A Full Guide to Cybersecurity Framework

In the 21st century, the value of data exceeds by several times the value of precious metals. Therefore, the protection and security of data in the global internet space is the topic of the day for all major developed countries.

After all, major data leaks and system hacking can threaten the economy and the politics of individual states, as well as the global economy as a whole.

Every day, the whole world pays more attention to the problem of cybersecurity. Find out which steps you should follow to prevent any data leaks.

In this regard, more and more states are interested in developing security methods that could reliably protect all data on the internet. In America, for example, an Executive Order on the development of a Cybersecurity Framework was signed by President Obama, which has reduced the number and scale of cyber risks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity issues have grown several times. You can read here how to protect yourself when you are online.

What is it, and what is its main purpose? Let’s talk about it today in this article.

What is a Cybersecurity Framework?

A cybersecurity framework is a system of standards and principles for managing risks that may arise in the global information space. As a rule, they are designed to prevent unauthorized access to systems. To do this, they use the necessary security elements, and include requirements for entering additional data, such as a username, password, two-factor authentication, etc.

Previously, we’ve collected the most important security posture methods. You can find them here.

A framework is what supports the existing system and prevents important elements of its protection from falling apart. That is, it is a certain way of organizing data protection methods against any third-party interference.

Frameworks are not a new concept. Frameworks appeared quite a long time ago and are widely used in various fields. For example, in economics, they are used to tracking various financial transactions. In the construction industry, frameworks are the foundation for the entire structure. In cybersecurity, frameworks are different rules and ways to protect against possible cyberattacks and data leaks.

The implementation of frameworks in the security system is a mandatory requirement of any companies, government agencies or corporations. This rule is supported by various certificates, documents, and standards. For example, to be eligible to process financial transactions on credit cards, any business must be audited for compliance with the PCI DSS certificate.

Don’t forget to track essential security metrics to evaluate your security status.

The main types of security framework

Specialists have distinguished 4 main security frameworks:

• PCI DSS. This is a certain set of security measures that protect the confidentiality of financial transactions through credit cards.

* ISO. This is a separate certificate of international standard, which regulates the required standards of information security.

* CIS. These are actions that are taken to protect against cyberattacks and minimize the risks of leakage of confidential information.

• NIST. This is the most common framework that was adopted by President Obama in the field of information security. It includes a certain set of methods and methods for preventing and responding to any cyber risks.

The key components

There are the following framework components:

The Core structural component is responsible for functions, categories, and outcomes that enable both technical and non-technical personnel to communicate clearly about cybersecurity procedures and objectives.

The Implementation component is responsible for risk management. It includes 4 different levels, which to some extent reflect the degree of organization of cybersecurity. They can be used to set targets for various business processes, depending on the level of risk, the degree of its criticality, and the cost plan.

Another component, called Profiles, is responsible for the organization’s way of relating its targets to the Framework and evaluating ongoing activities in accordance with these targets.

Learn more about cybersecurity by reading our interview with David Geer. He is an expert in the field of online security.

5 functions of the Cybersecurity Framework

Functions are the basis of the Core, around which all the other components are built.

Identification. It helps build a hierarchical understanding of cybersecurity structures, resources, vulnerabilities, and capabilities.
Protection. It consists of all the technical and procedural cybersecurity methods deployed within the organization. Thus, this function is responsible for temporarily limiting or preventing potential cyber threats.
Detection. This function is about the organization’s ability to detect cybersecurity threats and to do so quickly.
Response. It consists of the actions, both technical and procedural, to be taken once a threat is detected in order to identify the type of threat, the source, and to mitigate the impact.
Recovery. It is about how you can restore any capabilities and administrative tools that may have been lost during the cyberattack, and to adapt procedures to prevent any recurrence.

The introduction of the necessary steps to improve the security system in the information space involves the use of the various methods to prevent cyber threats and ensure security. Thus, any protection is built in stages, taking into account the importance of each point of the plan, to increase the adaptability of the rules to all types of organizations and companies.

Final word

Cybersecurity issues affect everyone today, from IT specialists to the quality control service. At the same time, the large number of participants in cyberspace encourages its change — along with the complication of defensive means, the means of attack also become more complex.

A cybersecurity framework is a powerful tool for ensuring data security and preventing information leaks. In some cases, such a framework must comply with specific regulations, and a special certificate confirms this.

Implementing a cybersecurity framework requires time and determination from the organization. However, if all the work was planned and implemented correctly, then all the data will be much more secure and the organization will be more resilient if faced with an attack.

Most importantly, the framework structures efforts towards ensuring cybersecurity and monitoring effectiveness properly.

Although the day of cybersecurity is over, useful information remains. Read all about it here.