Finding the right fit: E8, NIST CSF, or ISO 27001?
These days, keeping your organisation cyber safe is no small feat. With threats evolving daily, it’s only natural to wonder if your current approach is enough to keep you ahead of the curve. Security frameworks—built around specific policies, practices, and guidelines—provide the supporting structure needed to stay safe and mitigate cyber risk.
The benefits of having a security framework are widely recognised. But choosing which framework suits your organisation best is where it can get a little more complicated.
In this article, we’ll take a look at three popular options—Essential 8, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF), and ISO 27001—and highlight key points to consider when making your choice.
But first, here’s a quick reminder of what each framework is all about:
Essential 8
If you’re based in Australia, you’ve probably come across the Essential 8. Developed by the Australian Government’s Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), it focuses on eight strategies designed to combat common cyber threats—a subset of the ASD’s 37 mitigation strategies. Initially developed for Microsoft-powered government networks, the Essential 8 has proven versatile enough to serve as a cyber security baseline for a wide range of organisations.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF)
Created by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this framework originally set out to protect critical infrastructure. It centres on five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Over the years, it’s gained users all over the world, offering a supportive yet flexible approach to managing threats.
ISO 27001
Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 27001 sets out how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Taking a methodical, risk-based approach, this framework is used by organisations of all sizes to demonstrate that they meet the trusted global standard of information security.
Choosing the right framework
Every organisation has its own goals, requirements, and risk tolerance, which means there’s no single “best” framework for everyone. If you’re trying to decide which path to follow, here are a few simple steps to guide you:
1. Be aware of the difference between a guide and a standard
If you want a flexible roadmap for improving security, a guide-based framework (like Essential 8 or the NIST CSF) offers more room to customise. Meanwhile, a standard such as ISO 27001 includes formal requirements for certification. Consider whether your organisation requires that official recognition or if you prefer to keep things more adaptable.
2. Confirm regulatory requirements
Look into any rules or mandates that might shape your choice. Certain sectors such as finance, healthcare, or government contracting may demand specific frameworks or certifications. Knowing your obligations early can save time (and headaches) down the road.
3. Listen to your clients
In many cases, it’s your customers who set the bar. If they demand ISO 27001 certification, that may guide your choice. If a government-endorsed framework like Essential 8 is more recognisable to them, you might lean that way. For organisations with diverse client requirements, mixing or aligning with more than one framework might be the best option.
4. Consider your approach to risk management
Think about how comprehensive you need your risk processes to be. ISO 27001 offers a thorough, systematic path with its ISMS. Essential 8 focuses on practical, straightforward controls, while NIST CSF strikes a middle ground with its flexible, five-function model.
5. Keep your area of operation in mind
If your organisation is mainly based in Australia, using Essential 8 could feel like a natural fit. However, international clients might prefer the familiarity of ISO 27001 or NIST CSF. Understanding your main markets and the expectations of your partners within them may sway you in one direction over another.
6. Clarify your security objectives
Finally, define what “success” looks like. If a globally recognised certificate is important, ISO 27001 may be your top pick. If quick wins and clear controls are more appealing, Essential 8 might be right up your alley. And if you’d like a framework that grows with you, the flexible design of NIST CSF could be a good match.
When you consider things like your certification needs, regulations, customer expectations, operations, and risk tolerance, one of these frameworks (or a blend of them) will usually stand out as the right fit.
We’re here to help.
Deciding on a security framework can be daunting, especially with so many moving parts. That’s where we come in. We work with organisations of all shapes and sizes, helping you pinpoint which framework, or blend of frameworks, ticks all the right boxes.
Interested in finding out more? Start the conversation with our team today and let’s explore your options together.
