Security Maturity Assessments (SMAs) are evaluations that measure an organization’s level of maturity in terms of its cybersecurity practices, processes, controls, and overall security posture. The goal of a security maturity assessment is to provide insights into an organization’s current security capabilities, identify gaps and weaknesses, and guide the organization towards improvements to enhance its overall security maturity.

Symosis performs security maturity assessments using the following approach

Assessment Framework

  • Choose a security maturity framework or model as a basis for the assessment. Common frameworks include NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Critical Security Controls, and ISO/IEC 27001.

Scoping

  • Define the scope of the assessment, including the areas, systems, processes, and controls to be evaluated.

Assessment Criteria

  • Establish criteria or attributes that define the maturity levels within the chosen framework. These criteria often cover areas like policies, processes, controls, technologies, people, and culture.

Data Collection

  • Gather information and evidence related to the organization’s security practices, processes, controls, and incidents.

  • Use interviews, surveys, documentation review, and technical assessments to collect data.

Maturity Level Assessment

  • Evaluate the organization’s current practices against the defined criteria to determine its maturity level.

  • Maturity levels are typically categorized (e.g., Basic, Developing, Intermediate, Advanced, Optimized) and aligned with the chosen framework.

Gap Analysis

  • Identify gaps and areas where the organization’s security practices fall short of the desired maturity level.

  • Pinpoint specific weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and deficiencies.

Recommendations

  • Provide actionable recommendations to address identified gaps and weaknesses.

  • Prioritize recommendations based on potential impact, risk, and feasibility.

Roadmap and Improvement Plan

  • Develop a roadmap for improving security maturity over time.

  • Outline steps, resources, and timelines for implementing the recommended changes.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regularly reassess security maturity to track progress and adjust the improvement plan as needed.

  • Use the assessment as a tool for ongoing security enhancement.

Security maturity assessments are valuable tools for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and align their practices with industry standards. By identifying areas of improvement and providing actionable recommendations, these assessments contribute to a more robust and resilient security posture.