Understanding the Maze: The Differences and Interconnections Among Cybersecurity Frameworks

Yuvi Kapoor

— 3 min read
Understanding the Maze: The Differences and Interconnections Among Cybersecurity Frameworks

Whilst working in Cyber, I’ve been pulled into numerous GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) engagements, with my first major project being a SOCI (Security of Critical Infrastructure) uplift. This initial engagement was a deep dive into the complexities of a specific framework, and I was quickly overwhelmed by the volume of information and the depth of understanding required.

As I continued to work on various GRC projects, I was exposed to a broad array of cybersecurity frameworks. The complexity of SOCI was just the beginning; I soon realised that the world of cybersecurity frameworks is not only diverse but also highly specialised. Each framework addresses unique threats, industry needs, and regulatory requirements, making it essential to grasp their intricacies fully.

The Expansive Universe of Cybersecurity Frameworks

Cybersecurity frameworks are crucial for helping organisations manage security risks and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards. Although this article highlights a few notable frameworks, such as NIST CSF and HIPAA, this is merely a snapshot of a much larger landscape.

1. Beyond the Examples Mentioned

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF): A versatile framework suitable for various industries, offering a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risks through five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Tailored specifically for the healthcare sector, focusing on the protection of patient health information and privacy.
  • ISO/IEC 27001: An internationally recognised standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
  • Essential Eight: An Australian framework providing practical strategies to mitigate common cyber threats.

2. The Wealth of Other Frameworks

The cybersecurity realm includes many other frameworks, each designed to meet particular needs:

  • COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies): Emphasises IT governance and management, aligning IT objectives with business goals.
  • NIST Special Publications (SPs): Encompasses various publications like NIST SP 800-53 for federal information systems and NIST SP 800-171 for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
  • PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): Essential for organisations handling credit card data, focusing on data protection and secure payment systems.
  • SOC 2 (System and Organisation Controls): Provides a framework for service organisations to demonstrate their commitment to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Regulates data protection and privacy for individuals within the EU, affecting organisations globally.
  • CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): Aims to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the U.S. Department of Defence supply chain.
  • SMB1001: Offers guidance tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), providing practical and scalable security measures.

Comparing Frameworks: Similarities and Differences

While each framework has its unique focus, many share common principles:

  • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks is a core principle across most frameworks.
  • Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive information is a universal goal.
  • Incident Response: Managing security incidents effectively is a key component.

1. Overlapping Controls and Requirements

Many frameworks feature similar controls and requirements, which can lead to confusion about whether adhering to multiple frameworks is necessary or if one framework suffices.

2. Crosswalks and Harmonisation

Crosswalks are tools that help organisations understand how different frameworks relate to each other, highlighting common controls and streamlining compliance efforts. Harmonisation efforts aim to align frameworks, reducing conflicts and simplifying the compliance process.

3. Sector-Specific vs. General Guidance

Frameworks like ISO 27001 provide broad, adaptable guidance, while industry-specific frameworks offer detailed controls tailored to particular needs.

Streamlining Compliance and Enhancing Security

Navigating multiple frameworks can be challenging, but leveraging crosswalks and seeking expert guidance can simplify the process. Understanding how frameworks interconnect and addressing common controls can enhance compliance and strengthen security practices.

Conclusion

The world of cybersecurity frameworks is vast and varied, reflecting the diverse needs and risks faced by different industries. While this article highlights a selection of frameworks, many more exist, each offering specialised guidance. By exploring the interconnections among frameworks and utilising tools like crosswalks, organisations can effectively manage compliance and enhance their overall security posture. If navigating these complexities feels daunting, seeking expert assistance can help you streamline the process and achieve robust cybersecurity practices.

My two cents to anyone starting in GRC is to discuss with team mates, ask for guidance and take it page by page. It can be daunting working with a framework where you do not have a large amount of exposure on, however it is important to remember most share common principles.

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