Stop Wondering if You’re Compliant: The Magic of the Cybersecurity Meta Framework

2 minute read

February 2021

by Kerin Sikorski

Regulations and compliance requirements are constantly changing, and this can make it challenging to efficiently maintain compliance. By incorporating cybersecurity meta framework it’s easy to ensure you’re compliant with industry and government regulations.  

What is a Meta Framework? 

Most simply stated, a meta framework is a framework of frameworks.  

Described in more detail, it is a framework that includes a set of core interfaces for common services that flexibly integrates with other frameworks.  

In practice, it is a control set that is mapped to industry frameworks and regulations, which enables a company’s control set to be mapped to its business data.   

How Does a Cybersecurity Meta Framework Effect Compliance? 

When it comes to compliance, there is generally more than one requirement that a company must address. For instance, if an access control related to a password policy is changed, it is likely it will be changed for numerous regulations and standards. Rather than making each change individually, a meta framework can ensure that only one change is needed, resulting in greater efficiency and fewer errors.   

When an underlying industry framework or regulation changesit can be messy. If the framework is not mapped correctly, it can be difficult to understand which controls support which regulations. This can make it challenging and cumbersome to update control changes to ensure compliance.  

By using a meta framework you change the mapping to a single control only once, no matter how many times the change needs to be executed because a meta framework maps to downstream industry frameworks and regulations.   

In the ever-changing landscape of industry frameworks and regulations, a meta framework adds value by enabling companies to separate their business data.  

The Secure Controls Framework: A Cybersecurity Meta Framework Standard 

For companies that need a place to start, consider The Secure Controls Framework (SCF), an industry-standard meta framework for internal controls. Defined by the SFC Council, the SCF is a “comprehensive catalog of controls” that was created “to enable companies to design, build and maintain secure processes, systems and applications.” It covers both cybersecurity and privacy and includes nearly 950 controls.   

The SCF is included in ProcessUnity’s Cybersecurity Program Management software and delivers efficient compliance management and downstream mapping of control standards to almost 100 cybersecurity and privacy frameworks and regulations.  

Additional Benefits of a Cybersecurity Meta Framework 

Added benefits for companies that incorporate a meta framework: 

  • Allows companies to set up their own customized control set to address their unique cybersecurity and privacy needs 
  • Enables developers, project managers, cybersecurity teams and privacy teams to easily collaborate, manage requirements and speak the same language 
  • Promotes a data-centric, holistic approach towards security 
  • Delivers a comprehensive catalog of controls that is designed to enable companies to create, build and maintain secure processes, systems and applications

For insight into how a cybersecurity meta framework can drive compliance and bring efficiency to your organizationset up a demo today. 

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ProcessUnity is a leading provider of cloud-based applications for risk and compliance management. The company’s software as a service (SaaS) platform gives organizations the control to assess, measure, and mitigate risk and to ensure the optimal performance of key business processes. ProcessUnity’s flagship solution, ProcessUnity Vendor Risk Management, protects companies and their brands by reducing risks from third-party vendors and suppliers. ProcessUnity helps customers effectively and efficiently assess and monitor both new and existing vendors – from initial due diligence and onboarding through termination. Headquartered outside of Boston, Massachusetts, ProcessUnity is used by the world’s leading financial service firms and commercial enterprises. For more information, visit www.processunity.com.