Security Framework Selection Guide
Framework Comparison Matrix
| Framework | Focus | Best For | Certification | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIST CSF 2.0 | Risk management | All organizations | No | ~5 years |
| ISO 27001 | ISMS implementation | International compliance | Yes | 3-5 years |
| CIS Controls v8 | Practical security | Technical implementation | No | 2-3 years |
| NIST 800-53 | Federal controls | Government/contractors | No | ~3 years |
| NIST 800-171 | CUI protection | Defense contractors | Assessment | As needed |
| OWASP Top 10 | Application security | Development teams | No | 3-4 years |
| MITRE ATT&CK | Threat intelligence | Security operations | No | Continuous |
Framework Selection Decision Tree
Start: What is your primary driver?
├─ Regulatory Compliance Required?
│ ├─ Government/Federal: NIST 800-53/171
│ ├─ Healthcare: HIPAA + NIST CSF
│ ├─ Finance: PCI DSS + ISO 27001
│ └─ International: ISO 27001
├─ No Specific Compliance Requirement?
│ ├─ Small Organization (< 50 employees): CIS IG1 + NIST CSF
│ ├─ Medium Organization (50-500): CIS IG2 + NIST CSF + ISO 27001
│ └─ Large Organization (500+): CIS IG3 + NIST CSF + ISO 27001
└─ Specialized Focus Area?
├─ Application Security: OWASP ASVS + Top 10
├─ Threat Detection: MITRE ATT&CK
├─ AI/LLM Security: OWASP AI Top 10
└─ Cloud Security: CSA CCM + NIST CSF
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