Top 13 Cybersecurity Frameworks

Explore top cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO, CIS & more) to manage risk, ensure compliance, and protect your organization from evolving cyber threats.

Key Facts

• 13 cybersecurity frameworks span regulatory mandates (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS), operational standards (CIS Controls, NIST CSF) and certifiable governance standards (ISO 27001, HITRUST CSF).
• Framework selection depends on four factors: regulatory goals, industry sector, organizational size and whether third-party certification, attestation or voluntary self-assessment is required.
• NIST CSF 2.0 (released February 2024) emphasizes governance and supply chain risk management and introduced tailored resources specifically for small and midsized businesses.
• GDPR non-compliance penalties reach up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher, making it legally binding unlike voluntary guidelines such as NIST CSF or CIS Controls.

1. Introduction

With cyber threats on the rise, organizations face growing pressure to protect their systems, data, and reputation. As a result, many companies are turning to cybersecurity frameworks as structured approaches to managing risks and strengthening defenses. These frameworks not only help organizations combat evolving cyber threats, but also streamline regulatory compliance efforts.

In this blog we will cover the following questions regarding cyber security frameworks:

• What is a Cyber Security Framework and what is it needed for?
• What are the most important cyber security frameworks I should know about?
• Which cyber security framework is the right one for my company?

2. What is a Cyber Security Framework and what is it needed for?

A cybersecurity framework is a structured set of guidelines, best practices, and standards designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Think of it as a playbook or blueprint that outlines how to:

• Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities
• Protect critical assets and systems
• Detect security breaches or suspicious activity
• Respond to incidents quickly and effectively
• Recover from attacks and resume normal operations

A cybersecurity framework is not going to stop every attack. But it provides structure and accountability, helping organizations systematically improve their defenses and respond to incidents when they occur. A proper cyber security framework has multiple purposes:

1. Reduce Risk: They help organizations proactively address cyber threats and reduce the likelihood and impact of attacks like ransomware, phishing, or data breaches.
2. Ensure Compliance: Many industries like finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are legally required to follow certain frameworks or standards.
3. Standardize Security Practices: Frameworks provide a common methodology across teams, departments, or even between companies and regulators.
4. Build Trust: Adhering to a well-known framework shows customers, partners, and regulators that you’re serious about security.
5. Improve Incident Response: Frameworks outline how to detect and respond to threats efficiently.

3. What are the most important Cyber Security Frameworks?

3.1 NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. governmental agency responsible for setting technology and security standards. Its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), originally created in 2014 for federal agencies, is now widely adopted across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and critical infrastructure.

The latest release, version 2.0 (February 2024), emphasizes two critical areas: governance and managing supply chain risks. The updated framework provides detailed guidance in several key cybersecurity areas, including:

• Risk management
• Asset management
• Identity and access control
• Incident response planning
• Supply chain management

Recognizing that smaller companies often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, NIST also introduced tailored resources for small and midsized businesses (SMBs). Managed Service Providers (MSPs), in particular, can leverage these resources to efficiently assist SMB clients in adopting strong cybersecurity practices, enhancing protection without overwhelming limited resources.

3.2 Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization known for creating practical, prioritized cybersecurity guidelines. The CIS Controls, formerly known as the CIS 20, offer clear, actionable steps designed to help organizations strengthen their defenses against common cyber threats, such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.

Currently in version 8 (released in 2021), the CIS Controls are structured into three main implementation groups (IGs), enabling organizations to focus first on critical cybersecurity actions, then progressively adopt additional measures as their maturity grows:

• IG1 (Essential Cyber Hygiene): Fundamental protections recommended for every organization, regardless of size or resources.
• IG2 (Moderate Protection): Additional measures suitable for organizations with dedicated IT and cybersecurity resources.
• IG3 (Advanced Protection): Advanced measures targeted at enterprises facing sophisticated or highly targeted cyber threats.

Key cybersecurity areas covered by CIS Controls include:

• Inventory and control of hardware and software assets
• Continuous vulnerability management and patching
• Secure configuration of IT systems
• Controlled administrative privileges
• Incident response and data recovery strategies

3.3 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001 and 27002

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides a structured approach for managing information security through an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Unlike some frameworks, ISO 27001 is certifiable, allowing organizations to demonstrate their cybersecurity commitment publicly, which can enhance customer and stakeholder trust.

The standard outlines requirements organizations must meet to systematically manage information security risks. It covers a range of processes, including:

• Risk assessment and treatment
• Asset management and access control
• Incident management and response
• Business continuity planning
• Regular internal audits and management reviews

Complementing ISO 27001, ISO 27002 serves as a detailed code of practice that provides practical guidance on implementing the security controls listed in Annex A of ISO 27001. It includes detailed recommendations for best practices such as secure software development, endpoint security, data encryption, and personnel training.

3.4 System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing procedure developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is widely recognized in North America and increasingly globally as an essential standard for service organizations to demonstrate robust management of data security, confidentiality, availability, processing integrity, and privacy.

SOC 2 compliance is structured around five Trust Service Principles (TSPs), though organizations can choose to focus their audit based on relevance and stakeholder requirements:

• Security: Protection against unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
• Availability: System uptime, reliability, and accessibility.
• Processing Integrity: Accuracy, completeness, and reliability of system processing.
• Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information.
• Privacy: Proper handling of personal data in line with privacy regulations.

3.5 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted by the European Union in May 2018, represents one of the most influential privacy regulations globally, significantly reshaping data privacy standards worldwide. Designed to protect individuals’ personal data and harmonize privacy laws across EU member states, GDPR sets clear guidelines for data collection, processing, storage, and consent management.

Key principles underpinning GDPR include:

• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: Clear disclosure about how data is used.
• Purpose limitation: Restricting data use strictly to declared purposes.
• Data minimization: Collecting only necessary information.
• Accuracy: Maintaining and updating personal data.
• Storage limitation: Keeping data only as long as necessary.
• Integrity and confidentiality: Ensuring secure data handling and processing.
• Accountability: Documenting compliance and demonstrating adherence.

3.6 Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT)

Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT), developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), provides a comprehensive framework for governance and management of enterprise IT. Initially introduced in 1996, COBIT has evolved significantly, with the latest iteration, COBIT 2019, designed to integrate seamlessly with other frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements.

3.7 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global cybersecurity standard developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, a consortium including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. PCI DSS specifically addresses the secure handling of cardholder data, providing mandatory compliance requirements for all organizations that store, process, or transmit payment card information.

3.8 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), enacted by the United States Congress in 1996, sets mandatory requirements to protect sensitive patient health information from unauthorized disclosure. Primarily impacting healthcare providers, insurers, clearinghouses, and associated service providers (“business associates”), HIPAA establishes standards for safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) across all forms of communication, storage, and processing.

4. How to choose the right Cyber Security Framework for your company?

4.1 Identify your Goals & Requirements

Clearly understanding your primary cybersecurity goals and compliance requirements helps you to select the most suitable framework. Different frameworks emphasize various aspects, some are designed specifically for regulatory compliance, while others focus on building customer trust, achieving operational security, or improving internal governance and accountability. Consider your objectives carefully.

4.2 Consider your Industry

Industry-specific cybersecurity frameworks provide tailored guidance and compliance pathways aligned with your sector’s regulatory and security demands. Selecting frameworks commonly adopted in your industry ensures alignment with peers, partners, and regulators.

4.3 Consider organizational Size & Maturity

Different cybersecurity frameworks are suited for organizations of varying sizes and resource availability. Some frameworks are highly comprehensive and resource-intensive, ideal for large enterprises, whereas others are simpler and easier to implement, making them perfect for small-to-medium businesses.

4.4 Audit, Certification, and external Validation

Depending on your business strategy or contractual requirements, frameworks differ in their validation methods. Certification or third-party validation can be valuable in proving compliance externally, thereby increasing trust with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.

4.5 Implementation Complexity and Cost

Evaluate the implementation complexity and cost implications of adopting a framework. This step helps your company anticipate resources, budgeting, and timelines. High-complexity frameworks require significant investments in personnel, training, and technology, while simpler frameworks may provide effective security with fewer resources.

5. How Corbado can help

Whichever framework from this article you end up with, the authentication part of the audit comes down to the same question: can you show what your login actually did, rather than what your identity provider is configured to do. A screenshot of an MFA policy answers the second question only. Corbado Observe, the authentication observability layer, produces evidence for the first one from your live sign-ins.