Farewell, CAT: FFIEC Cybersecurity Tool Will Sunset This August

Banks’ Replacement Options for the FFIEC CAT

Since 2015, the FFIEC CAT has helped financial institutions assess cybersecurity risks and maturity levels. However, the FFIEC recently announced that the CAT will sunset on August 31, 2025. Now, banks must determine the best alternative to ensure continued compliance and security. The FDIC’s official announcement encourages institutions to adopt a risk-based approach that aligns with broader industry standards. Yet, this shift leaves many banks searching for a practical, structured replacement that integrates seamlessly with financial IT environments.

Top Three Replacement Options for the FFIEC CAT

Read about each of the three best replacement options, or skip ahead to the next section to see our top recommendation.

1. Center for Internet Security® (CIS®) Benchmarks™

CIS® Benchmarks™ provide security configuration recommendations to help organizations safeguard their IT environments, including Microsoft SQL Server.

Benefits of CIS® Benchmarks™:

• Proactive Defense Against Cyber Threats: Financial institutions face growing threats, including ransomware, insider threats, and zero-day exploits. The CIS® Benchmarks™ offer security recommendations to help mitigate vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
• Industry-Recognized Security Recommendations: Developed through a collaborative, expert-driven process, the CIS® Benchmarks™ align with global security frameworks and are widely adopted by organizations seeking to enhance their security posture.
• Microsoft SQL Server Security Hardening: The CIS® Microsoft SQL Server Benchmark™ includes detailed recommendations to help reduce attack surfaces, strengthen authentication, and enforce encryption—all essential for banks handling sensitive financial data.
• Specific Alignment with FFIEC Guidelines for Stronger Security: CIS® Benchmarks™ offer specific security recommendations tailored to IT infrastructure.

2. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0

The NIST CSF 2.0 is a widely recognized framework designed to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks using a flexible, risk-based approach.

Benefits of the NIST CSF 2.0:

• High-Level Framework for Risk Management: The NIST CSF 2.0 is structured around six key functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions help banks develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that aligns with regulatory expectations.
• Broad Application Across Industries: Unlike the FFIEC CAT, which was specifically designed for banks, the NIST CSF 2.0 applies across multiple industries.

3. Financial Sector Cybersecurity Profile (FSP)

Designed specifically for financial institutions, the FSP aligns with NIST CSF 2.0 and existing financial regulations to provide a banking-focused cybersecurity framework.

Benefits of the FSP:

• Regulatory Compliance Simplification: The FSP integrates best practices from FFIEC, NIST, ISO, and other regulatory bodies, helping financial institutions map cybersecurity controls directly to compliance requirements.
• Scalability: Unlike one-size-fits-all models, the FSP provides tiered recommendations based on a bank’s size, complexity, and risk exposure. This makes it an effective, adaptable solution for financial institutions of all sizes.

Why CIS® Benchmarks™ Are a Great Choice for Banks

Industry experts designed CIS® Benchmarks™ to provide prescriptive security recommendations for real-world threats. Unlike broad frameworks, CIS® Benchmarks™ offer actionable configuration guidance, making implementation and measurement easier. Financial institutions benefit from standardized security settings that align with industry regulations and best practices. By following CIS® Benchmarks™, banks proactively harden Microsoft SQL Server environments and reduce cybersecurity risks.

How to Implement CIS® Benchmarks™ in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Here’s how financial institutions transitioning from the FFIEC CAT can leverage CIS® Benchmarks™:

• Microsoft SQL Server CIS® Benchmarks™ Assessments: Regularly assess SQL Server configurations using CIS® Benchmark™ recommendations to help improve security and maintain compliance.
• Automate Compliance and Monitoring: Utilize security tools that support CIS® Benchmark™ assessments to monitor compliance and security configurations through automated processes.
• If Your Institution Already Has Access to NIST CSF 2.0, Get Specific Recommendations: Align risk assessments and security policies with the NIST CSF 2.0 while using CIS® Benchmarks™ for implementation guidance.

Partnering with The SERO Group for a Secure and Compliant Future

Looking for a structured cybersecurity approach because of the FFIEC CAT sunset? The SERO Group offers assessments based on CIS® Benchmark™ recommendations to help banks enhance security and maintain compliance. Schedule a no-obligation discovery call with us today to learn more.