Top 13 Cybersecurity Frameworks

With cyber threats on the rise, organizations face growing pressure to protect their systems, data, and reputation. As a result, many companies are turning to cybersecurity frameworks as structured approaches to managing risks and strengthening defenses. These frameworks not only help organizations combat evolving cyber threats, but also streamline regulatory compliance efforts.

In this blog we will cover the following questions regarding cyber security frameworks:

• What is a Cyber Security Framework and what is it needed for?

• What are the most important cyber security frameworks I should know about?

• Which cyber security framework is the right one for my company?

A cybersecurity framework is a structured set of guidelines, best practices, and standards designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Think of it as a playbook or blueprint that outlines how to:

• Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities

• Protect critical assets and systems

• Detect security breaches or suspicious activity

• Respond to incidents quickly and effectively

• Recover from attacks and resume normal operations

A cybersecurity framework is not going to stop every attack. But it provides structure and accountability, helping organizations systematically improve their defenses and respond to incidents when they occur. A proper cyber security framework has multiple purposes:

1. Reduce Risk: They help organizations proactively address cyber threats and reduce the likelihood and impact of attacks like ransomware, phishing, or data breaches.

2. Ensure Compliance: Many industries like finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are legally required to follow certain frameworks or standards.

3. Standardize Security Practices: Frameworks provide a common methodology across teams, departments, or even between companies and regulators.

4. Build Trust: Adhering to a well-known framework shows customers, partners, and regulators that you’re serious about security.

5. Improve Incident Response: Frameworks outline how to detect and respond to threats efficiently.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. governmental agency responsible for setting technology and security standards. Its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), originally created in 2014 for federal agencies, is now widely adopted across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and critical infrastructure.

The latest release, version 2.0 (February 2024), emphasizes two critical areas: governance and managing supply chain risks. The updated framework provides detailed guidance in several key cybersecurity areas, including:

• Risk management

• Asset management

• Identity and access control

• Incident response planning

• Supply chain management

Recognizing that smaller companies often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, NIST also introduced tailored resources for small and midsized businesses (SMBs). Managed Service Providers (MSPs), in particular, can leverage these resources to efficiently assist SMB clients in adopting strong cybersecurity practices, enhancing protection without overwhelming limited resources.

Key strengths of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) include its clear alignment with U.S. regulatory requirements, notably the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). Additionally, it offers high compatibility with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 27001 and the CIS Controls. The framework also provides practical guidance that is highly adaptable, making it suitable for organizations of varying sizes and across multiple sectors.

However, adopting NIST CSF can also present challenges. Organizations may mistakenly approach it merely as a compliance exercise, underestimate the complexity of implementation, or fail to secure leadership buy-in, reducing its effectiveness.

With increasing threats to supply chains and critical infrastructure, the updated NIST CSF remains particularly relevant, offering organizations actionable steps to enhance cybersecurity maturity and build trust with partners and customers.

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization known for creating practical, prioritized cybersecurity guidelines. The CIS Controls, formerly known as the CIS 20, offer clear, actionable steps designed to help organizations strengthen their defenses against common cyber threats, such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.

Currently in version 8 (released in 2021), the CIS Controls are structured into three main implementation groups (IGs), enabling organizations to focus first on critical cybersecurity actions, then progressively adopt additional measures as their maturity grows:

• IG1 (Essential Cyber Hygiene): Fundamental protections recommended for every organization, regardless of size or resources.

• IG2 (Moderate Protection): Additional measures suitable for organizations with dedicated IT and cybersecurity resources.

• IG3 (Advanced Protection): Advanced measures targeted at enterprises facing sophisticated or highly targeted cyber threats.

Key cybersecurity areas covered by CIS Controls include:

• Inventory and control of hardware and software assets

• Continuous vulnerability management and patching

• Secure configuration of IT systems

• Controlled administrative privileges

• Incident response and data recovery strategies

A major advantage of adopting CIS Controls is their simplicity and practical applicability. They can be particularly valuable to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or teams without extensive cybersecurity resources. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) frequently leverage CIS Controls to help clients quickly improve their cyber hygiene, reducing common security risks in a structured, cost-effective manner.

However, organizations adopting CIS Controls should avoid pitfalls such as viewing the guidelines as a one-time checklist or failing to revisit and continuously improve their cybersecurity posture.

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides a structured approach for managing information security through an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Unlike some frameworks, ISO 27001 is certifiable, allowing organizations to demonstrate their cybersecurity commitment publicly, which can enhance customer and stakeholder trust.

The standard outlines requirements organizations must meet to systematically manage information security risks. It covers a range of processes, including:

• Risk assessment and treatment

• Asset management and access control

• Incident management and response

• Business continuity planning

• Regular internal audits and management reviews

Complementing ISO 27001, ISO 27002 serves as a detailed code of practice that provides practical guidance on implementing the security controls listed in Annex A of ISO 27001. It includes detailed recommendations for best practices such as secure software development, endpoint security, data encryption, and personnel training.

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are industry-agnostic standards, making them suitable for organizations across sectors, from technology startups to multinational corporations. Organizations that adopt ISO 27001 often find alignment simpler when addressing additional regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2.

However, organizations should be aware of common challenges, including underestimating the time and resources needed to achieve certification or implement the required ongoing management processes. Effective adoption demands clear leadership commitment, internal training, and dedicated operational effort.

Given today’s globalized economy and evolving regulatory landscape, ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 remain highly relevant standards, providing a structured way to consistently manage risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and demonstrate a strong commitment to information security to stakeholders worldwide.

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing procedure developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is widely recognized in North America and increasingly globally as an essential standard for service organizations to demonstrate robust management of data security, confidentiality, availability, processing integrity, and privacy.

SOC 2 compliance is structured around five Trust Service Principles (TSPs), though organizations can choose to focus their audit based on relevance and stakeholder requirements:

• Security: Protection against unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

• Availability: System uptime, reliability, and accessibility.

• Processing Integrity: Accuracy, completeness, and reliability of system processing.

• Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information.

• Privacy: Proper handling of personal data in line with privacy regulations.

Unlike ISO 27001, SOC 2 is not a certifiable standard but a formal attestation issued by a licensed auditor after an evaluation. SOC 2 assessments are divided into two types:

• Type I: Evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time.

• Type II: Evaluates both the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a period, typically six months or more.

The key strengths of SOC 2 include:

• High trustworthiness due to independent auditor assessments.

• Clear alignment with regulatory requirements, particularly valuable in highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

• Increasingly expected by enterprise clients, investors, and business partners as a baseline for vendor security.

Considering this, organizations seeking SOC 2 attestation should be prepared for significant resource commitments. Common challenges include underestimating the complexity of controls implementation, insufficient documentation, and inadequate preparation for audits. Ensuring continuous compliance demands ongoing monitoring, internal training, and consistent operational discipline.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted by the European Union in May 2018, represents one of the most influential privacy regulations globally, significantly reshaping data privacy standards worldwide. Designed to protect individuals’ personal data and harmonize privacy laws across EU member states, GDPR sets clear guidelines for data collection, processing, storage, and consent management.

Key principles underpinning GDPR include:

• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: Clear disclosure about how data is used.

• Purpose limitation: Restricting data use strictly to declared purposes.

• Data minimization: Collecting only necessary information.

• Accuracy: Maintaining and updating personal data.

• Storage limitation: Keeping data only as long as necessary.

• Integrity and confidentiality: Ensuring secure data handling and processing.

• Accountability: Documenting compliance and demonstrating adherence.

GDPR grants significant rights to individuals (data subjects), empowering them with greater control over their personal data, including:

• The right to access their personal information.

• The right to rectification and erasure (“right to be forgotten”).

• The right to data portability.

• The right to object or restrict processing.

Unlike cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF or ISO 27001, GDPR is regulatory and legally binding, with severe penalties for non-compliance, reaching up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher.

Key strengths of GDPR compliance include:

• Enhancing customer trust by prioritizing data privacy and security.

• Clear alignment with other regulatory and compliance requirements, streamlining overall governance.

• Driving improvement in data management and cybersecurity practices across organizations.

Nevertheless, organizations frequently underestimate the complexities involved in GDPR compliance. Challenges commonly include ambiguous interpretations of the law, difficulties managing consent and subject access requests, inadequate internal policies, and limited awareness among employees. Organizations must establish clear internal governance, regular compliance audits, and comprehensive staff training to effectively manage ongoing GDPR obligations.

With increasing global emphasis on privacy, including laws modeled after GDPR emerging in countries outside Europe, GDPR remains profoundly relevant. It provides organizations a structured approach for responsibly managing personal data, maintaining compliance, and strengthening trust among global stakeholders.

Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT), developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), provides a comprehensive framework for governance and management of enterprise IT. Initially introduced in 1996, COBIT has evolved significantly, with the latest iteration, COBIT 2019, designed to integrate seamlessly with other frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements.

COBIT’s structure is built around five key domains covering IT governance and management practices:

• Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM): Strategic oversight ensuring IT aligns with business objectives.

• Align, Plan, and Organize (APO): Defining a clear strategic IT vision, including roles, responsibilities, and processes.

• Build, Acquire, and Implement (BAI): Managing IT solutions, procurement, and service implementation.

• Deliver, Service, and Support (DSS): Ensuring smooth operational delivery and support of IT services.

• Monitor, Evaluate, and Assess (MEA): Continuous evaluation of performance, compliance, and effectiveness.

Key strengths of adopting COBIT include:

• Strategic alignment of IT resources with business goals, fostering transparency and accountability.

• Integration capability, with compatibility across various regulatory frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST CSF, GDPR).

• Comprehensive guidelines for establishing effective IT governance, beneficial for executives, auditors, and operational management.

Organizations adopting COBIT often encounter challenges related to its comprehensive nature. These include complexity of implementation, risk of misalignment between IT and business units, and potential difficulty securing consistent stakeholder buy-in. Effective implementation demands strong executive sponsorship, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and ongoing training for key stakeholders.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global cybersecurity standard developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, a consortium including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. PCI DSS specifically addresses the secure handling of cardholder data, providing mandatory compliance requirements for all organizations that store, process, or transmit payment card information.

The PCI DSS framework is structured around six overarching objectives, each supported by clear requirements designed to systematically reduce the risk of data breaches:

1. Secure Infrastructure Management: Ensuring secure networks, including firewall implementation and secure configuration standards.

2. Protection of Stored and Transmitted Cardholder Data: Establishing secure storage practices and robust encryption mechanisms for sensitive payment data.

3. Comprehensive Vulnerability Management: Mandating effective measures against malware and the regular application of security patches.

4. Robust Access Control Measures: Restricting data access strictly to authorized personnel through logical and physical controls, including unique identification and authentication procedures.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Testing: Implementing active tracking of network activities, combined with frequent vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

6. Formal Information Security Policies: Developing, communicating, and enforcing clear security policies across the entire organization, including employees and third-party vendors.

A significant strength of PCI DSS lies in its detailed, prescriptive approach. This provides clear expectations and reduces ambiguity around security measures, significantly strengthening trust with customers, financial institutions, and global regulators. Additionally, PCI DSS aligns closely with broader cybersecurity best practices, creating a strong foundation for overall data security.

However, organizations must carefully manage compliance efforts to avoid common pitfalls such as underestimating the complexity of audits, neglecting ongoing security monitoring, or inadequately preparing documentation. Achieving and maintaining compliance requires clear accountability, consistent internal training, and a commitment to ongoing security improvements rather than a narrow focus on passing annual audits.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), enacted by the United States Congress in 1996, sets mandatory requirements to protect sensitive patient health information from unauthorized disclosure. Primarily impacting healthcare providers, insurers, clearinghouses, and associated service providers (“business associates”), HIPAA establishes standards for safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) across all forms of communication, storage, and processing.

HIPAA is structured into several critical rules that organizations must implement comprehensively:

• Privacy Rule: Defines standards for patient consent, permissible disclosures, and individual rights to access, amend, and obtain copies of their PHI.

• Security Rule: Specifies administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic PHI (ePHI) from unauthorized access or loss.

• Breach Notification Rule: Outlines mandatory notification processes for patients, authorities, and sometimes media when breaches involving PHI occur.

• Enforcement Rule: Details penalties and compliance investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Key strengths of HIPAA compliance include clear guidelines for protecting patient privacy, enhancing data security practices, and promoting trust between healthcare organizations and patients. HIPAA’s structured approach also aligns well with broader cybersecurity frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001, facilitating comprehensive security management across regulated entities.

Achieving HIPAA compliance can pose some challenges. Common pitfalls include misinterpretation of regulatory obligations, inadequate staff training, inconsistent documentation practices, and insufficient breach preparedness. Effective compliance requires clearly defined policies, ongoing internal education, regular risk assessments, and robust incident response planning.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) standards were developed specifically to protect the Bulk Electric System (BES) across North America, addressing cybersecurity and physical security threats to critical infrastructure. Established and enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), these standards apply to utility companies, grid operators, and associated entities that generate, transmit, or distribute electric power.

NERC CIP standards comprise multiple clearly defined requirements, organized into specific categories that cover essential aspects of infrastructure protection:

1. Cybersecurity Management: Systematic identification, categorization, and management of cyber assets critical to grid reliability, including thorough risk assessments.

2. Personnel and Training: Mandatory background checks, security awareness programs, and regular cybersecurity training for personnel with access to critical systems.

3. Electronic Security Measures: Implementation of robust access controls, secure network boundaries, monitoring systems, and stringent procedures for system maintenance and configuration.

4. Physical Security Controls: Protection of facilities and physical assets against unauthorized access, sabotage, and physical disruptions.

5. Incident Response and Recovery: Detailed planning and testing for cyber and physical incident detection, reporting, and rapid recovery.

Key strengths of NERC CIP compliance include its targeted, comprehensive approach tailored specifically to critical infrastructure, clear enforcement through mandatory audits, and its direct role in ensuring operational continuity and national security. Its detailed, prescriptive guidelines facilitate structured cybersecurity improvements, significantly reducing systemic risks in the energy sector.

However, NERC CIP compliance presents significant operational challenges. Organizations commonly underestimate the complexity of compliance obligations, particularly with respect to asset management, documentation, and audit preparedness. Successful compliance demands extensive collaboration across operational, IT, and cybersecurity teams, as well as continuous training, documentation rigor, and proactive threat mitigation strategies.

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), first enacted by the U.S. Congress in 2002 and significantly updated in 2014, establishes a comprehensive framework for managing information security across federal agencies and their contractors. Administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FISMA mandates that federal organizations systematically manage risks to information and information systems to protect critical government data from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction.

FISMA compliance is structured around several core elements:

1. Risk Assessment and Categorization: Agencies must assess the security risks to their information and categorize systems based on their sensitivity and criticality, following guidelines outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-60.

2. Implementation of Security Controls: Agencies must select and implement appropriate security controls from NIST SP 800-53, tailored to each system’s risk categorization.

3. System Security Plans (SSP): Development and maintenance of detailed documentation describing the security controls and measures implemented to protect federal information systems.

4. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Reporting: Agencies must continuously monitor the effectiveness of security controls, report cybersecurity incidents promptly, and demonstrate ongoing compliance to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other oversight entities.

FISMA’s key strengths include its rigorous, structured approach, clear regulatory oversight, and alignment with other widely adopted frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls. Compliance enhances governmental accountability, transparency, and trust among agencies, contractors, and the public.

However, organizations subject to FISMA face several challenges, including the complexity of aligning multiple NIST guidelines, resource-intensive documentation and reporting requirements, and the need for continuous oversight. Effective implementation requires robust internal governance, clear leadership buy-in, comprehensive staff training, and rigorous internal auditing processes.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC) is a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) aimed at ensuring effective cybersecurity practices among defense contractors and subcontractors. Introduced in 2021 as a significant update to the initial CMMC framework, version 2.0 simplifies and streamlines certification requirements to better protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the defense industrial base (DIB).

CMMC 2.0 is structured into three clearly defined maturity levels, each reflecting the criticality and sensitivity of the data being handled:

1. Level 1 (Foundational):

   Involves basic cybersecurity practices, emphasizing essential safeguarding measures for Federal Contract Information (FCI). Self-assessment is typically sufficient at this level.

2. Level 2 (Advanced):

   Requires rigorous adherence to the 110 security controls specified in NIST SP 800-171, applicable to contractors handling CUI. Organizations at this level undergo third-party assessments or selective self-assessments based on data sensitivity.

3. Level 3 (Expert):

   Focuses on contractors managing the highest-priority programs, requiring compliance with enhanced controls derived from NIST SP 800-172. This level involves thorough government-led assessments.

The primary strengths of CMMC 2.0 include its clear alignment with existing standards (particularly NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-172), its streamlined structure facilitating easier adoption, and its role in significantly enhancing cybersecurity resilience within the defense supply chain. It directly addresses common threats such as espionage, ransomware, and supply chain disruptions, strengthening national security and contractor accountability.

Implementing CMMC 2.0 can present substantial operational and resource challenges. Organizations commonly face complexities in accurately mapping controls, inadequate documentation, and insufficient internal cybersecurity expertise. Successful compliance demands executive sponsorship, dedicated cybersecurity resources, robust policy documentation, and continuous internal training.

The Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM), developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), provides a widely accepted framework specifically tailored to addressing security and risk management within cloud computing environments. Initially released in 2010 and regularly updated to reflect evolving cloud threats and technologies, CCM outlines clearly defined security controls to help cloud service providers (CSPs) and their customers manage shared security responsibilities.

The CCM framework organizes security controls into 17 distinct domains, such as:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensuring secure access to cloud resources.

• Data Security and Privacy: Protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in the cloud.

• Application Security: Managing application-related risks within cloud infrastructures.

• Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Establishing comprehensive governance and regulatory compliance practices.

One of CCM’s primary strengths is its extensive alignment and cross-mapping to leading cybersecurity frameworks and regulations, such as ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, GDPR, and SOC 2. This alignment streamlines compliance efforts, significantly reducing complexity for global organizations that operate under multiple regulatory requirements. Additionally, CCM clearly delineates security responsibilities between CSPs and cloud customers, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Nontheless, organizations implementing CCM often underestimate cloud-specific complexities, including accurately defining shared responsibilities, effectively governing third-party cloud providers, or adequately addressing cloud-specific threats like misconfigurations and unauthorized access. Effective CCM implementation requires clear contractual agreements, robust cloud governance practices, ongoing training, and continuous security monitoring.

With the rapid growth of cloud adoption and the persistent evolution of cloud-related threats, CCM remains relevant. It provides organizations a structured and practical approach for managing cloud security risks, facilitating regulatory compliance, and building customer and stakeholder trust in cloud solutions.

The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) Common Security Framework (CSF) is a comprehensive and certifiable cybersecurity framework designed specifically for healthcare organizations and their third-party providers. Initially developed in 2007 to unify diverse regulatory standards within healthcare (such as HIPAA, HITECH, and PCI DSS) HITRUST CSF provides a standardized approach to managing data protection and regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.

HITRUST CSF consolidates security requirements across multiple standards into structured control categories, including:

• Information Protection Program: Establishing robust data governance and risk management.

• Access Control and Identity Management: Protecting against unauthorized access to sensitive data.

• Incident Management: Effective detection, reporting, and response to cybersecurity incidents.

• Compliance and Regulatory Management: Streamlining adherence to healthcare regulations and standards.

A key advantage of HITRUST CSF is its comprehensive integration of multiple regulatory requirements into a single assessment framework, significantly simplifying compliance efforts for organizations facing complex regulatory landscapes. Additionally, HITRUST certification, achieved through third-party validated assessments, offers a widely recognized attestation, enhancing stakeholder trust and market competitiveness in healthcare and related industries.

Adopting HITRUST CSF can be resource-intensive. Common challenges include underestimating the depth of controls required, the complexity of maintaining ongoing compliance, and ensuring consistent documentation and audit preparedness. Successful implementation demands clear executive support, rigorous documentation processes, ongoing security awareness training, and continuous monitoring practices.

Clearly understanding your primary cybersecurity goals and compliance requirements helps you to select the most suitable framework. Different frameworks emphasize various aspects, some are designed specifically for regulatory compliance, while others focus on building customer trust, achieving operational security, or improving internal governance and accountability. Consider your objectives carefully.

Industry-specific cybersecurity frameworks provide tailored guidance and compliance pathways aligned with your sector’s regulatory and security demands. Selecting frameworks commonly adopted in your industry ensures alignment with peers, partners, and regulators.

Different cybersecurity frameworks are suited for organizations of varying sizes and resource availability. Some frameworks are highly comprehensive and resource-intensive, ideal for large enterprises, whereas others are simpler and easier to implement, making them perfect for small-to-medium businesses.

Depending on your business strategy or contractual requirements, frameworks differ in their validation methods. Certification or third-party validation can be valuable in proving compliance externally, thereby increasing trust with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Evaluate the implementation complexity and cost implications of adopting a framework. This step helps your company anticipate resources, budgeting, and timelines. High-complexity frameworks require significant investments in personnel, training, and technology, while simpler frameworks may provide effective security with fewer resources.

Choosing the right cybersecurity framework is essential for effectively managing risk, ensuring compliance, and maintaining trust in today’s increasingly complex threat landscape.

Each framework has distinct strengths and implementation requirements, making it critical for organizations to thoroughly assess their specific goals, industry demands, regulatory obligations, size, and available resources. By aligning these factors carefully, companies can not only enhance their cybersecurity posture but also optimize costs and efforts involved in achieving robust protection.

Ultimately, the most effective cybersecurity framework is the one that best fits your organization’s unique needs, enabling you to confidently navigate evolving cyber threats and regulatory environments.