NCUA

The NCUA Automated Cybersecurity Evaluation Toolbox (ACET) was developed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to assist credit unions in assessing their cybersecurity preparedness. The ACET aligns with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (FFIEC) Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) and provides a standardized method for credit unions to evaluate and enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Purpose and Creation

The ACET was created to offer credit unions a comprehensive and repeatable process for assessing their cybersecurity readiness. This tool helps credit unions identify their cybersecurity risks, measure their preparedness, and make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategies. By using the ACET, credit unions can align their cybersecurity practices with regulatory expectations and industry standards, ultimately enhancing their ability to protect sensitive information and maintain operational resilience.

Key Components of the FFIEC CAT

Cybersecurity Assessment Process

The cybersecurity assessment component of the ACET involves evaluating the credit union's current cybersecurity practices and controls. This assessmen...

Inherent Risk Categorization

The Inherent Risk Profile assesses the credit union's exposure to cybersecurity risks based on various factors such as technologies and connection typ...

Cybersecurity Maturity Domains

The Cybersecurity Maturity component evaluates the credit union's maturity levels across five domains: Cyber Risk Management and Oversight, Threat Int...

Benefits of Using the NCUA ACET

Proactive Risk Mitigation

Implement strategic measures to proactively reduce cybersecurity risks before they become threats.

Regulatory Alignment

Ensure cybersecurity frameworks align with evolving regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

Optimized Cybersecurity Investments

Leverage assessment insights to allocate resources efficiently and strengthen security measures.

In summary, the NCUA Automated Cybersecurity Evaluation Toolbox (ACET) is a valuable resource for credit unions seeking to enhance their cybersecurity readiness and resilience. By assessing their inherent risks and maturity levels, credit unions can develop effective strategies to protect their information assets and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.