A security framework is a collection of rules, regulations, and best practices intended to control the information security threats facing a company.
Frameworks, as their name implies, offer the underlying structure required to safeguard internal data from vulnerabilities and cyberthreats.
Frameworks help information security personnel better understand the organization’s existing security posture and get ready for future audits by developing a standardized set of criteria.
Cyber and offensive security frameworks can be modified to address particular information security issues, compliance objectives, or industry rules.
Organizations can specify precise tasks and create their own strategy for more intelligently controlling risk exposure by implementing a variety of pertinent standards.
Let’s discuss in detail…
Must-Know Cyber Security Frameworks
People can build on this foundation and acquire the skills necessary to protect against and prevent cyberattacks by consistent practice, further study, and extra training.
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GDPR
Adopted in 2016, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims to improve data protection policies and processes for EU citizens.
All enterprises that are based in the EU or that gather and retain the personal information of EU people, including those in the United States, are subject to the GDPR.
The security framework contains 99 articles that address a company’s compliance obligations. Such as the right of consumers to access their data, data protection policies and procedures, the need for companies to notify their national regulator of data breaches within 72 hours of the discovery of a breach, and more.
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The HITRUST CSF and HIPAA
Two cybersecurity frameworks for patient protected health information (PHI) are HIPAA and HITRUST CSF.
One federal law pertaining to healthcare compliance is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA, a legislation of the US Congress drafted by legislators and attorneys, covers “covered entities,” such as health clearinghouses, insurance companies, health plans, and health providers.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the US Department of Health and Human Services enforces HIPAA compliance even if there isn’t an official certification.
In contrast, HITRUST is a private company that developed HITRUST CSF, its own compliance framework. The framework incorporates a number of privacy laws and security procedures that are applicable to any company handling sensitive data.
Although HITRUST aids in achieving HIPAA compliance, it is not a substitute and does not attest to the HIPAA compliance of a healthcare organization.
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SOC2
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) created Service Organization Control (SOC) Type 2, a trust-based cybersecurity framework and auditing standard, to assist in confirming that partners and vendors are securely handling customer data.
SOC2 outlines comprehensive auditing procedures and over 60 compliance requirements for third-party systems and controls. It may take a year to finish an audit. A report attesting to a vendor’s cybersecurity posture is then released.
SOC2 is one of the most difficult security frameworks to deploy due to its comprehensiveness, particularly for banking and finance firms that must adhere to stricter compliance standards than other industries.
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TISAX
An evaluation and communication tool for information security in the automobile sector is the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX).
Any company that wants to conduct business with significant German automakers must adhere to this industry-leading standard for automotive information security management.
TISAX, which is developed for automotive operations and takes its cue from ISO 27001, gives labels to businesses that satisfy a certain standard of information security management. Currently, the company can choose from eight evaluation objectives and three assessment levels.
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NIST 2.0
Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, an executive order issued by former President Obama, called for increased cooperation between the public and commercial sectors in order to identify, evaluate, and manage cyber risk. In response, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework was created.
NIST has emerged as the gold standard for evaluating cybersecurity maturity, spotting security flaws, and adhering to cybersecurity requirements, even though compliance is optional.
Particular Offensive Security Frameworks
strategies used by security experts to comprehend the tactics, strategies, and procedures (TTP) of cyber attackers are known as offensive security frameworks. These frameworks offer an organized method for locating weaknesses, modeling actual attacks, and creating plans to lessen any risks.
For the most thorough understanding of offsec security, all frameworks should be used in tandem as they offer insightful information about the behavior of attackers.
The Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain, MITRE ATT&CK and Mandiant Attack Lifecycle are three of the most well-known offsec security frameworks.
Cyber Kill Chain
This framework, which was created by Lockheed Martin, offers a seven-part outline for the phases of an attack.
Understanding the steps involved in an attack enables firms to put in place suitable defenses at every turn and guarantees a thorough security strategy.
MITRE ATT&CK
A knowledge library on adversary tactics and procedures based on real-world observations that is accessible worldwide.
This framework, which is separated into a number of matrices concentrating on various contexts, outlines the possible steps an attacker might take after obtaining access to a system or network.
MITRE incorporates fresh cybersecurity research discoveries into the framework on a regular basis.
Mandiant attack lifecycle
Also referred to as the Cyber Attack Lifecycle, this framework breaks down an attack’s phases from the viewpoint of the adversary.
Defenders can find vulnerabilities in their security posture and put the measures in place to stop or disrupt attacks by being aware of each stage.
Summing It Up
Organizations must comprehend the various stages and structures of offensive security attacks in order to recognize and counter possible risks.
A thorough grasp of the typical attack lifecycle can assist security professionals in creating efficient defense plans and putting in place the necessary security measures, even though the precise methods and resources employed by attackers may differ.
Organizations may strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks and secure their priceless assets and data by regularly performing penetration testing and keeping up of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.