Security Frameworks 101: What to Know

Every organization wants to protect information, data, employees, and clients. A security framework, which consists of the guidelines and procedures that can help your organization manage security risks, can accomplish just that.

Cybersecurity compliance frameworks deliver IT security standards and best practices to help your business protect sensitive data and maintain compliance. This comprehensive guide to cybersecurity frameworks will help your organization understand common information security frameworks, recognize how they differ from standards and regulations, determine the best frameworks and compliance models for your business, and help you protect what matters most.

What Are Security Frameworks? 

According to TechTarget, an IT security framework is a series of documented processes for implementing and managing information security controls. These frameworks are designed to offer effective blueprints for managing risks and vulnerabilities.

Compliance frameworks will typically provide the following for your business:

• Structure: Security frameworks feature policies and procedures for designing and managing information security programs. They can serve as a structured roadmap for your entire organization, helping you build reliable safeguards and come through on compliance.
• Best practices: In addition, these frameworks offer a series of best practices for managing cybersecurity risks and protecting sensitive workplace data. They help your business prevent threats and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Risk management tools: From identifying potential threats to assessing business risks, and from risk mitigation to continuous improvement, security frameworks provide robust management tools for businesses of all sizes.

Your organization can customize cybersecurity frameworks to solve information security issues and to satisfy industry-specific requirements.

A couple of key security standards examples are:

• The ISO 27000 series:  The International Organization for Standardization developed the robust ISO 27000 standards. The two primary standards, ISO 27001 and 27002, establish processes and procedures for creating an information security management system. The series encompasses other security standards for cloud computing, storage security, healthcare data, and more.
• SOC 2: System and Organization Controls 2 is a compliance standard that shows your organization’s dedication to providing top-notch security and service. For many clients, working with an SOC 2-compliant business is a prerequisite for a partnership, making this security standard a must in many cases.

ISO 27001 or SOC2? We help you navigate this maze in the guide below!

What Are Common Security Frameworks?

One popular security framework is from the Center for Internet Security (CIS). It published 18 security practices called CIS Security Controls. They are safeguards to reduce cyberattacks on systems and networks and keep up with evolving technology, threats, and virtual environments like cloud and mobile technology.

Another is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification is for contractors who work within the US Department of Defense and assesses an organization’s cybersecurity. The model depicts how mature an organization’s cybersecurity program is. Its lower levels from 1-3 show that an organization has Basic, Intermediate, or Good Cyber Hygiene. Level 4 means an organization has proactive cybersecurity, and Level 5 means an organization is advanced or progressive.

Security certifications are a way to demonstrate compliance and commitment to the highest service levels. Organizations should decide what certification matches their business’s goals and needs. Determine if certain clients require a certification for partnership or if a regional law requires it. Next, carve out enough time to pursue it. 

Frameworks vs. Standards vs. Regulations 

Sometimes, “frameworks,” “standards,” and “regulations” are used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between these security terms:

• Frameworks: These voluntary guidance structures, such as NIST CSF and CIS Critical Security Controls, help organizations meet industry standards and business goals and support regulatory compliance. They offer a high-level roadmap with industry best practices. 
• Standards: Standards are specific, measurable criteria such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS that are supported by frameworks. These detailed requirements for businesses focus on quality, consistency, and performance.
• Regulations: Finally, legal obligations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRamp represent national regulations that organizations must follow to support both fairness and security. While frameworks and standards are typically voluntary, regulations are mandatory for businesses to follow.

Frameworks, standards, and regulations are all essential to good business practices, so it pays to understand the ins and outs of each.

Core Security Frameworks To Know 

Check out this overview of the core security frameworks your business will benefit from getting to know:

• SOC 2 : An industry gold standard, SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance proves that your company has effective security measures in place. It has five key criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. While SOC 2 is technically an attestation report, it is commonly treated as a security framework due to its structured approach to evaluating and guiding security controls. This compliance standard for service organizations from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) helps evaluate a company’s overall security.
• ISO 27001: ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized security standard that defines requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Because of its comprehensive scope and structured approach, many organizations select it as a framework for their security program. In a nutshell, it helps organizations protect their sensitive data by managing information security risks more effectively. 
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, helps businesses of all sizes understand, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risk. 
• CIS Controls (v8):  A safeguard to reduce cyberattacks on systems and networks, version 8 is the latest iteration and innovation from the Center for Internet Security (CIS). These controls offer the latest protection against threats, including threats to cloud and mobile tech, and support enterprises that want to keep up with modern systems and software.
• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is for contractors who work within the U.S. Department of Defense. The certification determines the overall maturity of your cybersecurity program.
• NIST AI Risk Management Framework: This newer framework helps organizations manage critical risks related to the use of artificial intelligence. This AI framework can help your enterprise follow legal, ethical, and regulatory standards and practices to protect your business and your customers. It can also help you mitigate ongoing AI risks such as privacy issues, evolving regulations, biased decisions, and data breaches to enhance trust with your team members and stakeholders.
• ISO 42001 (AI MS Framework): This is the first international standard designed for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). It provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and improve their AIMS. Ultimately, it promotes responsible development and use of AI in an organization.

Security certifications are an excellent way for your organization to demonstrate compliance and commitment to the highest service levels. In addition, your partners and clients may require a certification for partnership or to satisfy a local law or standard. 

Some other security frameworks to know include:

• HITRUST CSF: This framework integrates multiple standards, and it is widely used in healthcare and highly regulated sectors to manage sensitive data.
• COBIT: Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies, or COBIT, is a governance and management framework for enterprise IT to govern IT resources.
• PCI DSS: This security framework and global standard, also known as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, was designed for handling credit card and payment data so that all companies that manage card information maintain a secure environment.
• NIST SP 800-53: These deep technical controls are used exclusively by U.S. federal systems and contractors to develop secure and resilient federal information systems.

Your organization may turn to additional specialty cybersecurity frameworks and certifications, depending on your industry, goals, and security needs.

Note: Preparing policies, controls, and procedures for different certifications can take several months or even more than a year. In the later certification stages, an auditor will typically perform an audit over a few weeks. After a successful audit, your organization will receive a certification such as the ISO 27001. After you earn a security certification, make sure you mark renewal dates in your calendar, since certifications usually require renewals and updates for ongoing compliance.

Is NIST a Security Framework?

The FTC defines NIST as the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework allows organizations of all sizes to understand better, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risk. It’s a voluntary set of IT security standards and best practices to protect your networks and data.

NIST has Five Principles:

1. Identify: List the equipment, software, and data your organization uses, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and point-of-sale devices. Create a companywide cybersecurity policy for the roles and responsibilities of those with access to sensitive data. Next, establish how you’d protect yourself against an attack and what you’d do if you experienced one.
2. Protect: Manage who logs onto your network and uses network devices. In this stage, you implement security software and encrypt sensitive data. Regularly back up your data and update your security software. Automate the updates if possible. Remember to have formal policies for safely eradicating old files and devices and to train all team members on cybersecurity.
3. Detect: Monitor your network for unauthorized users, devices, or software. Check for unusual activity on your network or among your staff.
4. Respond: Establish a plan for security breaches, cyberattacks, and emergencies that risk data. Figure out how you will notify customers, employees, and others who may have data at risk. Decide how you’ll report the attack to law enforcement and how you’ll investigate and suppress an attack. Remember to have a plan for how you’ll keep your business running in the meantime.
5. Recover: Decide how to repair and restore equipment that an attack compromised. Keep your customers and users informed.

What Are AI Compliance Frameworks?

AI-specific compliance frameworks guide responsible AI development and ensure that your company’s initiatives are ethical and safe. They can help your business mitigate ongoing AI risks such as privacy issues, constantly evolving regulations, biased decisions, data breaches, and more, to build greater trust with your team members and stakeholders.

To maintain compliance and prepare for audits, your business will need to:

• Establish clear policies and procedures for AI development and usage throughout your organization
• Undertake AI security risk consulting and engage risk management services to avoid fines and protect data
• Build a company culture recognizing the extensive benefits of AI compliance, such as data privacy and security, fairness, and transparent decision-making

Key Regulations To Know 

Your business will also benefit from getting familiar with major regulatory frameworks and recognizing how these security frameworks support compliance. Here are the key regulatory frameworks to be aware of:

• HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes federal standards to protect sensitive health information from being disclosed without a patient’s consent or knowledge. It is designed to safeguard protected health information and ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Key security frameworks that support HIPAA compliance include NIST Cybersecurity Framework, HITRUST CSF, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. 
• GDPR: The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects personal data for those who live in the EU. It applies to organizations that collect data related to EU residents, no matter where the business is located, and gives individuals more control over their personal information. Several frameworks support compliance, including cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, plus privacy frameworks like ISO 27701 and ISO 27018.
• FedRAMP: The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)  in the U.S. provides a standardized, reusable approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud service offerings. It primarily relies on the NIST 800-53 security controls for compliance.

Your IT team should be well-versed in all of these regulatory frameworks to make sure that you are complying with laws wherever you do business.

Choosing the Right Frameworks

When determining the best cybersecurity frameworks for your business, you consider your industry, client expectations, legal obligations, and program maturity at a minimum.

Here are a few tips for finding the right frameworks to support your organization:

• Evaluate your resources: Your budget and employee availability and expertise will play a role in the selection process. Make sure the framework works with your business now and that it can grow and scale as your organization evolves. 
• Assess your current data handling practices: Evaluate your data handling to identify potential gaps and areas for improvement.
• Layer and combine: Rather than focusing on a single framework, you can benefit from laying frameworks or combining them with regulatory standards to provide more robust coverage.
• Develop a compliance roadmap: Create a plan for integrating cybersecurity compliance measures that outlines key milestones, teams, and timelines.
• Establish monitoring and reporting: Set up processes for ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure your entire business understands and uses security frameworks ethically. Stay up to date on the latest technology and innovations.
• Keep learning: Trava’s “AI and Data Privacy: A Deep Dive into AI Compliance Frameworks” webinar can help your business learn how to mitigate risk, stay ahead of regulatory requirements, and integrate compliance frameworks into your organization’s AI lifecycle. Ongoing training and education support organizational growth and success.

You can also learn more about Trava’s AI Risk Management Services & Solutions, which can help your organization navigate the complexities of cybersecurity risks with confidence. As the use of AI continues to explode, so do the regulatory and compliance demands surrounding it. With Trava Security’s AI security consulting, you can verify that your systems are secure, ethical, and ready to drive your company’s growth.

Use Cybersecurity Frameworks to Support Risk Management, Privacy, and Data Security

Following IT security standards and best practices will help your organization avoid costly fines and penalties as well as dangerous cyberattacks, reputational damage, and lost revenue. When you find and integrate the best security framework for your organization, you will support risk management, data security, and compliance. In addition, your business will attract business and team members alike.

If your organization needs help with identifying and integrating new security frameworks, Trava Security can help you with everything from research to implementation to updates. Trava offers compliance and cybersecurity for growth companies, so you can focus on what you do best. Reach out to Trava today to learn more about how you can integrate security and compliance into everything you do.