SAR Audit For Data Localization

Overview

The Reserve Bank of India issued a directive via circular DPSS.CO.OD.No 2785/06.08.005/2017-18 April 8, 2018, mandating that all transaction data be stored exclusively within India. This requirement applies to all companies handling transactions in India, whether global or local, such as fintech companies and gateway operators. The goal is to ensure the RBI has unrestricted supervisory access to payment data for better oversight and security.
To comply with this data localization mandate, organizations must submit a System Audit Report (SAR) to the RBI. The SAR certifies that the organization stores all transaction data end-to-end within India, confirming adherence to the RBI’s directive and enhancing the security and integrity of payment data within the country.
pentesting companies

Methodology

The audit will be done by auditors impaneled with CERT-IN (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) as provided for by RBI procedure. Such auditors make sure that the firms comply with RBI’s data localization requirements. The SAR should have certification from auditors, confirming that transaction records are kept within India as per RBI directive. Further, approval should be sought from the Board of System Providers, showing management concurs with the findings of the audit through its acceptance thereof; this demonstrates commitment towards security measures and regulatory adherence on the part of the organization. After preparing, certifying, and approving SARs, they should be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This is necessary to show compliance with regulations required for regulation purposes and give RSI access to details about payments so that it can offer better control mechanisms for this area.

Major Rules and Regulations

Data Localization

During times of geopolitical uncertainty, SAR audits protect citizens’ financial assets and personal information. Hence, these audits serve as effective remedies against likely vulnerabilities or threats, thereby ensuring that people’s information remains safe during political crises.

Anti-Money Laundering

The significance of monitoring suspicious financial activities cannot be overemphasized through SAR audits since they play critical roles in prevention and detection processes; all these become possible only if comprehensive checks are conducted by organizations, thereby significantly contributing to the global fight against illegal financial activities by maintaining financial integrity as well as compliance.

Enhanced IT Governance

IT governance is significant for payment service providers. By identifying anomalies in data storage, access management, and security protocols, SAR audits enhance the overall integrity and strength of IT governance and ensure that the platform remains secure.

Our Approach.

Key Data Requirements for System Audit Report (SAR) for Data Localization

Data localization system audit reports require comprehensive coverage of key data needs. This includes sorting payment data elements like credentials and customer details, describing transaction flows and providing clean application architecture diagrams. These assessments also consist of online system defenses, network structure plans; records management guidelines, methods utilized for processing transactions, and safeguards for data integrity, backups, restorations, access controls and assets.

cyber security information