Security challenges are an unavoidable part of doing business today. No matter the size or industry, every company needs a clear strategy to protect its data, operations, and reputation. Cybersecurity frameworks provide that strategy by offering proven guidelines and best practices to manage and reduce risk effectively.
In this post, we’ll cover the top cybersecurity frameworks every business should know so you can find the right fit to protect your organization.
What Is a Cybersecurity Framework?
A cybersecurity framework is a set of standards, guidelines, and best practices that helps organizations manage cybersecurity risks in a structured way. It outlines how to protect sensitive data, maintain operations, and meet regulatory obligations.
These frameworks guide businesses through key functions such as identifying threats, securing systems, detecting vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and recovering from disruptions. Some are voluntary and offer guidance, while others are required depending on your industry or location.
Choosing the right framework can strengthen your defenses, simplify compliance, and reduce the chances and impact of a cyberattack.
The Top Cybersecurity Frameworks to Know
Because businesses differ in size, industry, and risk tolerance, there’s no universal cybersecurity framework that fits everyone. Below, we’ll break down some of the most widely used frameworks and highlight their strengths to help you determine which one best fits your organization’s needs.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), developed the CSF to provide a comprehensive and flexible approach to cybersecurity risk management. It covers five core functions that guide large enterprises in managing cybersecurity risks and building resilience:
- Identify risks and threats: The framework covers how to understand your organization’s systems, assets, data, and potential vulnerabilities by conducting risk assessments and maintaining a detailed inventory.
- Protect assets through safeguards: It includes implementing security measures like firewalls, encryption, and employee training to reduce the likelihood of breaches or unauthorized access.
- Detect threats and anomalies: The framework emphasizes continuous monitoring of systems to spot unusual activity, using tools such as intrusion detection systems and real-time alerts.
- Respond to events effectively: It guides the development and execution of incident response plans to contain and minimize the impact of security breaches, ensuring quick mitigation.
- Recover quickly from incidents: The framework covers restoring normal operations through backups, rebuilding trust, and learning from incidents to improve future defenses.
CIS Controls Framework
For small and mid-sized businesses looking for clear, actionable steps to improve their cybersecurity, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls Framework is a great choice. It offers a focused set of 18 prioritized security measures that are easier to follow and don’t require extensive resources or complex governance structures.
The CIS Controls provide a straightforward path to address the most common cyber risks, like asset management, access controls, and malware defenses. This makes it a strong choice for organizations seeking cost-effective, manageable cybersecurity improvements that deliver real-world protection quickly.
ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27001 is a widely recognized international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It establishes clear requirements for how organizations should set up, maintain, and continuously improve their information security practices.
Choosing ISO/IEC 27001 demonstrates your organization’s commitment to trusted global security standards, which helps build trust with international clients and partners.
This framework is especially valuable for businesses that need to meet contractual security obligations or comply with regulations across multiple countries, making compliance simpler and strengthening your overall security posture. However, implementing ISO/IEC 27001 can demand significant time and resources, so it’s important to weigh these efforts against the tangible benefits for your organization.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls)
SOC 2 is a compliance standard specifically designed for service providers that handle or store client data. It evaluates an organization’s controls around security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy to ensure data is managed responsibly.
This framework is particularly relevant for businesses in SaaS, technology, and cloud services where protecting customer information is critical. Achieving SOC 2 compliance not only helps companies meet contractual and regulatory requirements but also builds trust with clients by proving that strong data security measures are in place.
For many B2B vendors, SOC 2 certification is a key factor in winning and maintaining business relationships.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
HIPAA sets the standard for how healthcare providers, insurers, and their partners safeguard patient health information. It outlines specific rules for storing, accessing, and sharing sensitive data to help reduce the risk of breaches and ensure privacy.
For organizations in or connected to the healthcare industry, HIPAA compliance is not just a legal obligation; it's also an important step in building trust with patients and protecting their personal information.
Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) CSF
The HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a comprehensive, certifiable cybersecurity framework that combines multiple standards and regulations (such as HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST) into a unified approach. It’s designed primarily for organizations in healthcare and related sectors to help manage cybersecurity risks and protect sensitive health information.
Unlike HIPAA, which sets the legal requirements for protecting patient data, HITRUST CSF provides detailed controls and a formal certification process to demonstrate compliance. This framework is ideal for organizations aiming to exceed baseline regulatory requirements and build a stronger security posture.
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
PCI-DSS is a critical cybersecurity framework for any business that processes, stores, or transmits payment card information. It sets strict requirements to secure cardholder data and reduces the risk of fraud and data breaches.
Compliance with PCI-DSS is mandatory for businesses that accept credit or debit card payments, whether online or in-store. Following PCI-DSS helps organizations protect their customers’ payment data while avoiding costly penalties and meeting industry standards for payment security.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict requirements for organizations that handle the personal data of individuals in the European Union. It applies not only to companies operating within the EU but also to any business worldwide that collects or processes EU citizens’ information.
As a cybersecurity framework, GDPR emphasizes strong data protection controls to prevent breaches and unauthorized access. It encourages organizations to integrate security practices deeply into their operations, making it a key standard for businesses that manage sensitive data across borders. Compliance with GDPR helps these companies protect user privacy, build customer trust, and avoid costly penalties.
How EpiOn Can Help
EpiOn works with you to select the best cybersecurity framework for your business and ensures it fits seamlessly into your overall security strategy. We help implement the necessary controls, keep your systems monitored, and provide ongoing support to adapt as cyber threats evolve.
With EpiOn, you get a clear, practical path to stronger security and compliance.
Not sure which framework is right for you? Reach out to EpiOn today to get started.
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