What is a security framework? 

A security framework is a set of controls and policies that a company can implement to protect their assets, provides business continuity best practices and help improve the overall security posture of the business. 

There are two types of implementation strategies with regards to security frameworks. 

Regulatory Security Frameworks and Voluntary Security Frameworks: 

Here are some differentiating details between required security frameworks  and voluntary security frameworks for businesses: 

Regulatory Security Frameworks: 

  1. Compliance: Required security frameworks are often mandated by regulatory bodies or industry standards to ensure that businesses meet specific security and privacy requirements. 
  1. Legal Obligations: Businesses are legally obligated to comply with these frameworks and may face penalties or legal consequences for non-compliance. 
  1. Specific Requirements: Required frameworks typically provide specific guidelines and controls that organizations must implement to address specific security concerns or protect sensitive data. 
  1. Industry Focus: Required frameworks often target specific industries or sectors that handle sensitive information, such as healthcare (HIPAA) or payment card data (PCI DSS). 
  1. Audits and Assessments: Compliance with required frameworks may involve regular audits and assessments by regulatory bodies or independent auditors to ensure adherence to the prescribed security measures. 

Voluntary Security Frameworks: 

  1. Flexibility: Voluntary security frameworks provide organizations with flexibility in adopting and customizing security controls based on their unique needs and risk profiles. 
  1. Best Practices: Voluntary frameworks are often developed based on industry best practices and input from experts, offering guidance on how to improve cybersecurity posture. 
  1. Risk Management: Voluntary frameworks emphasize risk management and encourage organizations to assess and address cybersecurity risks proactively. 
  1. Continuous Improvement: Voluntary frameworks typically promote an iterative approach to security, encouraging organizations to continuously assess, improve, and adapt their security practices. 
  1. Industry Adoption: Voluntary frameworks are widely adopted across various industries as a means to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and demonstrate a commitment to security best practices. 

Summary: 

While regulatory security frameworks focus on meeting specific compliance obligations, voluntary frameworks provide organizations with more flexibility and guidance to establish robust cybersecurity programs tailored to their unique needs and risk profiles. Both types of frameworks play important roles in promoting security and protecting sensitive data, but their implementation and regulatory implications differ significantly. 

Regulatory Security Frameworks 

NIST 800-171 CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Level 2: 

NIST CMMC Level 2 represents an intermediate level of cybersecurity maturity and is part of the broader CMMC framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This level focuses on the implementation of specific cybersecurity practices to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) and support the safeguarding of sensitive data. 

Key points about NIST CMMC Level 2: 

  1. Requirements: Level 2 includes a set of practices that organizations must implement to establish a baseline cybersecurity program. It encompasses all the practices from Level 1 and introduces additional practices to enhance security capabilities further. 
  1. Requirements Alignment: Level 2 aligns with the security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171, which addresses the protection of CUI in non-federal systems and organizations. 
  1. Safeguarding CUI: Level 2 focuses on the implementation of security controls to protect CUI throughout the organization. This includes measures related to access control, awareness and training, configuration management, incident response, media protection, and system and communications protection. 
  1. Documentation: At Level 2, organizations are required to document their cybersecurity policies, procedures, and plans. This documentation demonstrates the establishment and communication of cybersecurity practices within the organization. 
  1. Transition from Level 1: To achieve Level 2, organizations must meet all the practices defined in Level 1 and demonstrate the implementation of additional practices specific to Level 2. 
  1. Verification: To be certified at Level 2, organizations undergo an assessment conducted by a third-party auditor. The assessment evaluates the organization’s implementation and effectiveness of the required practices and determines compliance with the CMMC Level 2 requirements. 
  1. Path to Higher Levels: Level 2 serves as an intermediate step in the CMMC maturity model. Organizations can progress to higher levels by implementing more advanced practices and demonstrating increased cybersecurity maturity. 

NIST CMMC Level 2 aims to ensure that organizations handling CUI meet a baseline level of cybersecurity practices and protect sensitive information effectively. By achieving Level 2 certification, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding CUI and meet the cybersecurity requirements set forth by the DoD. 

Voluntary Security Frameworks: 

NIST CSF (National Institute of Standards and Technology) (CyberSecurity Framework) 

The NIST CSF is a voluntary framework created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help organizations manage and improve their cybersecurity posture. It provides a structured approach to assessing and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, aligning with business goals, and managing cybersecurity risks. 

The framework consists of five core functions: 

  1. Identify: Understand and document the organization’s assets, systems, data, and cybersecurity risks. This involves creating an inventory, assessing vulnerabilities, and determining the potential impact of a cybersecurity incident. 
  1. Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure the security and privacy of the organization’s assets and data. This includes measures such as access controls, awareness training, secure configurations, and data encryption. 
  1. Detect: Develop and deploy mechanisms to identify cybersecurity events promptly. This involves establishing continuous monitoring, implementing intrusion detection systems, and setting up incident response capabilities. 
  1. Respond: Define and implement an effective response plan to address detected cybersecurity incidents. This includes establishing communication channels, coordinating response efforts, and minimizing the impact of incidents. 
  1. Recover: Develop and implement strategies to restore systems and services after a cybersecurity incident. This involves planning for system backups, conducting post-incident analysis, and incorporating lessons learned into future security improvements. 

The framework also includes a set of implementation tiers to help organizations assess and communicate their level of cybersecurity maturity. 

By adopting and utilizing the NIST CSF, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity resilience, align their cybersecurity efforts with business objectives, and effectively manage cybersecurity risks. 

Please note that this is a brief summary of the NIST CSF, and there are more detailed guidelines and resources available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for further understanding and implementation.