedNot addressed
AU SOCI SoNS tests Australia Not addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedNot addressedAddressed

Sources.

Primary sources unless marked. Each shows the date we last opened it and confirmed what we cite.

  1. 1
    Security testing rules dataset, Bendings, reviewed October 30, 2026 Checked October 30, 2026.
  2. 2
    The Seam Report 2026, Bendings, chapter 9: testing rules stop at the seams attackers cross, data as of September 28, 2026 Checked October 30, 2026.

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