Cybersecurity standards: what steps should you take?

ISO27001, SOC2, DORA... cybersecurity standards and labels have been around for decades, but are still a mystery to many.

What are these standards everyone's talking about? What do they mean? How do they differ?

We explain everything in this article.

The foundations of cybersecurity standards

What is a cybersecurity standard?

Cybersecurity is an obscure world, which seems almost impossible to tame.

So, in order to light the way and attest to the know-how of organizations rigorously following these essential rules for securing digital environments and protecting users, global and regional bodies have created labels, also known as standards.

These cybersecurity standards are like a roadmap. They define the best practices for securing your information systems, protecting your data, and preventing risks.

In short: a standard is a guarantee that your organization follows a structured and reliable framework.

Standards bodies

As mentioned above, they are developed by specialized, internationally recognized bodies to guide organizations in the face of growing threats.

Behind these standards are major players such as the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). They set globally recognized standards.

Other organizations, such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in the USA, or regional initiatives likeANSSI in France, complement these frameworks to meet specific needs.

Each standard is the fruit of a consensus of experts: researchers, professionals and decision-makers.

The objectives of cybersecurity standards

Why follow a standard? There are many objectives:

-Integrity, confidentiality and availability of information.

- Reducing cybersecurity risks.

- Compliance with current regulations, such as RGPD or the NIS2 directive.

- Strengthening stakeholder confidence.

These objectives converge towards a single goal: ensuring your organization's resilience in an uncertain environment.

Detailed presentation of the main cybersecurity standards

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 remains the essential standard when it comes to information security management. Recognized worldwide, it sets out the requirements for implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The aim is to guarantee the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information critical to your organization.

ISO 27001 is based on a risk management approach, enabling you to identify and deal with threats specific to your environment. What's more, it can be adapted to organizations of all sizes and sectors, making it a universal solution.

👉 Discover our guide to ISO 27001.

Rzilient can help you comply with this standard, as it did with Boondmanager and MobilityWork.

SOC 2

Designed for cloud service providers, SOC 2 is based on five trust criteria:

1. Safety,
2. Availability,
3. Treatment integrity,
4. Confidentiality,
5. Privacy.

SOC 2 is particularly relevant for SaaS companies or those handling large quantities of sensitive customer data. Certification proves that your organization follows rigorous processes to protect data, reinforcing stakeholder confidence.

Differences between SOC 2 Type I and Type II:

• Type I: Assesses whether controls are correctly designed at a given point in time. Ideal for rapid certification.
• Type II: Examines the effectiveness of controls over an extended period (6 to 12 months), offering in-depth, ongoing validation.

NIS2

The NIS2 directive (Network and Information Security Directive) is an evolution of the original NIS directive, adopted by the European Union. It targets critical sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare and energy, imposing strict cybersecurity measures to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.

Its main requirements include:

- Implementation of robust risk management policies.

-Increased cooperation between member states in the event of incidents.

- Increased transparency and reporting obligations.

This directive is essential for any organization operating in the EU, and rzilient offers customized support for compliance.

DORA

The DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) regulation, also issued by the European Union, aims to strengthen the digital operational resilience of financial organizations. In an age of sophisticated cyber-attacks, this regulation requires financial institutions to put in place robust measures to protect their critical infrastructures.

Requirements include:

- Regular cybersecurity audits.

- Strict risk management of third-party suppliers.

- Fast, efficient response to incidents.

DORA is a major asset for companies seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture in the financial sector.

Benefits of cybersecurity standards

Adopting a standard is much more than an administrative process. Here's what it can do for your organization:

1. Enhanced risk management

Cybersecurity standards help you to anticipate and manage risks before they become major problems. By following frameworks such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2, you identify your vulnerabilities, assess their potential impact and put measures in place to mitigate them. This not only reduces the chances of a successful cyber attack, but also the costs associated with a data breach.

2. Increased trust among your customers and partners

Certified companies demonstrate their commitment to security. This reassures your customers, partners and investors that their information is in safe hands. This is a real competitive advantage, especially in sensitive sectors such as finance, healthcare or e-commerce.

And don't forget!

Certain standards, such as SOC 2, are often required by key accounts. Certification can open the door to new business opportunities.

3. Simplified legal compliance

Between RGPD, NIS2 directives and sector-specific regulations like DORA, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Cybersecurity standards allow you to tick several boxes at once by integrating regulatory requirements into your strategy. This avoids costly sanctions and legal complications.

A case in point? Compliance with NIS2, which requires risk management measures and regular audits, can be facilitated by adopting a standard such as ISO 27001.

4. Improving operational efficiency

Standards don't just enhance safety. They also promote better internal organization. By defining clear processes for incident management, employee training and system maintenance, they save time and optimize resources.

Result: Your teams work with greater peace of mind, and less time is wasted on unclear or inefficient procedures.

5. Greater resilience to cyber attacks

Adopting cybersecurity standards means investing in your organization's resilience. This means that even in the event of an incident, you have the tools, processes and resources to react quickly and limit the damage.

An important point: Resilience isn't just technical. Standards often include elements of crisis communication, essential to protect your reputation in the event of a major incident.

6. A safety culture within the organization

Certifications are not just a technical issue. They encourage a collective awareness of cybersecurity issues, from trainees to CEOs. This culture of security becomes a strategic lever for mobilizing teams and making everyone accountable for their practices.

Example: A security-trained employee will be more alert to phishing attempts or the use of unsecured devices.

‍

Cybersecurity standards evolve

The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing. Standards, too, are evolving to meet modern challenges: new types of attack, the explosion of data, and the emergence of technologies like AI.

In this respect, standards are now focusing more on :

- Managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence.

- The adoption of specific measures for teleworking.

- Global collaboration to tackle cross-border cyber attacks.

‍

rzilient can help you obtain cybersecurity certification

Embarking on a certification process can seem daunting. Where should you start? Which steps should be prioritized? At rzilient, we simplify the process for you.

We're with you every step of the way:

1. Assessment of your existing system.
2. Definition of the measures needed to achieve compliance.
3. Implementation and monitoring of best practices.

With our expertise, you're never alone on your journey to a safer digital environment.

Ready to take action? Contact us today and turn your challenges into opportunities!

‍