Cybersecurity frameworks to help reduce cyber risk
Helping your business remain compliant with the latest cybersecurity rules and regulations.
What is a cybersecurity framework?
Cybersecurity frameworks are like superheroes for organisations, equipped with structured methodologies and guidelines to protect them from the never-ending threats of the cyber world.
Just as superheroes have unique powers, these frameworks provide a set of best practices, controls, and standards that empower organisations to identify, assess, and neutralise cybersecurity risks.
Imagine these frameworks as blueprints, guiding your IT team and employees through the labyrinthine challenges of the cyber world. They provide a roadmap with battle-tested best practices, formidable controls, and battle-hardened standards.
Frustrated with Frameworks?
Guidance on NIS2 and DORA from leading experts
Lets take a look at some key cybersecurity frameworks
Key Cyber Security Frameworks
Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
What is DORA?
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a crucial European framework that ensures Financial Markets deliver their digital capabilities with the highest level of robustness and resilience.
The framework aims to ensure that companies maintain financial stability and can withstand severe operational disruptions caused by cyber security and information and communication technology (ICT) issues. DORA is introducing a uniform supervisory approach across relevant sectors to ensure that security and resilience practices are consistent and harmonised among firms operating within the European Union (EU).
5 key Pillars to DORA
1. Risk Management
2. Incidence Reporting
3. Resilience Testing
4. Third-party Risk Management
5. Information and Intelligence Sharing
One unique aspect is the Union-wide Oversight Framework on critical ICT third-party providers.
Why is DORA important?
DORA is a regulation that applies to over 22,000 financial entities and ICT service providers operating within the EU.
It imposes specific requirements on all financial market participants, including banks, investment firms, insurance undertakings, crypto asset providers, data reporting providers, and cloud service providers. The regulation's objective is to define requirements for consistent ICT risk management, comprehensive resilience testing capabilities, and third-party risk management.
When will DORA be enforced?
DORA starts on Jan 16, 2023. Financial entities need to comply by early 2025 after a two-year implementation period.
Check out our blog on the importance of DORA
NIS2 Directive
What is NIS2?
The NIS2 Directive is a piece of EU legislation that imposes stricter cybersecurity obligations on entities operating in critical infrastructure and essential sectors.
The EU updated cybersecurity rules in 2023 with the NIS2 Directive to keep up with changing threats and digitisation. This expanded the scope to include more sectors and improved incident response and resilience against attacks.
What are the goals of NIS2?
- Improve cyber resilience in an increasing number of OES sectors throughout the EU.
- Reduce discrepancies in levels of resilience in sectors already covered by NIS.
- Improve the sharing of information and new rules for incident response, which enhances trust between regulators.
The NIS 2 regulations now include organisations in sectors such as telecoms, social media, wastewater, and food. These regulations will apply to medium and large-sized organisations that provide "essential" or "important" services, and some public sector organisations may also be affected.
In the event of serious non-compliance, regulators can impose fines of up to 2% of annual turnover or €10m (£8.6m), whichever is higher.
Will NIS2 apply to UK businesses?
NIS2 is coming; here's what you need to know about the new directive and how it impacts your organisation in the UK.
Preparing and understanding NIS2 in the UK
What's new for UK businesses and how to prepare for NIS2 regulations...
Understanding the difference between NIS2 and NIST
NIS2
The NIS2 Directive is a cybersecurity measure created by the European Union to enhance its security posture. It has evolved from the original NIS Directive and has jurisdiction within the EU. However, any entity that operates within the EU's boundaries is also subject to its provisions, making it a significant standard in the region.
NIST
On the other hand, the NIST Framework was developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology as part of the country's dedication to cybersecurity. Its importance is recognised globally, and organisations worldwide have adopted its guidelines.
CIS Framework: Centre for Internet Security
What is the CIS?
The Centre for Internet Security (CIS) Controls framework is a set of best practices and guidelines designed to help organisations protect their information systems and data from cyber threats. There are 20 security controls listed that organisations can implement to improve their cybersecurity posture.
What are the controls for CIS?
The controls cover various aspects of cybersecurity, including inventory and control of hardware and software assets, secure configurations for devices and systems, continuous vulnerability management, controlled access to systems, data protection, incident response, and more. Many organisations widely recognise and utilise The CIS Controls framework as a foundation for their cybersecurity programs.
This framework offers a comprehensive overview encompassing all aspects of your cyber security governance, allowing you to clearly understand how your cybersecurity plan’s puzzle pieces work together to provide the most safety for you and your business. Best practices fuel it and give you a prioritised approach, ensuring you effectively tackle any vulnerabilities.
The core focus
A key focus of this framework is its focus on continuous improvement. The CIS framework is regularly updated and maintained to reflect emerging threats, technologies, and best practices. This ensures that organisations stay current with evolving cybersecurity challenges and enhance their defences accordingly. This is one of the core reasons we align ourselves with this framework at Core to Cloud, as we believe that cyber security is a continuous focus.
GDPR
Does UK GDPR apply to your business?
This applies if:
- you are a UK-based business or organisation.
- the UK GDPR currently applies to your processing of personal data.
What is GDPR?
The GDPR, implemented in 2016, aims to improve data protection for citizens of the European Union. This regulation applies to all organisations operating within the EU or those that handle the private information of EU citizens, such as businesses in the United Kingdom.
GDPR rules still apply in the UK, and it is a company's responsibility to comply with GDPR, including consumer data access rights, data protection policies and procedures, data breach notification requirements (companies must notify their national regulator within 72 hours of discovering a breach), and more.
Non-compliance with GDPR can result in hefty fines, up to €20,000,000 or 4% of global revenue, and the EU is strict about enforcing them.
Read more about data protection here:
Check out our blog GDPR
ISO 27001
What is ISO 27001?
Your data is one of your most valuable assets. ISO 27001 ensures that we have robust measures in place to protect it. From sensitive customer information to financial records and intellectual property, your data is safe in our hands.
Compliance You Can Count On
In an era of strict legal and regulatory requirements, ISO 27001 certification is your assurance that we meet and exceed these standards. Whether it's healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI DSS), or government (NIST, GDPR), we've got you covered.
Mitigating Risk, Maximizing Confidence
ISO 27001 provides a systematic approach to identifying and managing information security risks. By partnering with us, you reduce the likelihood and impact of security incidents, safeguarding your finances and reputation.
Investing Wisely
While initial implementation may require an investment, ISO 27001 often leads to long-term cost savings. Fewer security incidents mean fewer financial losses, legal liabilities, and damage to your reputation.
Check out how your business can be prepared for ISO 27001 here:
Check out how much it will cost your business to be ISO 27001 certified here:
DSPT
What is DSPT?
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit
If you're a care provider, it's important to keep people's information safe and protect your business from the risk of data breaches or cyber-attacks. The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) covers both paper and digital records, and completing it shows everyone you work with that you take data security seriously. All care providers registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) should complete the DSPT at least once a year.
Completing the DSPT can also open up new opportunities, such as delivering services under an NHS contract, using a shared health and care records system, or applying for NHSmail. Care providers who aren't CQC registered can still use the DSPT to check and improve their data and cyber security arrangements.
For more info on DSPT check this out:
Explore some of our healthcare-specific resources here:
Healthcare Resources
Cyber Essentials
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed scheme that can protect organisations of any size from common cyber attacks.
There are various forms of cyber attacks, but most are simple and executed by individuals without much expertise. Such attacks are similar to a burglar testing your front door to see if it's unlocked. Cyber Essentials guidance is intended to prevent these types of attacks.
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
There are two forms of certification. In summary, Cyber Essentials is a foundational cybersecurity certification, while Cyber Essentials Plus offers higher assurance through more rigorous testing and assessment. Organisations may choose the certification that aligns with their security needs and budget. Organisations often start with Cyber Essentials and may eventually progress to Cyber Essentials Plus as their cybersecurity maturity grows.
The importance of certification
Having a Cyber Essentials certification can give your customers peace of mind that you are taking necessary measures to protect your IT from cyber attacks. Not only does this certification attract new business, but it also provides a clear understanding of your organisation's cyber security level. Additionally, having this certification is often necessary for securing government contracts.
If you require assistance with your frameworks. Contact our team of specialists today.
Having a cybersecurity framework in place can serve as a crucial indicator to ensure safety and security.
Utilising a cybersecurity framework can be an essential and required component in incorporating cybersecurity risk management into your security performance management and third-party risk management strategy. By following a framework, you can obtain valuable knowledge about your most significant security risks and effectively communicate your dedication to achieving security excellence throughout your organisation.