IT Security Audit Frameworks

TL;DR

Yes! Just like management frameworks (like ISO 27001), there are plenty of technical frameworks to guide your IT security audit. This guide covers the most popular ones, how they differ, and how to get started.

What are IT Security Audit Frameworks?

These frameworks provide a structured approach to assessing your cyber security posture. They define areas to check, controls to evaluate, and methods for reporting findings. Think of them as checklists and best practice guides for technical teams.

1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

Probably the most widely used. It’s flexible and adaptable to different organisation sizes and sectors.

• Five Core Functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
• How it works: You map your current security controls against these functions, identify gaps, and create a plan to address them.
• Resources: NIST CSF Website

2. CIS Controls (formerly SANS Top 20)

A very practical, prioritised set of actions to improve security.

• Focus: Implementation Groups – starting with the most critical controls and building up.
• Tools: CIS-CAT tool can automate some control checks.
• Resources: CIS Controls Website

# Example using CIS-CAT to scan a Windows system (simplified)

3. OWASP Top 10

Specifically for web application security.

• Focus: The ten most critical web application vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting).
• How it works: Audit your web apps against these risks and implement fixes.
• Resources: OWASP Top 10 Website

# Example using OWASP ZAP to scan a web application (simplified)

4. ISO 27002

Provides detailed security controls, often used alongside ISO 27001 for certification.

• Focus: A comprehensive catalogue of information security controls.
• How it works: Implement relevant controls based on your risk assessment.
• Resources: ISO 27002 Website

5. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)

If you handle credit card data, this is essential.

• Focus: Protecting cardholder data.
• How it works: 12 requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management etc.
• Resources: PCI DSS Website

6. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) CCM

For cloud environments.

• Focus: Specific security concerns in cloud deployments.
• How it works: Maps to major cloud provider controls and provides a framework for assessing your cloud security.
• Resources: CSA CCM Website

7. Penetration Testing Frameworks (e.g., PTES)

These aren’t full audits, but guide the process of actively testing your systems.

• Focus: Identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks.
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard): A detailed methodology for penetration tests.

How to Choose a Framework

1. Industry Regulations: PCI DSS is mandatory if you process card data.
2. Organisation Size & Complexity: NIST CSF is good for larger, complex organisations. CIS Controls are great starting point for smaller ones.
3. Specific Risks: OWASP Top 10 for web apps, CSA CCM for cloud.

Running the Audit

1. Scope Definition: What systems/data are included?
2. Control Mapping: Map your current controls to the chosen framework.
3. Gap Analysis: Identify missing or weak controls.
4. Remediation Planning: Create a plan to fix gaps, with timelines and responsibilities.
5. Reporting: Document findings and recommendations.