Top Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know in 2024

As cyber threats continue to grow, so do the laws and regulations designed to protect both individuals and businesses. Governments worldwide have realized the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding data and ensuring that digital environments remain safe. In 2024, various new laws and regulations are shaping the global landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and risk management. Whether you’re an individual, business owner, or security professional, understanding these cybersecurity laws is essential to staying compliant and protecting sensitive data.

In this article, we will explore the most important cybersecurity laws and regulations you should be aware of in 2024, ranging from regional standards to global frameworks. Let’s dive in.

1. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – EU

Overview

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), introduced by the European Union (EU) in May 2018, remains one of the most comprehensive and influential pieces of data protection legislation. In 2024, GDPR continues to be a key element in ensuring that businesses operating within or dealing with residents of the EU uphold the privacy and security of personal data.

Key Provisions

• Consent and Transparency: GDPR mandates that individuals must give clear consent for the collection of their personal data. This data must be processed transparently and for a specific purpose.
• Data Subject Rights: It grants individuals a variety of rights, including the right to access their data, the right to rectification, the right to erasure (right to be forgotten), and the right to data portability.
• Breach Notification: GDPR requires that organizations notify the relevant authorities within 72 hours of a data breach, along with affected individuals when appropriate.
• Data Protection by Design: It enforces the principle of data protection by design, meaning companies must implement strong security measures to protect personal data from the outset.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with GDPR can result in significant fines—up to 4% of a company’s annual global turnover or €20 million (whichever is higher).

2. The Cybersecurity Act of 2015 – U.S.

Overview

The Cybersecurity Act of 2015 was a landmark piece of U.S. legislation aimed at improving national cybersecurity by enhancing information sharing between the private sector and government agencies. It was passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act and laid the groundwork for future cybersecurity standards, particularly regarding critical infrastructure.

Key Provisions

• Information Sharing: It encourages private companies to share cybersecurity information with the government in order to strengthen collective defenses. This includes threat intelligence sharing regarding cyberattacks and incidents.
• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: The law focuses on securing critical infrastructure, which includes energy, transportation, and financial systems, from cyber threats and attacks.
• Cybersecurity Framework: It mandated the creation of a voluntary cybersecurity framework for businesses and critical infrastructure operators. The framework provides guidelines for managing and reducing cybersecurity risks.

Impact in 2024

In 2024, the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 continues to play an integral role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape in the U.S., especially concerning government-private sector collaboration in responding to cyber threats.

3. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – U.S.

Overview

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), enacted in 2018, is one of the most influential state-level privacy laws in the U.S. It gives California residents more control over their personal data and enhances privacy protections, influencing similar regulations across other states.

Key Provisions

• Consumer Rights: CCPA grants consumers the right to know what personal data is being collected, request access to their data, and demand the deletion of their data.
• Opt-Out: Businesses must allow consumers to opt out of the sale of their personal data.
• Non-Discrimination: Companies cannot discriminate against individuals who exercise their privacy rights, such as charging them higher prices for opting out of data sales.
• Enforcement and Penalties: The California Attorney General has the authority to enforce the law, and businesses can face fines of up to $7,500 per violation.

Updates in 2024

The CCPA has been amended several times, most notably by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) in 2020. In 2024, it continues to evolve, with increased focus on protecting consumer data and setting higher compliance standards.

4. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) – U.S.

Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for managing and reducing cybersecurity risks for organizations of all sizes and industries. Though not a law, the NIST CSF is widely adopted by federal agencies and private businesses as a best practice framework.

Key Provisions

• Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover: NIST’s framework is structured around five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—that guide organizations in establishing a robust cybersecurity posture.
• Risk Management: The CSF emphasizes the need for risk management processes to ensure that potential threats are identified and mitigated effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: The framework encourages continuous review and improvement of cybersecurity practices to adapt to emerging threats.

2024 Developments

In 2024, NIST has been focusing on enhancing the framework with more detailed guidance on risk management, especially related to supply chain security and cyber resilience.

5. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – U.S.

Overview

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. federal law that establishes strict standards for the protection of medical data. Its primary focus is on safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring that healthcare entities maintain secure handling of sensitive health information.

Key Provisions

• Security Rule: HIPAA’s Security Rule mandates that healthcare organizations protect patient data using physical, technical, and administrative safeguards.
• Privacy Rule: This rule sets national standards for the protection of health information and grants patients the right to access their medical records.
• Breach Notification Rule: In the event of a breach, healthcare organizations must notify affected individuals and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

2024 Changes

With cyber threats targeting healthcare systems on the rise, 2024 has seen increased enforcement of HIPAA, with more rigorous penalties for healthcare organizations that fail to protect electronic health records (EHRs).

6. The Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB) – India

Overview

India’s Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), which is still in the process of being enacted, will introduce comprehensive data protection laws similar to the EU’s GDPR. The bill is expected to bring about substantial changes in how companies handle personal data within India.

Key Provisions

• Data Localization: The bill mandates that certain types of personal data be stored within Indian borders to ensure that the government has access to it for law enforcement and national security purposes.
• Data Subject Rights: It grants individuals the right to access and correct their personal data, and request the deletion of unnecessary data.
• Penalty for Non-Compliance: The PDPB includes stringent penalties for data breaches, with fines as high as ₹15 crore or 4% of the total global turnover, whichever is higher.

Impact in 2024

In 2024, the Indian government is pushing towards the finalization of the PDPB, which will undoubtedly influence the privacy practices of companies operating in or with India.

7. The Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China

Overview

China’s Cybersecurity Law, which came into effect in June 2017, governs various aspects of cybersecurity in China. It emphasizes national security, data localization, and the protection of citizens’ personal data.

Key Provisions

• Critical Information Infrastructure Protection: The law requires that organizations operating critical infrastructure in China implement strong cybersecurity measures.
• Data Localization: Companies that collect data in China are required to store it within the country’s borders.
• Real-Name Registration: Users of online services must register their real identities, and companies are obligated to authenticate this information.
• State Control: The law grants the Chinese government broad access to data for national security purposes.

Changes in 2024

The cybersecurity landscape in China continues to tighten, with additional regulations and enforcement actions making compliance a major priority for multinational organizations operating in China.

8. The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) – EU

Overview

DORA is a European Union regulation aimed at strengthening the resilience of financial institutions to digital risks. Effective from January 2025, DORA establishes new standards for managing digital operational risks in the financial sector.

Key Provisions

• Third-Party Risk Management: Financial institutions must assess and manage risks posed by third-party providers of IT services.
• Incident Reporting: Companies must report significant ICT-related incidents to the relevant authorities within specific timeframes.
• Governance: It mandates the establishment of comprehensive internal governance frameworks to manage digital operational risks.

2024 Developments

While DORA will be fully enforced in 2025, financial institutions in the EU are expected to begin aligning their cybersecurity measures in 2024 to comply with the regulation’s guidelines.

Conclusion

In 2024, the world continues to face evolving cyber threats, and cybersecurity laws are adapting to meet these challenges. From comprehensive data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA to more specialized frameworks like NIST CSF and DORA, these laws are designed to help organizations protect sensitive information, ensure operational resilience, and comply with global privacy standards.