As a result, various cybersecurity frameworks have been developed to assist organisations in implementing effective cybersecurity programmes. As a result, businesses should be aware of the most important cybersecurity frameworks in order to improve their security postures. Cybersecurity frameworks are defined structures that contain processes, practises, and technologies that businesses can use to protect their network and computer systems from cyberattacks. Businesses should be aware of cybersecurity frameworks in order to improve their organization’s security. The following are the top cybersecurity frameworks:
ISO IEC 27001/ISO 2700212
The ISO 27001 cybersecurity framework is a set of international standards that recommends best practises for managing information security management systems (ISMS). ISO 27001 follows a risk-based approach that demands firms to implement security measures to detect security threats to their information systems. ISO 27001 standards prescribe a variety of safeguards to address the identified dangers. To be safe from attacks, a business should choose appropriate controls that can mitigate security risks. ISO 27001 recommends a total of 114 controls, which are divided into 14 categories. Information security policies, which have two controls; information security organisation, which has seven controls that outline the roles for various activities; and human resource security, which has six controls to help employees understand their role in preserving information security. The ISO 27002 framework, on the other hand, consists of international standards that outline the controls that an organisation should apply to manage the security of its information systems. ISO 27002 is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 27001, and most firms employ both to demonstrate their commitment to meeting various regulatory obligations. Policies for increasing information security, controls such as asset inventory for managing IT assets, access controls for diverse business requirements, controlling user access, and operational security measures are just a few of the information security controls recommended in the ISO 27002 standard.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework3
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework was created in response to President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13636. The goal of the executive order is to improve the security of the country’s essential infrastructure, protecting it from both internal and external attacks. Private companies use the framework to increase their cyber defences, despite the fact that it was designed to defend vital infrastructure. The NIST CSF, in particular, specifies five functions that manage data and information security threats. Identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover are the functions. Through thorough risk assessment and management methods, the identify function assists companies in recognising security vulnerabilities to asset management, business environment, and IT governance. Security controls for data and information systems are defined by the detect function. Access control, training and awareness, data security, information protection protocols, and the upkeep of protective technology are all examples of these. Detect is a set of rules for detecting anomalies in security, monitoring systems, and networks, among other things, in order to identify security incidents. The response function includes suggestions for planning security event responses, mitigation procedures, response communication processes, and activities to improve security resiliency. Finally, the recovery function provides guidelines for a company to follow in the event of an attack.
IASME Governance4
IASME governance refers to cybersecurity rules aimed at ensuring acceptable information security for small and medium-sized businesses. The IASME governance lays out a set of criteria that a company must meet in order to be certified as having adopted appropriate cybersecurity measures. The standard enables businesses to demonstrate their readiness to protect commercial or personal data to new or existing customers. In a nutshell, it is used to certify a company’s cybersecurity posture. An ISO 27001 certification is equivalent to the IASME governance accreditation. The standard’s implementation and maintenance, on the other hand, come with lower costs, administrative overheads, and complications. For organisations operating in the United Kingdom, IASME standards certification includes free cybersecurity insurance.
SOC 25
The SOC 2 framework was created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The framework’s goal is to make it easier for businesses who collect and store sensitive consumer data in cloud services to keep it secure. The framework also includes rules and requirements for SaaS organisations to follow in order to mitigate data breach risks and boost their cybersecurity postures. In addition, the SOC 2 framework specifies the security requirements that vendors and third parties must meet. They use the requirements to conduct external and internal threat analysis in order to identify potential cybersecurity threats. The SOC 2 framework has 61 compliance requirements, making it one of the most difficult frameworks to apply. Guidelines for discarding confidential information, security anomaly monitoring systems, processes for responding to security occurrences, and internal communication guidelines are among the needs.
CIS v76
The Center for Information Security is in charge of designing and maintaining the CIS v7 framework (CIS). CIS v7 identifies 20 practical cybersecurity requirements for all enterprises to improve their security standards. Because the CIS has a solid reputation for designing baseline security plans, most businesses see the security criteria as best practises. The framework divides information security measures into three sections for implementation. Businesses with limited cybersecurity expertise and resources should join Implementation Group 1. All organisations with moderate technical experience and resources in implementing the sub controls are in implementation group 2, whereas companies with extensive cybersecurity expertise and resources are in implementation group 3. CIS v7 stands out because it enables businesses to develop cost-effective cybersecurity programmes. It also gives them the ability to prioritise their cybersecurity efforts.
NIST 800-53 Cybersecurity Framework7
The NIST 800-53 document was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help federal agencies implement effective cybersecurity policies. The framework focuses on information security rules that help government agencies protect data and systems. Furthermore, NIST 800-53 outlines the requirements for governmental organisations to comply with FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) regulations. NIST 800-53 is unique in that it has over 900 security requirements, making it one of the most difficult frameworks to implement. Controls for improving physical security, penetration testing, recommendations for executing security assessments, and authorisation policies or procedures are among the needs listed in the framework. For enterprises maintaining federal information systems, companies with systems that interact with federal information systems, or institutions pursuing FISMA compliance, NIST 800-53 is a relevant framework.
COBIT8
COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a cybersecurity framework that brings together the best components of a company’s IT security, governance, and management. The framework was created and is maintained by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). The COBIT cybersecurity framework is beneficial to businesses who want to improve production quality while also adhering to better security procedures. The need to meet all stakeholder cybersecurity expectations, end-to-end procedural controls for organisations, and the requirement to design a single but integrated security framework were all elements that led to the creation of the framework.
COSO9
COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Businesses) is a framework for identifying and managing cybersecurity threats in organisations. Monitoring, auditing, reporting, and controlling, among other things, are fundamental to the framework’s development. In addition, the framework contains 17 requirements that are divided into five groups. Control environment, risk assessments, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring and controlling are the different categories. All of the framework’s components work together to build sound risk identification and management practises. The framework is used to identify and assess security risks at all levels of the company, allowing it to improve its cybersecurity policies. Additionally, the framework suggests communication channels for sharing information threats and security goals up and down a company. The system also enables continuous monitoring of security incidents, allowing for quick actions.
TC CYBER10
The TC CYBER (Technical Committee on Cyber Security) framework was created in order to strengthen telecommunications standards across European zones. The framework proposes a set of requirements for individuals and organisations to improve their privacy awareness. Its goal is to ensure that when businesses and individuals use various telecommunication channels, they may maintain high degrees of privacy. Furthermore, the framework suggests ways to improve communication security. Although the framework is designed to handle telecommunication privacy and security in European zones, it is also used in other countries throughout the world.
HITRUST CSF11
The HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) cybersecurity framework covers a variety of security techniques. The framework was created to address the security concerns that health-care companies face when it comes to IT security. This is accomplished by providing efficient, comprehensive, and adaptable approaches to managing risks and complying with various compliance standards to such organisations. The framework, in particular, incorporates many compliance standards for protecting personal information. Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act, for example, interprets pertinent provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation. The HITRUST cybersecurity architecture is updated on a regular basis to guarantee that it meets the HIPPA data protection regulations.
CISQ12
The CISQ (Consortium for IT Software Quality) sets security criteria for software developers to follow when creating apps. CISQ standards are also used by developers to assess the size and quality of a software programme. Software developers can use CISQ standards to examine the risks and vulnerabilities in a finished or in-development application. As a result, they are better able to deal with all threats and ensure that consumers have access to and use safe software programmes. The CISQ standards are developed and maintained using the vulnerabilities and exploits identified by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), SANS Institute, and CWE (Common Weaknesses Enumeration).
Ten Steps to Cybersecurity13
The Department for Business in the United Kingdom has launched a campaign called “Ten Steps to Cybersecurity.” It gives a cybersecurity overview for company executives. The framework emphasises the need of equipping executives with understanding of cybersecurity challenges that affect corporate development or growth, as well as the many solutions available to address these issues. This will allow them to make better-informed judgments on organisational cybersecurity management. The framework explains the numerous cyber dangers, defences, mitigation measures, and solutions in broad terms but with fewer technical details, allowing a corporation to take a company-wide approach to cybersecurity.
FedRAMP14
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a framework for federal agencies. The framework establishes standardised procedures for evaluating cyber threats and vulnerabilities to various infrastructure platforms, cloud-based services, and software solutions by federal authorities. Furthermore, the platform allows current security packages and evaluations to be reused across several federal entities. In order to support a real-time cybersecurity programme, the framework also relies on constant monitoring of IT infrastructure and cloud products. FedRAMP, moreover, focuses on the transition from inefficient, tethered, and insecure IT to more secure, mobile, and rapid IT. The goal is to provide government agencies with current, dependable technology without jeopardising their security. FedRAMP works with cloud and cybersecurity specialists to maintain additional security frameworks in order to attain the appropriate security levels. NSA, DoD, NIST, GSA, OMB, and other commercial sector organisations are among them. FedRAMP’s main goals are to speed up cloud migrations by reusing authorizations and assessments, increase cloud security confidence, ensure that federal agencies follow recommended security practises consistently, and increase automation for continuous monitoring.
HIPAA15
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) provides a set of requirements for businesses to follow in order to secure employee or customer health information. Healthcare organisations are also required to comply with HIPAA regulations because they gather and maintain health information for all patients. Different security requirements are included in the standards, and businesses must demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to apply and use them. Training staff at all levels on the best procedures for collecting and maintaining health data is one of these obligations. Furthermore, HIPAA mandates that businesses develop and maintain acceptable risk assessment methods. Methods for controlling identified hazards should also be included in the process.
GDPR16
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is one of the most recent frameworks enacted to protect European citizens’ personally identifiable information. The regulatory framework establishes a set of security requirements that organisations in various parts of the world must comply with. As a result, it is a global framework that safeguards the personal information of all EU citizens. Noncompliance carries significant fines, prompting most businesses to follow the rules. Implementing appropriate safeguards to prevent unauthorised access to stored data is one of the GDPR’s mandates. Least privilege and role-based access controls, as well as multi-factor authentication techniques, are examples of access control measures. Before utilising data for marketing or advertising, organisations or websites must obtain the approval of the data owner. Noncompliance is defined as data breaches caused by a company’s failure to adopt security procedures.
FISMA17
FISMA (Federal Information Systems Management Act) is a federal cybersecurity framework. The compliance standard lays out a set of security requirements that government agencies can use to strengthen their cybersecurity. The security standards are designed to ensure that federal agencies take appropriate steps to safeguard critical information systems from various types of attacks. Furthermore, the framework necessitates compliance with the security recommendations by suppliers or third-parties engaging with government agencies. The fundamental goal of the security standard is to help federal agencies create and sustain highly effective cybersecurity programmes. The standard accomplishes this by establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that includes nine phases for securing government operations and IT assets. These are the following:
Information classification according to security levels Determine the bare minimum of security procedures that must be in place to secure information. Using risk assessments, fine-tune the controls. Create a security plan by documenting the controls. Put in place the necessary controls. Examine the efficiency of the controls that have been put in place. Determine whether or not federal systems or data are at risk of being hacked. Allow the use of secure information systems to be authorised. Controls that have been implemented are being monitored on a regular basis.
NY DFS18
The New York Department of Financial Services (NY DFS) has established a cybersecurity framework that applies to all institutions with DFS registrations, charters, or licences. The framework includes various cybersecurity criteria that can help financial institutions and the third parties with whom they do business improve their security postures. The New York Department of Financial Services, for example, requires businesses to identify security vulnerabilities that could damage their networks or information systems. In addition, the framework requires businesses to invest in adequate security infrastructure to protect all IT assets from the recognised threats. Regardless, firms subject to the NY DFS must put in place methods for detecting cybersecurity incidents.
NERC CIP19
North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) is a cybersecurity framework that includes guidelines for safeguarding critical infrastructure and assets. The framework comprises nine standards in all, with 45 requirements. The sabotage reporting requirement, for example, mandates an electric company to report odd occurrences and security disturbances to appropriate authorities. The critical cyber asset identification standard requires an organisation to document all key cyber assets. Employees having access to important cyber assets must also complete security and awareness training, according to the personnel and training guideline. Electronic security perimeter, incident response, monitoring systems security, and maintaining recovery plans are also covered in the NERC CIP framework.
SCAP20
SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) is a security specification standard for standardising the communication of security products and technologies. The goal of the specification is to standardise how security software programmes communicate security issues, configuration data, and vulnerabilities. SCAP aims to enable a company to measure, express, and organise security data using universal criteria and formats through standardised specifications. By automating processes like verifying and installing security patches, security software can help a company maintain enterprise security. Others are tasked with testing and verifying the security configurations of deployed systems, as well as investigating incidents that could jeopardise system or network security.
ANSI21
The ANSI framework provides standards, information, and technical reports that explain procedures for implementing and maintaining Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). All organisations that implement or manage IACS systems must follow the framework. According to ANSI, the framework is divided into four groups. The first category includes fundamental data such as security models, terminology, and concepts. The second category is concerned with the aspects of developing and maintaining IACS cybersecurity programmes. The third and fourth categories define the requirements for secure system integration and product development security.
NIST SP 800-1222
The framework provides an overview of an organization’s control and computer security. NIST SP 800-12 also focuses on the various security controls that can be implemented by an organisation to bolster its cybersecurity defence. Although the majority of the control and security requirements were created for federal and governmental agencies, they are extremely useful for private companies looking to improve their cybersecurity programmes. Companies can use NIST SP 800-12 to keep policies and programmes in place for securing sensitive IT infrastructure and data.
NIST SP 800-1423
NIST SP 800-14 is a one-of-a-kind paper that details commonly used security principles in great depth. The publication enables businesses to comprehend everything that must be covered in cybersecurity plans. As a result, companies ensure that they build comprehensive cybersecurity procedures and policies that cover critical data and systems. Furthermore, the publications detail specific steps that businesses could take to reinforce security policies already in place. The NIST SP 800-14 framework outlines eight security principles and 14 cybersecurity practises in total.
NIST SP 800-2624
NIST SP 800-26 provides standards for managing IT security, whereas NIST SP 800-14 describes the many security principles used to secure information and IT assets. Because they require periodic assessments and evaluations, implementing security policies alone will not allow a corporation to achieve optimal cybersecurity. The publication, for example, includes descriptions of how to conduct risk assessments and how to manage risks that have been identified. It’s a crucial framework for ensuring that businesses have appropriate cybersecurity strategies in place. Businesses can maintain adequate cybersecurity programmes by using a combination of NIST publications.
