Cyber Security Framework: An Easy 4 Step Guide

Introduction

If we talk about things that shape the world economy, data will top the list. Hence, it is essential to keep Data from getting into the wrong hands. Most organizations are now considering the importance of Cybersecurity and focusing on it accordingly. In the current day and age. Data breaches and Cyber Crimes have increased rapidly. Hence, there is a global need for Cybersecurity. Understanding security arrangements and alignments are of utmost importance while dealing in this domain, and that’s where the Cyber Security framework comes into play.

The topics that are discussed-

1. What is Cybersecurity Framework?
2. Why Cybersecurity Framework?
3. Cybersecurity Framework List
4. Cybersecurity Framework Components

Once you are through with the article, you will understand how important Cybersecurity is in the present era and how you can implement it in your organization.

1. What is Cybersecurity Framework?

“The Framework is voluntary guidance, based on existing guidelines, and practices for organizations to better manage and reduce Cybersecurity risk.”

With the combined efforts of governments and top-notch businesses, the Cyber Security Framework and standards consist of rules, measures, and practices regarding Cyberethics and laws. The approach followed by CSF is repeatable, organized, effective, and adaptable; hence it helps in providing safety from Cyber-hazard prevailing in Cyberspace. It is a rule book that consists of the best practices for a company to adapt. It was intended to encourage hazard and Cybersecurity communications within external and internal stakeholders. It also has guidelines on how to recover if you ever fall into the trap of Cybercrime.

2. Why Cybersecurity Framework?

The framework allows organizations to understand why Cybersecurity is important and how you can deal with any cybercrime. It also gives precaution points on how you can lessen the risk of falling victim to any cyber crimes.

Executing a Framework is important because –

• The Framework provided is a mature-model that has been fully implemented., Hence, no additional build-up is required. You can always add additional elements if you require it.
• The critical infrastructure Cyber Security framework can be implemented in stages; hence, seems to be more effective in businesses. This enables the organization to implement the CSF in parts, starting from the lower level then slowly executing till the higher level.
• It provides a measure of your current situation in the Cyberworld and gives details on how you can improve the policies and practices in the organization.
• The outcome is a move from consistency to activity and explicit results.

3. Cybersecurity Framework List

Based on the requirements of the company, different frameworks can be implemented. Apply the framework that fits with the requirements best so that efficient continuity of the business is ensured. The implemented framework should not come in between the workflow of the organizations. Sometimes, an organization requires to implement two or more frameworks to fully satisfy its needs. This approach might extend the budget, but taking a risk in cyberspace might cost more.

These are some common Cybersecurity control Frameworks –

• ISO 27001/27002 –

The International Organization for Standardization i.e ISO Cyber Security Framework suggests the best practices that an organization can follow while considering Information Security, its elements, and its management. ISO 27001 Cyber Security framework is globally known as the best Cyber Security framework as it results in organizations having the best cyber policies.

• PCI DSS –

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a type of Cyber Security framework that focuses on standards for online payments and transactions. It is a set of protocols that will help the organization prevent any kind of fraud while transaction through debit card, credit card, or any other card.

• NIST Framework –

One of the top Cyber Security frameworks, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework is a type of Framework for enhancing basic foundation Cybersecurity to improve the association’s preparation for overseeing cybersecurity hazards by utilizing standard techniques and procedures. The five elements of NIST are – Protect, Identify, Detect, Recover, and Respond.

• CIS Critical Security Controls –

Center of Internet Security (CIS) Framework is a type of cybersecurity risk framework., It recommends a game plan of exercises for cyber insurance that gives specific and essential ways to deal with stopping the present certain and risky assaults.

The three major goals of the CIS framework are – operational security, management security, and physical security controls. It is a kind of Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Framework. A key preferred advantage of the CIS Critical Cybersecurity Controls Framework is that they arrange and focus on fewer exercises with high results. It also falls in the category of Cybersecurity Incident Management Framework, as it helps to recover from any cyber threat.

4. Cybersecurity Framework Components

The frameworks implemented in each company might differ based on the requirement of the organization, but the essential components that build the Frameworks, are the same. The components consist of various guidelines, choose the ones that fit best with your company.

There are three components of the Cyber Security Framework

• Framework Core
• Implementation Tiers
• Profiles

A) Framework Core

It provides a game plan of the required Cybersecurity activities and results using ordinary reasonable language. The Cyber Security Framework Core guides organizations in supervising and diminishing their Cybersecurity risks, such that the activities also enhance the present Cybersecurity of the organization and the process of the Cyber Threat Management Framework. 

The Core consists of these three parts: Categories, Functions, and Subcategories. The five high-level functions included in the Framework core are: Protect, Identify, Detect, Recover, and Respond.

B) Implementation Tiers

As a key component of the Cybersecurity Management Framework, it helps the organizations by providing a benchmark on how an organization sees the process of Cybersecurity and risk management. The levels oversee organizations to consider the reasonable degree of meticulousness for the implemented Cybersecurity program and are routinely used as a particular gadget to discuss the financial plans, needs of the mission, etc.

There are four tiers in it: Partial, Risk-Informed, Repeatable, and Adaptive. These tier levels should be implemented in the company according to the company’s requirements and needs. These tiers are made in such a way that the frameworks can be implemented stage wise in an organization. You can start with the basics and increase the level according to your needs and budgets.

C) Profiles

In Cybersecurity standards and frameworks, profiles are considered as an organization’s novel plan of the company’s essentials and objectives, and resources against the desired aftereffects of the Framework Core. It consists of Business Objectives, Threat Environment, Requirements and Controls. The requirements can be considered following up on the present status of Cybersecurity in the organization. It also tells about the gap present in previous policies and the financial need for an upgrade. These are mainly used to perceive and sort out open entryways for upgrading Cybersecurity at an organization.

Conclusion

This was all about the basics of the Cybersecurity Framework and its importance in today’s world. As the world is reaching more heights in technology, Cybersecurity will become more crucial for companies and organizations to protect their data from the outer world. It will also become an essential part of the Government organization’s security to protect leaks of personal information of the citizen. The data breach occurring every year might not cost much financially but will cost the trust of your consumers. The series of documents in the Cybersecurity Framework will help the organization and association to gain their consumers’ confidence and build a good reputation.

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