Cyber Strategy
Cyber Secure
Cyber Operations
Cyber Response
Cyber ResilienceCybersecurity maturity models give organizations a structure for routinely evaluating and benchmarking their cybersecurity capabilities. With the collaborative efforts of teams of industry experts, cybersecurity maturity models offer security stakeholders in organizations a roadmap for defending against malicious actors and reducing risks in the event of a compromise.
A typical cybersecurity maturity model combines industry-proven experience, knowledge, skills, structures, and practices into actionable recommendations to help improve security posture and rapidly mature security practices.
By implementing a cybersecurity model, organizations can.
- Provide uninterrupted service to their customers.
- Safeguard sensitive customer data.
- Adhere to the laws and regulations that govern their operations.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF), the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) are three notable contemporary cybersecurity maturity models. These models thoroughly cover the essential elements of security maturity for modern organizations.
Cybersecurity maturity models give organizations a structure for routinely evaluating and benchmarking their cybersecurity capabilities. With the collaborative efforts of teams of industry experts, cybersecurity maturity models offer security stakeholders in organizations a roadmap for defending against malicious actors and reducing risks in the event of a compromise.
A typical cybersecurity maturity model combines industry-proven experience, knowledge, skills, structures, and practices into actionable recommendations to help improve security posture and rapidly mature security practices.
By implementing a cybersecurity model, organizations can.
- Provide uninterrupted service to their customers.
- Safeguard sensitive customer data.
- Adhere to the laws and regulations that govern their operations.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF), the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) are three notable contemporary cybersecurity maturity models. These models thoroughly cover the essential elements of security maturity for modern organizations.
This article will focus on the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) and how it can assist you in raising security maturity within your organization.
What is C2M2?
The Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) is a security model that enables organizations across various industries to assess and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. Initially, it focused on security in the oil and gas sector.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) spearheaded its development and adoption in 2012. Additional enhancements to the model were made in 2014, 2021, and 2022 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and industry professionals from private and public companies to address information and operations technology security across various sectors.
The model, founded on public-private partnerships, uses a descriptive approach to define best practices that draw on knowledge from various sectors to offer valuable and pertinent recommendations.
The C2M2 model evaluates organizational security across ten domains, each with four maturity indicator levels. The maturity indicator levels establish a benchmark to assist organizations in determining their strong points and areas for improvement within each domain.
What is C2M2?
The Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) is a security model that enables organizations across various industries to assess and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. Initially, it focused on security in the oil and gas sector.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) spearheaded its development and adoption in 2012. Additional enhancements to the model were made in 2014, 2021, and 2022 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and industry professionals from private and public companies to address information and operations technology security across various sectors.
The model, founded on public-private partnerships, uses a descriptive approach to define best practices that draw on knowledge from various sectors to offer valuable and pertinent recommendations.
The C2M2 model evaluates organizational security across ten domains, each with four maturity indicator levels. The maturity indicator levels establish a benchmark to assist organizations in determining their strong points and areas for improvement within each domain.
Levels of C2M2 Maturity Indicators
The C2M2 maturity indicator levels (MILs) outline concrete actions for organizations need to take and track development in each domain of the security model. According to the official C2M2 release notes, the four MILs and baseline actions are as follows:
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 0
- Domain practices are not carried out.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 1
- Although they might be ad hoc, initial practices of the domain objectives are carried out.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 2
- Practices and procedures to arrive at the domain objectives are documented.
- Adequate resources are provided to support the process.
- Compared to MIL1, practices are more comprehensive or sophisticated.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 3
- Administrative directives and policies guide domain activities and procedures.
- Responsibility, accountability, and authority for performing the domain practices are assigned to the appropriate personnel.
- Personnel carrying out the domain practices have the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Activities are evaluated, and their effectiveness is monitored.
- Compared to MIL2, procedures are more detailed or elaborate.
Organizations may have different MILs for different domains—since the C2M2 model’s maturity levels are unique to each domain. A high MIL for each domain indicates that the organization’s security practices are efficient, and vice versa if the average MIL is low.
Levels of C2M2 Maturity Indicators
The C2M2 maturity indicator levels (MILs) outline concrete actions for organizations need to take and track development in each domain of the security model. According to the official C2M2 release notes, the four MILs and baseline actions are as follows:
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 0
- Domain practices are not carried out.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 1
- Although they might be ad hoc, initial practices of the domain objectives are carried out.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 2
- Practices and procedures to arrive at the domain objectives are documented.
- Adequate resources are provided to support the process.
- Compared to MIL1, practices are more comprehensive or sophisticated.
- Maturity Indicator Level (MIL) 3
- Administrative directives and policies guide domain activities and procedures.
- Responsibility, accountability, and authority for performing the domain practices are assigned to the appropriate personnel.
- Personnel carrying out the domain practices have the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Activities are evaluated, and their effectiveness is monitored.
- Compared to MIL2, procedures are more detailed or elaborate.
Organizations may have different MILs for different domains—since the C2M2 model’s maturity levels are unique to each domain. A high MIL for each domain indicates that the organization’s security practices are efficient, and vice versa if the average MIL is low.
C2M2 Maturity Domains
1. Risk Management
C2M2’s risk management domain creates, manages, and operates an organizational cyber risk program to identify, analyze, and respond to threats across all administrative units.
The risk domain has the following objectives:
- Manage Cybersecurity risks
- Incorporate a risk management strategy for cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate security management practices.
2. Asset, Change, and Configuration Management
The asset, change, and configuration management domain identifies and manages the organization’s information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) assets, such as hardware and software, in proportion to the risks they pose to critical organizational infrastructure.
The domain has the following objectives:
- Proportionately classify software and tangible assets with risk potential.
- Manage the classified assets.
3. Identity and Access Management
This domain oversees managing and assessing identity governance and allowing access to organizational assets.
The domain’s goals include the following:
- Creation of identity
- Control of access to organizational assets in proportion to the risk of jeopardizing critical business goals.
- Identity management for entities
4. Threat and Vulnerability Management
C2M2’s threat and vulnerability management domain define processes and technology for detecting, identifying, evaluating, managing, and responding to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
The domain objectives are as follows:
- Create plans, methods, and technology for identifying, detecting, and responding to vulnerabilities.
- Identification of threats and vulnerabilities.
- Threat analysis and management.
- Responding to potential threats and vulnerabilities.
5. Situational Awareness
It is critical to understand the system’s security state to set appropriate policies and procedures. The situational awareness domain ensures that organizations are aware of their infrastructure’s security status and operational condition.
This domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create methods and technologies for monitoring and analyzing security status.
- Gather, detect, and report security threats.
- Summarize and visualize data from other domains.
6. Third-Party Risk Management
When third-party infrastructure and software are used, the organizational security vulnerability is increased because any attack directed at the third-party system exposes your system to external vulnerability. As a result, managing third-party risk is critical.
The C2M2 third-party risk management domain addresses this by pursuing the following goals:
- Develop procedures for managing cyber risks posed by third-party systems connected to critical infrastructure.
- Maintain and manage technologies that detect potential threats in third-party systems.
- Proactively address third-party risks.
7. Cybersecurity Architecture
A proper architecture is essential for a cybersecurity program to be successful and develop. Organizations can successfully implement security best practices with a structure that suits them if they have an exemplary architecture.
The domain of cybersecurity architecture ensures that organizations:
- Create an effective organizational security structure.
- Create and maintain security-related processes and technologies.
- Control the techniques and elements involved in organizational artifact security.
8. Event and Incident Response, Continuity of Operations, and Service Restoration
While other domains provide the structure for mitigating known security issues, threat actors may exploit new vulnerabilities. As a result, C2M2’s event and incident response domain offer a framework for addressing such incidents.
The domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create plans and procedures for mitigating and responding to security breaches.
- Maintain critical infrastructure technologies and strategies during cybersecurity attacks.
- Create and implement recovery strategies, procedures, and technologies in the event of a cyberattack.
9. Workforce Management
The possibility of security breaches through social engineering and other indirect approaches highlights the necessity for organizations to adequately educate their employees on the importance of security and how to prevent security threats.
The workforce management domain of C2M2 intends to achieve the following goals:
- Educate staff within the organization on basic security measures.
- Make and keep an inclusive cybersecurity culture.
- Conduct regular suitability and competency checks on security personnel.
10. Cybersecurity Program Management
A mature cybersecurity project requires high-level governance, planning, execution, and sponsorship. The cybersecurity management domain of the C2M2 model assesses the organization’s effectiveness in providing the necessary managerial structure for mature cybersecurity practices to flourish.
This domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create a cybersecurity program at the enterprise level.
- Provide security process maintenance, governance, and strategic planning.
- Provide funding for cybersecurity training, events, and other initiatives.
- Align cybersecurity objectives and critical infrastructure risk with organizational goals.
C2M2 Maturity Domains
The following are the ten domains of implementation of cybersecurity capabilities maturity model (C2M2):
1. Risk Management
C2M2’s risk management domain creates, manages, and operates an organizational cyber risk program to identify, analyze, and respond to threats across all administrative units.
The risk domain has the following objectives:
- Manage Cybersecurity risks
- Incorporate a risk management strategy for cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate security management practices.
2. Asset, Change, and Configuration Management
The asset, change, and configuration management domain identifies and manages the organization’s information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) assets, such as hardware and software, in proportion to the risks they pose to critical organizational infrastructure.
The domain has the following objectives:
- Proportionately classify software and tangible assets with risk potential.
- Manage the classified assets.
3. Identity and Access Management
This domain oversees managing and assessing identity governance and allowing access to organizational assets.
The domain’s goals include the following:
- Creation of identity
- Control of access to organizational assets in proportion to the risk of jeopardizing critical business goals.
- Identity management for entities
4. Threat and Vulnerability Management
C2M2’s threat and vulnerability management domain define processes and technology for detecting, identifying, evaluating, managing, and responding to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
The domain objectives are as follows:
- Create plans, methods, and technology for identifying, detecting, and responding to vulnerabilities.
- Identification of threats and vulnerabilities.
- Threat analysis and management.
- Responding to potential threats and vulnerabilities.
5. Situational Awareness
It is critical to understand the system’s security state to set appropriate policies and procedures. The situational awareness domain ensures that organizations are aware of their infrastructure’s security status and operational condition.
This domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create methods and technologies for monitoring and analyzing security status.
- Gather, detect, and report security threats.
- Summarize and visualize data from other domains.
6. Third-Party Risk Management
When third-party infrastructure and software are used, the organizational security vulnerability is increased because any attack directed at the third-party system exposes your system to external vulnerability. As a result, managing third-party risk is critical.
The C2M2 third-party risk management domain addresses this by pursuing the following goals:
- Develop procedures for managing cyber risks posed by third-party systems connected to critical infrastructure.
- Maintain and manage technologies that detect potential threats in third-party systems.
- Proactively address third-party risks.
7. Cybersecurity Architecture
A proper architecture is essential for a cybersecurity program to be successful and develop. Organizations can successfully implement security best practices with a structure that suits them if they have an exemplary architecture.
The domain of cybersecurity architecture ensures that organizations:
- Create an effective organizational security structure.
- Create and maintain security-related processes and technologies.
- Control the techniques and elements involved in organizational artifact security.
8. Event and Incident Response, Continuity of Operations, and Service Restoration
While other domains provide the structure for mitigating known security issues, threat actors may exploit new vulnerabilities. As a result, C2M2’s event and incident response domain offer a framework for addressing such incidents.
The domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create plans and procedures for mitigating and responding to security breaches.
- Maintain critical infrastructure technologies and strategies during cybersecurity attacks.
- Create and implement recovery strategies, procedures, and technologies in the event of a cyberattack.
9. Workforce Management
The possibility of security breaches through social engineering and other indirect approaches highlights the necessity for organizations to adequately educate their employees on the importance of security and how to prevent security threats.
The workforce management domain of C2M2 intends to achieve the following goals:
- Educate staff within the organization on basic security measures.
- Make and keep an inclusive cybersecurity culture.
- Conduct regular suitability and competency checks on security personnel.
10. Cybersecurity Program Management
A mature cybersecurity project requires high-level governance, planning, execution, and sponsorship. The cybersecurity management domain of the C2M2 model assesses the organization’s effectiveness in providing the necessary managerial structure for mature cybersecurity practices to flourish.
This domain’s aims are as follows:
- Create a cybersecurity program at the enterprise level.
- Provide security process maintenance, governance, and strategic planning.
- Provide funding for cybersecurity training, events, and other initiatives.
- Align cybersecurity objectives and critical infrastructure risk with organizational goals.
Implications of Using the C2M2 Security Maturity Model
All security maturity models seek to benefit the security structures of organizations that use them.
The C2M2 approach promotes cybersecurity maturity in the following ways:
- It improves cybersecurity maturity, particularly in the oil and gas industry and other industries.
- It is a helpful benchmark for enterprises to compare their cybersecurity capabilities to industry norms.
- It provides actionable strategies to strengthen cybersecurity and enable firms to be proactive.
- It provides evaluation and assessment tools to assist enterprises in determining each area’s maturity level in their cybersecurity model.
- It creates knowledge, best practices, and relevant references within and throughout the industry.
- It optimizes security investments and tracks their effectiveness.
Implications of Using the C2M2 Security Maturity Model
All security maturity models seek to benefit the security structures of organizations that use them.
The C2M2 approach promotes cybersecurity maturity in the following ways:
- It improves cybersecurity maturity, particularly in the oil and gas industry and other industries.
- It is a helpful benchmark for enterprises to compare their cybersecurity capabilities to industry norms.
- It provides actionable strategies to strengthen cybersecurity and enable firms to be proactive.
- It provides evaluation and assessment tools to assist enterprises in determining each area’s maturity level in their cybersecurity model.
- It creates knowledge, best practices, and relevant references within and throughout the industry.
- It optimizes security investments and tracks their effectiveness.
Conclusion
The C2M2 model is a framework created by oil and gas security experts. The framework, however, has now been expanded to cater to a plethora of different sectors by emphasizing actionable and quantifiable security practices to improve organizations’ security maturity. This article provides an overview of the maturity model and the impact of implementing it on your organization’s security maturity.
Get in touch today and benchmark your organization with our tailored C2M2 Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment.
Conclusion
The C2M2 model is a framework created by oil and gas security experts. The framework, however, has now been expanded to cater to a plethora of different sectors by emphasizing actionable and quantifiable security practices to improve organizations’ security maturity. This article provides an overview of the maturity model and the impact of implementing it on your organization’s security maturity.
Get in touch today and benchmark your organization with our tailored C2M2 Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment.
See also:
Dubai