Cybersecurity Framework

Why Cybersecurity Frameworks Were Developed?

Cyberthreats have become a part of everyday life so maintaining security is now crucial for not only modern businesses but also government institutions. 

As organizations of all sizes were having to deal with the same cybersecurity challenges, it became clear that a common cybersecurity framework would benefit everyone by recommending best-practice policies, protective technologies, and specific activities related to information security and cybersecurity in general. 

Any organization’s internal policy will include at least some of those activities, at the planning stage, especially as organizations may lack the resources or technical competencies to design their own policies from scratch.

What is a cybersecurity framework?

A cybersecurity framework is a practice of managing cybersecurity risk by following security guidelines that arise in the digital world. The goal of the framework is to reduce cyber attacks. The cybersecurity framework is closely related to an organization’s risk management strategy which is used to update information technology and to provide a way to stave off cyberattacks.

Types of cybersecurity frameworks

According to the top cybersecurity expert, Frank Kim, frameworks are of different types, they are

Control Frameworks:

• Develop a basic strategy for the security team
• Provide baseline set of controls
• Assess the current technical state
• Prioritize control implementation

Program Frameworks:

• Assess the security program
• Build security program
• Measure competitive analysis

Risk Frameworks:

• Define key process steps to assess/manage risk
• Structure program for risk management
• Identify, measure, and quantify risk
• Prioritize security activities

4 Cybersecurity Frameworks to Know

Identifying risks and taking proper actions can be difficult. Fortunately, usage of these frameworks can identify and close security gaps. 

1. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

The NIST CSF was developed by private industry experts by using existing guidelines, standards, and practices that focus on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover.

1. Identify, which refers to developing an understanding of how to manage cybersecurity risks.
2. Protect, which refers to the safeguards put in place that ensure critical infrastructure services are delivered.
3. Detect, which defines how a cybersecurity event is identified.
4. Respond, which defines what actions are taken when a cybersecurity event is detected.
5. Recover, which identifies what services should focus on resilience, as well as outlines restore capabilities of impaired services.

Most companies should focus on following the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Unless they have a specific framework to be focused on. NIST is comprehensive, and understandable by default. By following the NIST Cybersecurity Framework you can be confident that you are adhering to cybersecurity best practices.

2. Center for Internet Security (CIS)

The Center of Internet security was built in the 2000s to create and develop a framework that protects companies from cyber threats. CIS is ideal for organizations that want to start one step at a time as it is divided into three groups. i.e. basics, foundational, and organizational. 

3. ISO/IEC 27001

ISO 27001/27002 is an internationally recognized standard for cybersecurity framework that can be adopted by organizations to have an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in place and systematically manage the organization’s information security risks.  

4. MSP+ Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 

Secure MSP+ Cybersecurity Framework provides the certification program for the MSP community based upon best practices to a repeatable and adaptive program. This program is designed as a resource to assess and enhance the cybersecurity posture and services provided by MSPs to their clients. 

This Framework is designed to serve as a cyber-hygiene check to protect their own systems, services and data, as well as that of their clients. 

Cybersecurity Framework Guidance

Framework Guidance provides sector stakeholders with the ability to:

• Understand and use the Framework to assess and improve their cyber resiliency;
• Assess their current- and target-cybersecurity posture;
• Identify gaps in their existing cybersecurity risk management programs, and;
• Identify current, sector-specific tools and resources that map to the Framework 

Summary

Cybersecurity frameworks provide a detailed outline of all aspects of cybersecurity planning, implementation, and response. By selecting a relevant framework one can build custom cybersecurity policies tailored to their business and compliance requirements and also you can ensure effective cybersecurity risk management with repeatable results.

0 Source: GreatLearning Blog