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“The decisions you make today will determine whether your organization stands resilient or becomes vulnerable tomorrow.”
Cybersecurity framework is essential for organizations to strengthen their cyber resilience and evaluate their cybersecurity programs through various lenses, including internal compliance, industry best practices, and peer benchmarks. However, selecting the incorrect framework could waste efforts and leave the organization unprepared.
Factors to consider
- Business objectives
- Risk appetite
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Industry standards
- Existing security controls and infrastructure
- Budget and resources
- Internal expertise and capabilities
- Third-party requirements
Implementing a cybersecurity framework needs preparation, coordination, and upkeep. Lack of executive sponsorship, stakeholder buy-in, critical requirements, communication and collaboration, and adaptability to shifting threats and hazards are common mistakes. They can make firms exposed to cyberthreats and require continual monitoring and adaptation.
A comprehensive review and comparison of 5 cybersecurity frameworks can help shed light on how organizations select the right framework and what implementation pitfalls to avoid.
5 cybersecurity frameworks*
|
Framework |
Definition |
Benefit |
Limitation |
|
National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) |
A widely adopted framework for managing and reducing cybersecurity risk in the United States. |
More focused on strategic alignment and communication with senior management |
Lack sufficient guidance for aligning cybersecurity with business strategy and may not meet specific regulatory requirements for certain industries |
|
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls |
A framework of prioritized, actionable guidelines that organizations can implement to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. |
Prioritizes the effectiveness of security controls and provides more detailed, risk-based implementation guidance. |
Lack sufficient guidance for aligning cybersecurity with business strategy and may not meet specific regulatory requirements for certain industries |
|
ISO/IEC 27001 |
An international standard for information security management systems. |
Focus on systematic risk management and continuous improvement |
Compliance-focused and prescriptive, potentially limiting flexibility and adaptability. |
|
MITRE ATT&CK |
A knowledge base of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by threat actors during cyberattacks |
More dynamic and attacker-focused, emphasizing real-world scenarios and practical, up-to-date threat management |
Technically focused, potentially overwhelming for less-resourced organizations, and emphasizes attack scenarios over broader risk management. |
|
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) |
A framework designed to help financial institutions identify their risks and determine their cybersecurity preparedness. |
Standardized and regulatory-focused, particularly suited for industries like banking, with a strong emphasis on meeting compliance requirements. |
May be too rigid and compliance-focused, potentially lacking flexibility and adaptability to meet the unique needs and risks of individual organizations. |
*More details on Cybersecurity frameworks: More than just a checklist
Selecting the appropriate cybersecurity framework is crucial for any organization, and this process requires careful consideration of industry-specific requirements, business objectives, and regulatory compliance. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, organizations must tailor their cybersecurity approach to effectively mitigate risks and ensure resilience.
At Crowe, we specialize in assisting organizations across various industries in making informed decisions regarding cybersecurity frameworks. Our experts are equipped to guide you in selecting and customizing a framework that not only meets your industry’s unique challenges but also aligns with your overall business strategy and regulatory obligations.
Source: Crowe Global