Benefits of Adopting a Cyber Security Framework
Formally adopting and implementing a cyber security framework is a worthwhile endeavor for any organisation, regardless of size. Below are some of the key benefits in doing so, which are useful to have in mind when seeking high level approval for adoption.
A Solid Foundation
Particularly for smaller organisations with limited resources and a reactive posture to cybersecurity, a framework can provide the blueprint from which to begin building a best-practice cyber security program from the very start – a task which can otherwise seem complex and overwhelming.
Collective Expertise
Cyber security frameworks consolidate the collective expertise and experience of numerous cyber security professionals across many industries. You can leverage this expertise through a framework to guide you in improving the cyber security of your organisation. It’s the next best thing to having a private panel of cyber security experts on hand to provide guidance.
Regulatory Compliance – Current and Future
If your organisation is already subject to regulatory cyber security compliance, having a framework in place is already a necessity. But even if you are not, you may be in the future. A voluntary framework can begin to lay the foundations for any standards your organisation may wish to pursue in the future, or to fulfil any standards you may be compelled to comply with in the future. Adopting a framework now will not only allow you to improve your cyber security posture immediately, but also increase the agility in which you can react to these potential future requirements.
Speaking Their Language
A cyber security framework can bridge the gap between executive members, business managers and technical specialists, allowing all levels of an organisation to discuss cyber security needs through a shared language. Often frameworks will be tiered, with the highest tier using terminology familiar to executives and board members.
Measurable Results
A framework can show measurable, demonstrable, constant improvements to your cyber security program, in a way that is easily digestible and understood by executive and board members, and easily communicated in a dashboard or slide presentation. It can also show demonstrable due diligence in the event of a breach, and provide a documentation of cyber security adherence to auditors.
Proactive rather than Reactive
A framework encourages a proactive, systematic methodology for managing cyber security, rather than a reactive and ad-hoc approach.
Competitive Advantage
In your industry, it may be competitively advantageous to declare your adherence to a voluntary framework, or be certified to a cyber security standard. Even if it is not currently, if may be in the future, and already having a control framework in place will speed up that certification process.
Insurance
It is becoming more common for insurance providers to seek adherence to a recognised cyber security framework when offering cover. Even if not compulsory, the lack of such could effect your premium. Any questionnaire evaluating your network for insurance purposes will likely be heavily based on a control framework, and since most cyber security frameworks heavily overlap, by already implementing a framework you will find it far easier to prove adherence to the required controls.
Addressing the Unknown
A framework forces an organisation to address areas of cyber security that it may have overlooked or not have considered, either through lack of expertise or lack of diligence.
Something is better than Nothing
Even partial application of a cyber security framework – any cyber security framework – is better than nothing. While frameworks can range in complexity, most provide some guidance on which controls are fundamentals to be addressed first. Your cyber security program can only be improved by ensuring these are implemented, even partially.