Cybersecurity Framework vs Cybersecurity Standard - What's the Difference?
As organizations adopt cybersecurity measures to protect their systems against cyber-attacks, they face a common challenge: choosing the right cybersecurity standard or framework to follow. Here is a factual and unbiased comparison of cybersecurity framework vs cybersecurity standard.
What is a Cybersecurity Framework?
A cybersecurity framework is a set of guidelines, best practices, and standards designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. It provides a flexible structure that can be customized to fit an organization's specific needs and requirements.
The best-known example of a cybersecurity framework is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. This framework has five core functions that organizations use to manage their cybersecurity risks:
- Identify
- Protect
- Detect
- Respond
- Recover
What is a Cybersecurity Standard?
A cybersecurity standard is a set of requirements that an organization must meet to comply with a specific cybersecurity mandate or regulation. Standards are created by industry organizations, government agencies, or international bodies and are often legally binding.
One example of a cybersecurity standard is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This standard requires merchants and service providers who accept credit card payments to adhere to specific requirements to protect credit card information.
Key Differences between Cybersecurity Framework and Cybersecurity Standard
Flexibility
One of the key differences between a cybersecurity framework and a cybersecurity standard is flexibility. A cybersecurity framework, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, is designed to be flexible and adaptable to an organization's specific needs and requirements.
On the other hand, a cybersecurity standard, such as PCI DSS, is often very prescriptive, providing specific requirements that an organization must follow to be compliant.
Scope
Another key difference between a cybersecurity framework and a cybersecurity standard is scope. A cybersecurity framework provides a framework for managing cybersecurity risks across an organization. It covers all aspects of an organization's cybersecurity, including people, processes, and technology.
In contrast, a cybersecurity standard is often narrower in scope, covering specific areas of an organization's cybersecurity. For example, PCI DSS is focused specifically on the protection of credit card data.
Voluntariness
A cybersecurity framework, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, is voluntary. Organizations can choose to follow the framework, but they are not required to do so.
In contrast, a cybersecurity standard, such as PCI DSS, is often mandatory. Organizations that fall under the scope of the standard must comply with its requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cybersecurity framework or standard can be a difficult decision for organizations. Cybersecurity frameworks provide a flexible and adaptable approach to managing cybersecurity risks, while cybersecurity standards offer a more prescriptive approach to compliance.
Organizations should consider their specific needs and requirements when choosing a cybersecurity framework or standard, ensuring that they select the approach that best meets their cybersecurity goals.