Free Guide To Cybersecurity & Data Protection Policies, Standards, Controls & More! 

The "ComplianceForge Reference Model" for writing documentation is entirely based on industry-recognized "best practices" according to terminology definitions from NIST, ISO, ISACA and AICPA. This approach is designed to encourage clear communication by clearly defining cybersecurity and privacy documentation components and how those are linked. This comprehensive view identifies the primary documentation components that are necessary to demonstrate evidence of due diligence and due care. It addresses the inter-connectivity of policies, control objectives, standards, guidelines, controls, risks, procedures & metrics. The Secure Controls Framework (SCF) fits into this model by providing the necessary cybersecurity and privacy controls an organization needs to implement to stay both secure and compliant. ComplianceForge simplified the concept of the hierarchical nature of cybersecurity and privacy documentation that visualizes the unique nature of these components, as well as the dependencies that exist.

To demonstrate that bold claim, we wrote the "START HERE: A guide to understanding cybersecurity and data protection documentation". This follows the schema shown above (the Hierarchical Cybersecurity Governance Framework (HCGF)) that demonstrates the linkages from policies all the way through metrics. The following guide is designed to demonstrate "what right looks like" for cybersecurity and privacy documentation, so that it is at the same time scalable, concise and provides comprehensive coverage. You can jump straight to the definitions on page 6 if you are curious. 

Guide to understanding policies vs standards vs procedures vs controls vs metrics

Not Sure Which Framework Is The "Best" Cybersecurity Framework For Your Needs?

The concept of a "best" cybersecurity framework is misguided, since the most appropriate framework to align with is entirely dependent upon your business model. The applicable laws, regulations and contractual obligations that your organiation must comply with will most often point you to one of these cybersecurity frameworks to kick off the discussion about "Which framework is most appropriate for our needs?":

NIST CSF vs ISO 27001 27002 vs NIST 800-53 vs NIST 800-171 vs SCF

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  • Digital Security Program (DSP)

    Digital Security Program (DSP)

    ComplianceForge

    Enterprise-Class, Hybrid Framework For Cybersecurity & Privacy What Is The Digital Security Program (DSP)? The DSP is an enterprise-class solution for cybersecurity & data privacy documentation consisting of thirty-three (33) domains that...

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  • NIST 800-171 Compliance Program (NCP). This is a bundle of products that are specific to NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 compliance - policies, standards, procedures, SSP & POA&M templates. Editable CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (old Level 3) policies, standards, procedures, SSP & POA&M templates.

    NIST 800-171 Compliance Program (NCP): CMMC Level 2

    ComplianceForge

      UPDATED FOR CMMC 2.0   NIST SP 800-171 & CMMC "Easy Button" Solution - Editable & Affordable Cybersecurity Documentation What Is The NIST 800-171 Compliance Program (NCP)? The NCP is a compilation of editable Microsoft...

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