Applicable law refers to the specific set of legal rules, statutes, regulations, judicial precedents, and international treaties that hold mandatory authority over a particular entity, activity, or jurisdiction. In cybersecurity, governance, compliance, and privacy contexts, identifying applicable law is essential for determining how organizations must protect data, implement security measures, respond to incidents, and safeguard personal information across different regions.

This encompasses diverse legal frameworks including comprehensive data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, industry-specific requirements, contractual obligations, and intellectual property protections. Compliance with applicable law is fundamental for effective organizational governance and maintaining stakeholder trust. Non-compliance can result in significant legal liabilities, financial penalties, and reputational damage, making continuous assessment and adaptation to evolving legal requirements a cornerstone of responsible cybersecurity strategy in today's multi-jurisdictional digital environment.