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Imagine you are in the cockpit of an airplane. Before taking off, you need to ensure all systems are operational, from the engine to the navigation tools. Now, think of your business as that airplane and cybersecurity as the systems you must inspect before flight. In the same way pilots rely on checklists, business analysts use cybersecurity maturity assessments to evaluate an organization’s preparedness for cyber threats. These assessments help you determine where your company stands in its cybersecurity journey, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
But how do you conduct a cybersecurity maturity assessment? Let us explore some of the tools and techniques business analysts can use to assess and improve their organization’s cybersecurity maturity.
Why a Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment Matters
Every organization is on a different cybersecurity maturity journey. Some may just be starting out with basic defenses like firewalls, while others have robust, fully integrated cybersecurity programs. A maturity assessment is like a roadmap, showing where you are now and what you need to do to reach your destination: a fully secure, resilient organization.
A cybersecurity maturity assessment does not just protect against attacks; it ensures your security efforts align with your business goals. It is about understanding what is working, what is not, and how to keep growing.
1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Let us start with one of the most trusted tools in cybersecurity: the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the CSF provides a comprehensive approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risk. It is structured around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
For business analysts, NIST CSF is a powerful framework for assessing an organization’s cybersecurity maturity. You begin by evaluating how well your organization performs in each of these five areas. For example:
- Can your organization identify potential cybersecurity risks across all assets?
- Are the right protections in place, like encryption and firewalls?
- Does your business have the ability to detect and respond to threats quickly?
By using NIST CSF, you’ll not only assess where the company stands but also gain clear direction on where improvements are needed.
2. CMMI Cybermaturity Platform: Now, imagine a tool that allows you to measure and benchmark your cybersecurity efforts against other organizations. That’s where the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) comes into play. Originally used for software development, CMMI has been adapted to cybersecurity to help businesses understand their cyber readiness.
The CMMI Cybermaturity Platform assesses cybersecurity maturity across multiple domains like risk management, governance, and threat intelligence. It categorizes organizations into five levels of maturity:
- Initial (Ad hoc processes): Little to no formal security strategy.
- Managed (Basic cybersecurity practices): Some security measures are in place but lack formal documentation.
- Defined (Established cybersecurity processes): Processes are documented and aligned with best practices.
- Quantitatively Managed (Data-driven): Cybersecurity performance is measured and evaluated using data.
- Optimizing (Continuous improvement): Processes are regularly updated and refined for optimal security.
By using this platform, analysts can quickly see where their organization stands and what level of maturity they should aim for.
3. Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2): The C2M2 model is another excellent tool for assessing an organization’s cybersecurity maturity. Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, C2M2 is tailored for organizations with critical infrastructure but can be applied to any business.
C2M2 focuses on areas like asset management, threat management, and situational awareness, allowing business analysts to evaluate each domain based on specific maturity indicators. The model includes a scoring system that helps analysts benchmark their organization’s cybersecurity capabilities and track improvements over time.
4. ISO 27001/27002: For businesses seeking international cybersecurity standards, ISO 27001 and 27002 are must-use tools. ISO 27001 sets the standard for information security management systems (ISMS), while ISO 27002 provides best practices and controls to support those standards.
As a business analyst, conducting an assessment based on these standards means examining how well your organization’s ISMS aligns with ISO requirements. Are there well-documented policies in place? Is there an incident response plan? How are access controls managed? By answering these questions, you can determine how mature your organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure is.
ISO 27001/27002 assessments are valuable not only for improving cybersecurity but also for gaining customer trust. Many businesses seek ISO certification to demonstrate their commitment to protecting data, making it an ideal tool for companies that prioritize security and transparency.
5. Cybersecurity Audits and Questionnaires: While frameworks and models provide a structured way to assess cybersecurity, sometimes the simplest tools can offer the greatest insights. One of those is a cybersecurity audit.
A cybersecurity audit involves reviewing your organization’s security policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure they meet internal standards and external regulations. Business analysts can use audits to identify gaps in security controls, check compliance, and assess how well employees follow security protocols.
Security questionnaires are another simple but powerful tool for gathering data during an assessment. These questionnaires typically ask key stakeholders about their knowledge of cybersecurity practices, awareness of potential threats, and compliance with security measures. By collecting insights directly from employees, analysts can better understand the organization’s security culture and where improvements are needed.
6. Risk Assessment and Threat Modelling: Finally, no cybersecurity maturity assessment is complete without a risk assessment. Risk assessments involve identifying potential cybersecurity threats, evaluating their likelihood, and determining their impact on business assets. As a business analyst, conducting risk assessments ensures you’re not just reacting to threats but proactively identifying them before they strike.
Threat modeling can be an extension of the risk assessment process. It involves mapping out potential attack vectors, such as phishing or ransomware, and determining how well your security systems could defend against these threats. By simulating real-world attacks, you get a clearer picture of how prepared your organization is.
The Road to Maturity
Conducting a cybersecurity maturity assessment is like charting a course for the future. It tells you where your organization is today and shows you the steps needed to improve your security tomorrow. As a business analyst, you play a crucial role in guiding your organization along that path. Whether using frameworks like NIST CSF, conducting audits, or leveraging international standards like ISO 27001, your goal is to ensure your business is ready for whatever cyber threats may come. And the more mature your cybersecurity strategy, the smoother your organization’s journey will be. So, start assessing today, your organization’s future depends on it!
Author: Ahmed Olabisi Olajide
Ahmed Olajide is the Head of IT at Boaze and the Co-founder of Eybrids, a start-up cybersecurity company. He is a skilled Cybersecurity Analyst and Researcher with expertise in network security, vulnerability assessments, cloud security, and incident response. Ahmed combines technical proficiency with a business-focused approach, ensuring cybersecurity strategies align with organisational goals.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayulus/