Security frameworks make it easier to identify, assess, and monitor IT risks. Which types will benefit your organization?
Katrina Dalao
Sr. Content Marketing Specialist
March 6, 2023
The road to a cohesive information security (InfoSec) program is paved with frameworks. Alongside other industry standards and regulations, they help safeguard your company’s data against threats and vulnerabilities.
Headlines such as the Marriott Hotel data breach that exposed the information of up to 500 million guests, and the Twitter data leak of more than 200 million Twitter users prove the critical importance of a reliable information security program.
While every company operates differently, security frameworks are the recommended starting point to build an InfoSec program. CISOs and other security professionals rely on frameworks to identify and prioritize the tasks required to demonstrate information security.
A security framework is a set of policies, guidelines, and best practices designed to manage an organization’s information security risks. As the name suggests, frameworks provide the supporting structure needed to protect internal data against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
By establishing a common set of standards, frameworks make it easier for InfoSec professionals to understand the organization’s current security posture and prepare for upcoming audits.
Security frameworks can be tailored to specific industry regulations, compliance goals, or information security concerns. By adopting various relevant standards, organizations can define exact tasks and develop their own approach to managing risk exposure more intelligently.
IT and cybersecurity frameworks are broken down into three different types, according to purpose and level of maturity:
Control frameworks are the foundation of all security programs – the specific controls and processes that help protect against threats. While organizations may have ad-hoc security activities, control frameworks help stay ahead of security risks with a systematic approach to compliance. Control frameworks help:
Examples of control frameworks: NIST SP 800-53, CIS Critical Security Controls
The main objective of program frameworks is to present a higher-level view of the organization’s security efforts. As programs mature, these frameworks help give business leaders a better understanding of how the overall security posture. Program frameworks tasks include:
Examples of program frameworks: ISO 27001, NIST CSF
Mature security programs will typically include relevant risk frameworks. These focus on controls needed to review, analyze, and appropriately prioritize the organization’s activities against ongoing security risks. Risk frameworks help to:
Examples of control frameworks: NIST 800-39, NIST 800-37, NIST 800-30
The ideal security framework for your company is one that aligns with internal program maturity and strategic goals, as well as external industry and regulatory standards. Here are the 18 most popular examples of security frameworks and standards:
The ISO 27000 series, developed by the International Organization for Standardization, is the recognized cybersecurity standard. While flexible enough to be applied to any operation, the international standard assumes an organization has an information security management system (ISMS) to manage its data and safeguard against risks.
The two most notable frameworks are ISO 27001 (ISO/IEC 27001), which outlines the requirements of an ISMS, and 27002, which guides organizations on how to develop applicable ISMS controls.
Learn more about ISO 27001 standards and its latest update.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (NIST CSF) was released in February 2013 during the Obama Administration to protect the country’s infrastructure in the US from cyberattacks.
Critical industries such as energy production, healthcare delivery, communications, and transportation are vulnerable targets for hackers and therefore need to uphold high levels of security. The NIST CSF focuses on risk and aligns its security controls with the five phases of risk management: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.
Although NIST CSF is only mandatory for federal agencies, it is a flexible framework and can help all organizations improve their security posture.
In contrast to the NIST CSF, a series of NIST Special Publications (NIST SP) offers more technical specifications, recommendations, and reference materials.
NIST SP was initially written for federal agencies and third-party vendors but can help any type of organization build a reliable cybersecurity program. The series is divided into three categories:
Created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), both SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports audit how service companies handle customer data and third-party risk management. However, that’s where their similarities end.
SOC 1 focuses on financial controls that meet identified objectives, while SOC 2 takes a broader view on controls related to AICPA’s trust principles — security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. There’s also a lesser-known SOC 3 report, which is like SOC 2, but caters to stakeholders and a more general audience.
HIPAA and HITRUST CSF are two cybersecurity frameworks for patients’ protected health information (PHI).
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal legislation for healthcare compliance. An act of the US Congress created by lawyers and lawmakers, HIPAA applies to “covered entities,” including health providers, health plans and insurance companies, and health clearinghouses. Although there’s no official certification, HIPAA compliance is enforced by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
HITRUST, on the other hand, is a private organization that created its own compliance framework called HITRUST CSF. The framework combines multiple security measures and privacy regulations that apply to any organization that handles sensitive data. However, while HITRUST helps achieve HIPAA compliance, it isn’t a replacement and doesn’t prove a healthcare organization is HIPAA-compliant.
Learn more about the difference between HIPAA vs. HITRUST here.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global framework for any organization that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder information. Launched in 2004 by major credit card companies American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, and VISA, the framework aims to keep cardholder information safe and reduce fraud.
To do this, PCI DSS outlines four compliance levels, depending on the organization’s transactions per annum, and 12 required steps that meet security best practices.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a framework passed by the European Union (EU) to protect the data privacy and security of its citizens. Enacted in 2016, the GDPR impacts all organizations that collect and process the data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company is located.
We cover all the details in our Complete Guide to GDPR Compliance.
Organizations that are getting their security program off the ground should consider The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls. A concise 18-control checklist, CIS prioritizes the most essential actions any organization can take to increase protection against cybersecurity risk.
As opposed to more in-depth security frameworks, CIS Controls are general practices that prevent the majority of the latest attacks and build cyber defense capabilities for the future.
The Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) is a global framework that bridges the gap between security processes and enterprise goals. Developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the framework focuses on creating an enterprise-wide IT governance system.
The latest version, COBIT 2019, is suitable for all enterprises and includes six principles and 40 processes to support governance and business objectives.
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a framework for federal government agencies and associated third-party vendors. Similar to the NIST framework, FISMA requires organizations to implement a mandatory set of controls and processes, conduct routine risk assessments, and continuously monitor their IT infrastructure.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC-CIP) was created to ensure the reliability and security of the bulk electric system in North America. It was designed specifically for the power and infrastructure sector and requires compliance by any entity that plays a part in the region’s power grid.
To prevent minor issues from becoming widespread power crises, NERC-CIP sets industry standards and mandates critical to safeguarding operations. The framework includes cybersecurity requirements, incident response and recovery plans, personnel training, and other measures to ensure the continued delivery of electricity.
The Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) is an assessment and exchange mechanism for information security in the automotive industry. It is the world’s leading automotive information security management standard, and a requirement of any organization that wants to do business with major German automotive players.
Taking its cue from ISO 27001, TISAX is adapted for automotive operations and awards companies with labels for meeting a defined level of information security management. There are three assessment levels and currently eight assessment objectives that can be selected by the organization.
The Sarbane-Oxley IT General Controls (SOX ITGC) is a subset of the broader Sarbane-Oxley Act and sets financial report requirements for all companies preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) or publicly traded companies across all industries.
SOX ITGC attests to the integrity of the data and processes of internal financial reporting controls, including applications, operating systems, databases, and the supporting IT infrastructure. Controls in this framework encompass access to programs and data, program changes, computer operations, and program development.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a law enacted in 2018 that enhances consumer privacy rights for the residents of California. Specifically focused on how companies collect and use personal information, CCPA draws heavily from the EU’s GDPR and gives consumers more control over their data. The framework applies to any for-profit entity with any of the following:
These companies are required to comply with any consumer requests to know what data is being collected about them, the purpose of data collection, the list of third parties with access control to their data, and the ability to request their data be deleted from record.
The California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 is a relatively new law that builds on CCPA and the consumer data privacy rights in California.
While the CPRA applies to the same organizations as the CCPA, the main difference is that it also encompasses companies that earn 50% or more of its annual revenue from selling or sharing consumers’ personal information. The CPRA also defines sensitive personal information as a new category, encompassing social security numbers, driver’s licenses, passport numbers, financial accounts, and the like.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense’s framework for assessing and enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Although the framework is relatively new, established in January 2020, the majority of its security requirements (110 out of 171) are also found in NIST SP 800-171.
The model covers three compliance levels — foundational, advanced, and expert — and is being incorporated into the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). By 2025, all suppliers will need a CMMC certification in order to bid on contracts.
OneTrust Compliance Automation helps you navigate changes within the information security landscape and stay ahead of compliance requirements.
As your business grows, your compliance footprint can easily expand to apply frameworks across various compliance scopes or ensure compliance with multiple frameworks. Compliance Automation delivers coverage for more than 29+ frameworks to streamline security compliance with your business.
Our internal labs team of ex-auditors and InfoSec experts help you streamline putting compliance into action with guidance for implementing controls for your line of business stakeholders, depth and connectivity beyond traditional control cross-walking, automated evidence collection and more.
Get a demo to learn more about how OneTrust Compliance Automation helps you build, scale, and automate your security compliance program.
Webinar
Discover strategies to embed compliance and risk management into business processes with minimal disruption, using technology-driven solutions for efficiency, scalability, and improvement.
Webinar
Join our webinar to learn how to optimize security posture, streamline compliance, and leverage automation to manage IT risk in today's complex digital landscape. Register now!
Webinar
Join our upcoming product release webinar to explore how these new capabilities can help your organization navigate complex frameworks, streamline third-party management, and accelerate AI and data innovation.
Webinar
Join our live demonstration and see how Compliance Automaiton can help boost compliance efficiency with automated workflows, shared evidence, and 40+ frameworks.
Webinar
Master the fundamentals of constructing robust compliance frameworks that can seamlessly integrate with organizational operations while aligning with regulatory and strategic mandates to deliver measurable insights on your progress and gaps.
Webinar
Unlock tech risk management & compliance excellence. Master risk management, build robust frameworks, and foster cross-functional collaboration for long-term resilience.
Webinar
Join us as we explore OneTrust Compliance Automation, a holistic and fully integrated solution that streamlines and optimizes workflows, compliance, and attestation.
Webinar
Join us as Ryan Karlin, Senior Director of Product Marketing highlights important updates from TrustWeek including an inside look into OneTrust's new platform features that make it easier for customers to activate data responsibly, surface and mitigate risk, and navigate the complex regulatory environment.
Report
Download the full OCEG research report for a snapshot of what organizations are doing to govern their AI efforts, assess and manage risks, and ensure compliance with external and internal requirements.
Infographic
Download our infographic to learn about the new DORA regulation, who needs to comply, and how OneTrust can help streamline the process.
Webinar
Join us for a deep dive into embedding privacy by design into the fabric of your business to promote the responsible use of data.
Infographic
Download our infographic to learn the main challenges faced during risk assessments, proven frameworks for assessing risks, and how to translate guidance into action.
Webinar
Join our PCI DSS webinar where we discuss how Certification Automation can help free up valuable InfoSec resources, streamline audits, and stay continuously compliant.
eBook
How can your business use third-party messaging apps while staying compliant? Dive into key usage considerations based on the DOJ’s 2023 guidance.
Webinar
Join our webinar for insights on transforming InfoSec program management. Navigate the complexities of modern security with a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approach.
Infographic
What key challenges do CISOs face going into the new year? Download this infographic to hear what experts from industries across the board have to say.
eBook
Get your free guide to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and learn how its proposed changes will impact your InfoSec programs.
Resource Kit
Download our NIST CSF Essentials resource kit and master cybersecurity compliance with expert insights, strategies, and real-world case studies.
Webinar
Join our webinar to learn more about the European Data Protection Seal and to find out what the key advantages of getting certified.
Checklist
This SOC 2 checklist provides clear action steps that enable you to mature your security program and fast-track your way to compliance.
Data Sheet
Explore how OneTrust integrations can help you automate compliance with today’s most popular InfoSec frameworks.
Webinar
Join our risk assessments experts as we discuss best practices, program templates, and how provide an assessment that provides the best value for your organization.
Infographic
Learn the ins and outs of Europe’s top InfoSec and cybersec frameworks, including ISO 27001, UK Cyber Essentials, the NIS2 Directive, DORA, and more.
Infographic
Streamline and scale your organization’s InfoSec compliance program by focusing on these five key areas of automation.
eBook
In this free eBook, we explore the basics of three top InfoSec frameworks and how to decide which is the best fit for your organization.
Webinar
Join us for a live demo of OneTrust's third-party risk management solution and see how it can help automate and streamline your TPRM program.
eBook
Download this eBook and get the insights you need to safeguard customer privacy and ensure responsible data use in the information lifecycle.
Webinar
Join our live webinar and hear from security professionals on how to get ISO 27001 certified, streamline audit preparation, and demonstrate security assurance across any regulatory jurisdiction.
eBook
Download our eBook to learn practical advice on how to approach third-party risk management like an InfoSec expert.
Webinar
In this webinar, you will hear first-hand from information security experts experts what are the key pain-points and their strategies to be audit ready.
Webinar
In this webinar, learn how to right-size your compliance scope for different frameworks across various business dimensions and enable an agile audit process.
Webinar
Learn how to enable an agile audit process by breaking down complex InfoSec requirements into actionable tasks to help automate your compliance program.
eBook
Learn how to respond to the security landscape and build a proactive InfoSec program to help your customers and business.
eBook
Ensure your enterprise IT risk assessment is a success with a top-down approach that gets executive buy-in from the start
eBook
As a unified business function, DevSecOps combines rapid software development with top-notch security at scale.
Webinar
Learn how scaling your approach to managing IT assets & risk assessments can deliver a complete picture to better measure and inform program investments.
Webinar
Avoid these 5 critical mistakes when answering security questionnaires and streamline responses with this webinar.
Webinar
Watch this webinar to learn what makes a successful risk management program and how effective security teams build trust.
Webinar
Prepare for privacy and security incidents by building an incident management playbook.