Top 17 Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards for Business in 2025

Put a lot of focus into your cybersecurity, that’s a given.

But how do you do it? Especially for a small business owner, the jargon may get in the way of protecting your customers — and yourself — from the arms of threat actors out there.

From infrastructure attacks to healthcare hacks, keeping all the doors closed is an extremely difficult task.

This is where cybersecurity frameworks and standards come into play.

These frameworks help businesses assess security measures, fix vulnerabilities, and boost cybersecurity capabilities effectively.

Techopedia explores the cybersecurity frameworks in existence — all of which have sprung up out of the ashes of previous attacks. As they say, “Regulations are written in blood.”

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Top Cybersecurity Frameworks to Consider
3. How to Choose the Cybersecurity Framework for Your Business
4. Merging Cybersecurity Standards and Frameworks
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Top Cybersecurity Frameworks to Consider
3. How to Choose the Cybersecurity Framework for Your Business
Show Full Guide
4. Merging Cybersecurity Standards and Frameworks
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

Top Cybersecurity Frameworks to Consider

Organizations use cybersecurity frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The framework is one of the most widely recognized, offering industry best practices to mitigate cybersecurity risks.

However, it is not the only one. There is also ISO 27001, primarily for finance and government, HIPAA for healthcare, and many more.

Cybersecurity Frameworks List

1. SOC 2 – System and Organization Controls

SOC 2 reports on controls at a service organization relevant to data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

The framework is relevant for service providers such as data centers, SaaS companies, managed service providers, and cloud computing companies.

2. ISO 27001

ISO 27001 provides requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system.

It is relevant for any industry that handles sensitive information, including finance, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.

3. NIST Cybersecurity Framework

NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a computer security guidance policy framework for private sector organizations in the United States.

However, the NIST framework is widely applicable across all industries, particularly critical infrastructure sectors like energy, healthcare, finance, and transportation.

4. HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

HIPAA ensures the healthcare industry’s security and privacy of protected health information (PHI).

This framework is applicable to healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and business associates that handle PHI.

5. PCI DSS – Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

PCI DSS focuses on the secure handling of credit card information to prevent fraud.

It is necessary for merchants, financial institutions, payment processors, and any organization that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data.

6. GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation

GDPR protects individuals’ data and privacy within the European Union.

The framework is applicable to any organization that processes the personal data of EU residents, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profits.

With the fallout of the DeepSeek AI model, other Chinese companies could potentially face the wrath of the GDPR for sending user data to China.

7. HITRUST CSF – Health Information Trust Alliance Common Security Framework

HITRUST CSF is a framework that provides organizations with a comprehensive approach to regulatory compliance and risk management.

It is relevant for healthcare organizations and their business associates seeking to streamline compliance with multiple regulations.

8. COBIT – Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies

COBIT is the framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT.

Organizations of all sizes and industries looking to align IT activities with business objectives use the framework to enhance their defenses.

9. NERC-CIP – North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection

NERC-CIP ensures the security of the North American power grid.

It is used by Electric utilities, power generation companies, and other entities operating the electric grid.

10. FISMA – Federal Information Security Management Act

FISMA defines cybersecurity guidelines for federal agencies.

It is aimed at the U.S. federal government agencies and contractors handling federal information systems.

11. NIST Special Publication 800-53

NIST SP 800-53 provides a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations.

This framework is applicable to the U.S. federal agencies and organizations that are subject to federal information security requirements.

12. NIST Special Publication 800-171

NIST SP 800-171 provides requirements for protecting the confidentiality of сontrolled unclassified information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations.

The framework is important for Non-federal organizations that handle CUI for or on behalf of the U.S. government.

13. IAB CCPA – Internet Architecture Board California Consumer Privacy Act

IAB CCPA focuses on the privacy rights of California residents.

The framework is aimed at businesses that collect personal information from California residents, regardless of physical location.

14. CIS Controls – Center for Internet Security Controls

One of the more general entries on our list, CIS Controls are a set of best practices for cybersecurity to help organizations prioritize and implement essential security measures effectively.

The framework applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors looking to improve their cybersecurity posture.

15. UK Telecoms (Security) Act 2021

The UK Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 aims to strengthen the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications networks by establishing a comprehensive framework of specific requirements and obligations for telecoms providers to adhere to.

This framework is designed to protect against potential cyber threats and safeguard the country’s critical infrastructure.

16. The CISA Telecoms Framework

Telecom providers operating in the United States are subject to the CISA Telecoms Framework, which outlines guidelines for ensuring the security and resilience of telecommunications networks to protect against cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure.

17. Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus is a framework that includes a certification for organizations to showcase their commitment to cybersecurity best practices through an independent assessment of security controls.

By following the Cyber Essentials Plus framework and achieving certification, organizations can improve their overall cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of cyber incidents.

The framework is aimed at UK companies and businesses in various industries seeking to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

How to Choose the Cybersecurity Framework for Your Business

Key Factors to Consider

Organizations must assess industry-specific threats, compliance mandates, company size, and unique security demands when choosing a cybersecurity framework.

Opting for the appropriate cybersecurity framework is pivotal for safeguarding your organization. Follow these steps to ensure you make a well-informed decision:

1. Assess Your Organizational Requirements:
   • Understand your organization’s unique needs, risk tolerance, and security goals.
   • Consider company size, industry regulations, and existing security practices.
2. Evaluate Framework Applicability:
   • Look at various frameworks and assess how well they align with your organization’s context.
   • Consider whether the framework covers the specific areas you need to address.
3. Scalability and Flexibility:
   • Choose a framework that can grow with your organization.
   • Ensure it is adaptable to changes in technology, business processes, and threat landscapes.
4. Budget Considerations:
   • Some frameworks may require significant time, resources, and training investment.
   • Evaluate the costs associated with implementing and maintaining the chosen framework.
5. Seek External Support:
   • Consider seeking guidance from cybersecurity experts or consultants.
   • They can help you navigate the complexities of different frameworks and tailor them to your organization’s needs.

A cybersecurity framework is a fundamental blueprint for organizing and enhancing security measures. It provides a structured set of guidelines, standards, and best practices to address and mitigate security risks proactively.

By aligning your security strategies with a well-chosen framework, you can substantially reduce the chances of security incidents and build a durable security infrastructure for the future.

Merging Cybersecurity Standards and Frameworks

Understanding the difference between cybersecurity standards and frameworks is crucial for organizations looking to enhance their security measures.

While standards provide specific requirements and guidelines for implementing security controls, frameworks offer a more adaptable and comprehensive approach to managing cybersecurity risks effectively.

Widely recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-53, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR establish industry-specific security requirements to ensure compliance and elevate cybersecurity posture.

By merging standards and frameworks, organizations can harmonize their security strategies with regulatory mandates and industry best practices.

This alignment promotes a holistic cybersecurity approach, concentrating on compliance adherence, effective risk management, and achieving security objectives.

Organizations that strategically blend cybersecurity standards and frameworks are better equipped to mitigate risk and safeguard against cyber threats effectively.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a cybersecurity framework that fits with your organization’s needs is vital — finding the right tool for the job of strengthening security measures, minimizing risks, and building defenses.

Industry-specific threats, regulatory compliance, scalability, and goal alignment all require careful consideration.

Viewing cybersecurity frameworks as customizable tools rather than rigid mandates is the right start — better a regulatory minefield over a plague of attackers poking at your defenses.

FAQs