IT security framework

IT security framework

Introduction

An IT security framework refers to a series of documented processes used to define the procedures as well as policies around the art of implementing and managing information security controls in any enterprise. In other words, a security framework consists of standards, practices as well as guidelines that are used in managing a security program, document, and develop a security process aimed at implementing specific security controls. The security framework is chosen by premises to reduce or somewhat mitigate the security threats that an enterprise is likely to see. The organization is, in most cases, required to comply with specific directions as well as cybersecurity regulations aimed at protecting their data. Some of the organizations that are challenged by the art of cybersecurity include those that operate globally. However, the aspect has increased the creativity of cyber-crime and disorientation of data that calls all business organizations to install systems such as firewalls that aids in protecting their generated data. The significant role of the device is thus blocking unauthorized access as it permits only authorized communications using the packet filtering device. Smooth-Wall Linux distribution is one of the robust but straightforward firewalls that can be installed by anyone.

It is worth noting that configuring, as well as establishing a Linux firewall, can be one of the most challenging tasks. However, the smooth Linux distribution simplifies the daunting task and guarantees more security within one’s devices. In other words, the continuous Linux distribution plays a significant role in providing an easy way of configuring a firewall without necessarily using a lot of hardware requirements. It is worth noting that the smooth-wall is available as a download on the website. The package that is downloaded is usually in an ISO format. The aspect is linked to the fact that they utilize online platforms to enhance their transactions. Recent research indicates that the element of security framework adoption has enabled a lot of organizations to deal with insecurity issues with ease. However, it is worth noting that some security frameworks are more suitable than others. Therefore, the paper entails detailed research of two security systems; CIS Critical Security Controls and ISO 27001. The discussion is more of comparing and contrasting the two frameworks and identifying the one that is more suited for information security purposes.

CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS CSC)

Data breaching continues to be increasing more than ever in organizations. As a response to the ever-increasing threat, organizations have been deploying different security frameworks aimed at enhancing safety. One of the significant security that has been implemented by many organizations includes the CIS Critical Security Controls. The structure provides organizations with focused sets of actions that protect them from some of the dangers associated with cyber-attacks and data insecurity. It is worth noting that CIS CSC refers to a set of 20 controls that are designed to aids organizations in safeguarding their data, as well as the systems, form any attacks from vectors. In other words, the framework acts as an important guideline to companies that do not have a coherent security program. One of the merit over this framework is that it is based on the latest information on attacks as well as reflecting the combined knowledge of forensic experts, contributors from the government, and individual penetration testers. The aspect guarantees safety at all costs.

The 20 control systems include; the inventory of unauthorized and authorized devices that manages all the hardware devices on the network. The catalog is critical in the sense that it gives access to approved tools only. The other system refers to the inventory of the unauthorized and authorized software that manages all the software on the network and keep off vulnerable attackers that can remotely exploit organizational data. The other system comprises the security configurations for both the software and the hardware. The arrangements are critical in the sense that they help in enhancing the security of laptops, workstations as well as services in any premises. The other system includes the continuous vulnerability assessment and remediation that allows organizations to assess and take action on any new information to identify any vulnerability. The other method consists of controlled use of automated to monitor administrative privileges. The system is essential in the sense that it prevents those in management from misusing the administrative rights.

The sixth control system includes maintenance monitoring as well as analysis of the audit logs. The control system is vital in the sense that it allows organizations to collect, manage as well as analyze any events records that detect aberrant activities as well as investigate any security incidents. The other system includes the web browser and email protection that ensures that all the supported web browsers and emails are well managed on the premises to avoid any attack. Malware defenses refer to the eighth system of control that aims at protecting all the software from any malware that can affect the functions of an organization. Limitation and Control of Network Ports, services, and protocols also relate to one of the systems applied in CIS CSC. Data recovery capacity, on the other hand, helps organizations from any form of attack by ensuring that all the systems are adequately backed on at least a weekly basis. The aspect is critical in the sense that in case of an attack, the organization can recover. A firewall comprises some of these control systems that are critical in offering protection. A firewall refers to a network security device that is utilized in monitoring both the outgoing as well as incoming network signals. The tool is critical in the sense that it decides whether it will block or allow specific traffic signals on a particular defined set of security rules. The firewall can be hardware, software, or both. A smooth-wall, on the other hand, is an open-source firewall distribution based on a Linux or GNU operating system. A firewall is designed to prevent any access to or from a private network that is unauthorized. Thus, all the datagram leaving or entering the intranet passes via the device (Zalenski, 2002). The significant role of the invention is thus blocking unauthorized access as it permits only authorized communications using the packet filtering device. Smooth-Wall Linux distribution is one of the robust but straightforward firewalls that can be installed by anyone. It is worth noting that configuring, as well as establishing a Linux firewall, can be one of the most challenging tasks.

Other control system includes the secure configurations for network devices, boundary defense, data protection, controlled access based on the need to know, wireless access control, account control, and monitoring, security skills assessment and appropriate training to fill gaps, application on software security, incident response management and penetration tests and red team exercises. All these systems work intending to avoid attacks as well as outline guidelines that ought to be followed in case of an attack.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 refers to the international standards which are globally recognized for managing risks associated with information. The art of ISO certification allows one to prove to the clients as well as other stakeholders that their data is well secured within the premises. The current ISO 27001: 2013 provides a set of standardized requirements for any information security management system. The standards that are adopted are processed based on the art of establishing, implementing, and operating and improving one`s security system. The ISO 27001 is critical in the sense that it allows organizations to protect both the employees and the clients, manage all the risk related to information and technology, achieve the international compliance that boots the marketing abilities of the premises as well as protecting the brand image of the company in the market at large. In other words, the organization is able to defend her critical information and manage her operations smoothly. It is worth noting that the art of achieving the ISO 27001 certification in a premises helps in reaping numerous and consistent benefits that include keeping confidential information secure, providing a competitive advantage as well as help in complying with other regulations that are of international standards. It is also an informed way of managing and minimizing risks as well as a form of creating a culture of security. The company, the assets, the shareholders, as well as the directors of such an organization are guaranteed of their safety. In other words, a well maintained ISO 27001 acts as a firewall.

Similarities

One of the aspects that are common between the two frameworks of security is that both are aimed at mitigating any risks associated with insecurity in information technology. In both systems, the organizations and rather the premises follows specific guidelines at protecting both the clients and the stakeholders of the premises. Besides, in both systems, there are standardized guidelines that are aimed at boosting up the security of information within premises. The aspect is critical in the sense that it allows both stakeholders as well as clients to have much confidence with the organization.

Differences

One of the aspects that are different between the two systems is the application of the guidelines therein. In CIC CSC, twenty control systems are utilized in an attempt to ensure the data within the premises is well protected, and the clients, let alone the stakeholders are safe as well. However, ISO 27001, the standard measures are plenty, and one is required to follow them to the latter. The other difference is that in CIC CSC, the framework provides organizations with focused sets of actions that protect them from some of the dangers associated with cyber-attacks and data insecurity.

On the other hand, in ISO 27001, the international standards which are globally recognized for managing risks related to information. The other difference is that ISO 27001 IS globally recognized. However, the CIS CSC is much recognized by premises that utilize the framework. Once a premises has followed all the guidelines of ISO 27001, a certificate of compliance is issued. The aspect is critical in the sense that it boots on the confidentiality of clients as well as the major stakeholders. However, in CIS CSC, there no certification, but the guidelines ought to be followed. The control measures in CIC CSC ought to be adhered to without any limit; however, in ISO, there is an expected limit of operation that allows premises to be certified.

Choosing the Security Frameworks

Although the two systems aim at improving the security of an organization, ISO 27001 is globally recognized concerning CIC CSC. The aspect indicates that ISO 27001 is more detailed and offers international protection to premises. The standards of operations are more vibrant and detailed. For an organization to be ISO certified, it ought to meet certain limits of transactions.

In most cases, the guidelines offered by CIS CSC must be met within the limits of ISO. The aspect indicates That ISO 27001 is more superior. Thus, when one is operating an organization that deals with data processing or deals with sensitive information, ISO 27001 would be the best security framework to consider.

Conclusions

In a nutshell, a security framework refers to a series of documented processes used to define the procedures as well as policies around the art of implementing and managing information security controls in any enterprise. Such frameworks include CIC CSC and ISO 27001. The CIC entails 20 control systems that aim at securing sensitive information on-premises. On the other hand, ISO 27001 offers some guidelines aimed at protecting the stakeholders, the assets as well as the clients of an organization. The aspect indicates that ISO 27001 is more superior to CIC CSC. Thus, in the art of choosing the best security framework, ISO 27001 ought to be more preferred. However, small scale organizations can apply CIS CSC provisions to meet the ISO27001 standards. The aspect is linked to the fact that both frameworks aim at protecting the organization at large. In other words, 20 controls that are designed to aids organizations in safeguarding their data, as well as the systems, form any attacks from vectors.