Cybersecurity frameworks or standards are like the rule books or plans that organizations use to keep their digital spaces safe. They outline how to set up defenses against hackers and protect important information and technology. Let's break down the main types of frameworks and some well-known examples:
Control Frameworks: Think of these as beginner guides for organizations just starting to protect themselves in the cyber world. They help identify the basic protective measures needed, like locking doors and windows in a house to keep burglars out.
Program Frameworks: These are like detailed blueprints for building and running a complete security system. They're used to check how strong the security is, compare it with others, and communicate with leaders about security needs.
Risk Frameworks: These focus on figuring out what the biggest digital dangers are and how to prioritize defending against them. It's like deciding which parts of a city need the most protection against a storm based on how likely they are to be hit.
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls: This list of 20 actions is like a starter kit for cybersecurity. It's divided into three parts: basic controls to know what and who needs protection, foundational controls to protect essential tools and information, and organizational controls to keep everyone aware and prepared.
National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 10-Step Framework: This is a guide to help organizations of all sizes improve their cybersecurity. The steps cover everything from understanding risks to teaching employees how to stay safe online.
National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF): This is a more advanced framework for businesses to assess and improve their cybersecurity. It's divided into parts that help organizations identify their digital assets, protect them, detect attacks, respond to incidents, and recover from them.
Each framework has its own approach but generally includes steps like:
Identifying what needs protection (like information, devices, and networks).
Protecting those assets with tools and policies (like firewalls, antivirus software, and security policies).
Detecting potential cyber attacks quickly.
Responding to attacks or breaches effectively.
Recovering from any damage caused by attacks to get back to normal operations.
These frameworks help organizations create a plan that fits their specific needs, whether they're protecting against basic threats or managing complex security operations. Think of it as choosing the right kind of armor and defense strategy in a video game, where the goal is to keep your character safe and secure.