Levels of maturity of the company's information security and necessary protective measures
The level of maturity of a company in the field of information security (IS) plays a critical role in the ability to protect its data and resources. Determining the current level is necessary to develop adequate protection measures that meet real needs and threats.
We identified 4 levels of information security maturity of a company depending on factors such as the inclusion of information security threats in significant risks, the number of dedicated specialists, budget allocation, and the number of information security products used.
Zero level of maturity
It can be characterized as a state in which the company basically lacks any measures to ensure information security: information security tasks are performed by IT specialists, often without the necessary knowledge and skills, and there is no allocation of a specialized budget.
At level zero, information security is not considered an important aspect of doing business. In such conditions, information security tools (ISS) are reduced to pre-installed components that may be part of the standard functionality of the information systems used, but do not have targeted configuration or management. An organization at this level is vulnerable to most modern threats. This approach can lead to serious consequences, including leakage of confidential data, financial losses and reputational risks.
First level of maturity
Companies are beginning to realize the importance of information security and are allocating the relevant budget items, and a business plan is being developed. However, in this case, information security is still viewed primarily as a “technical problem” that is the responsibility of the IT department.
The main measures to ensure information security at this level include the implementation of traditional information security tools, such as antivirus systems, backup technologies, VPNs and firewalls. These are basic tools that can provide a minimum level of protection. However, the maturity level does not allow the company to develop and implement comprehensive solutions that take into account specific risks and threats.
In addition, at this stage, there may be a lack or insufficient development of regulatory documents, such as security policies. This leads to ambiguity in responsibility for ensuring security and complicates the process of responding to incidents. The lack of a unified concept and strategy for the development of information security also significantly limits the company's ability to attract new technologies and methods of protection.
Second level of maturity
Characterized by a more conscious approach to ensuring the proper level of information security and protecting one's information assets. The allocated budget is spent not only on meeting basic needs, but also on investment.
Information security is now considered as a set of organizational and technical measures, which allows integrating various protection measures and adapting them to real threats. A dedicated team of specialists can exist both as part of the IT department and as a separate division. This strengthens the role of information security in the organization and makes it possible to deal more deeply with protection issues.
Technical means of protection include:
Access control and multi-factor authentication systems (IDM, MFA) significantly increase the level of account security and prevent unauthorized access to information.
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) provide advanced filtering and traffic analysis capabilities to help protect your network from sophisticated cyber threats.
Proactive detection and response systems for information security incidents (EDR, XDR, MXDR), which allow for prompt identification and rapid response to complex cyber threats and targeted attacks with a focus on the endpoints of the IT infrastructure.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS, IPS) that help identify and prevent attacks before they impact an organization.
Tools for secure execution of computer programs in an isolated environment (SandBox), which allow for a more in-depth analysis of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Internet traffic management and filtering systems (SWG) allow you to control access to the Internet and prevent interaction with malicious Internet resources and the penetration of malicious software elements into the organization's network.
At the level of organizational measures, regulatory documents are created, policies and strategies for the development of information security are implemented, which correspond to modern requirements and best practices. In companies of the second level of information security maturity, a stable security architecture is formed, which becomes the basis for further development and improvement of information security systems in the company.
Third level of maturity
Transition to The third level of maturity requires further integration of information security into business processes, the use of modern technologies and risk analysis methods, and the improvement of incident response mechanisms. To achieve this level, an organization must not only maintain current security measures, but also develop an information security culture within the company, increase the level of employee awareness of information security issues, and conduct information security training.
A separate budget for information security allows making more informed investment decisions. Information security is integrated into the corporate culture. All company employees, from specialists to top managers, are actively involved in security issues, which creates joint responsibility for compliance with information security policies and procedures.
At this level of development, there is always a top manager responsible for information security – CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), whose area of responsibility includes management and strategic planning in the field of information security, integrating security goals with the company's overall strategic initiatives. A separate information security department effectively manages risks, maintains a high level of information security, and is also engaged in employee training and comprehensive improvement of information security systems.
At the third level of maturity, information security tools are implemented, including:
Data leak prevention (DLP) systems that allow you to control and protect data, conduct retrospective analysis and internal investigations, and make decisions on measures to prevent leaks of confidential information.
Mobile device management (DMD) systems that allow you to control access to corporate resources and protect data stored on mobile devices.
Security Information Event Management (SIEM) and Security Incident Automation and Response (SOAR) systems are comprehensive solutions that enable you to collect, analyze, and respond to security events in real time, ensuring effective incident management.
A cyber intelligence (TI) platform that enriches a company's information security tools with information about current cyber threats and indicators of compromise
In order to effectively manage the implemented security tools and promptly respond to emerging threats, a special unit is created in companies – the Cybersecurity Monitoring Center (SOC), which is a dedicated team of qualified specialists who are engaged in the detection, response and elimination of the consequences of incidents.
Each subsequent step in building an effective cybersecurity system must take into account the current level of maturity of the company's information security, as well as the cyber threats that are relevant to the company.
An incorrect choice of the next security tool, its incorrect implementation and configuration, the lack of a sufficient number of qualified specialists can reduce to zero the effectiveness of the acquired advanced information security solution.
