Understanding Maturity Models
A cybersecurity maturity model provides a framework for assessing the sophistication and effectiveness of an organization's security program. Rather than evaluating whether specific controls exist (binary yes/no), maturity models assess how well those controls are implemented and integrated.
A maturity model typically defines 3-5 levels of capability:
Level 1 (Initial/Ad-hoc): Security practices are inconsistent, reactive, and not documented. No formal processes. Relying on individual heroics.
Level 2 (Repeatable/Managed): Basic security processes are defined and followed. Some documentation. Management awareness of security.
Level 3 (Defined/Structured): Security processes are standardized and documented. Integration across the organization. Process improvements are systematic.
Level 4 (Managed/Measured): Security processes are quantified and controlled. Metrics and analytics inform decisions. Continuous improvement is systematic.
Level 5 (Optimized): Security processes are continuously improved through automation and innovation. Proactive threat anticipation. Agile response to threats.
This progression recognizes that building a mature security program is a journey, not an event.
Why Maturity Assessment Matters
Organizations benefit from maturity assessment:
Gap identification: Reveals where security program falls short of industry standards
Improvement roadmapping: Provides clear path forward for building capabilities
Benchmarking: Compare your maturity to industry peers and competitors
Resource justification: Makes business case for security investments
Regulatory alignment: Many compliance frameworks reference maturity models
Stakeholder communication: Demonstrates progress to leadership
Risk understanding: Links maturity levels to risk exposure
Common Maturity Models
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
Origin: U.S. Department of Defense
Purpose: Assess cybersecurity maturity of defense contractors
Scope: Required by DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)
Levels:
- Level 1: Performed - Basic practice execution
- Level 2: Managed - Processes planned and executed
- Level 3: Defined - Processes customized and standardized
- Level 4: Measured - Processes quantified and controlled
- Level 5: Optimized - Focus on continuous improvement
Key domains:
- Access control
- Asset management
- Awareness and training
- Data security
- Incident response
- Risk management
- Supply chain risk management
Certification: Third-party assessors conduct assessments; certificate valid 3 years
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
Origin: National Institute of Standards and Technology
Purpose: Flexible framework for all organizations (especially critical infrastructure)
Scope: Voluntary but increasingly required by customers and regulations
Core functions:
- Identify: Understand assets and risks
- Protect: Safeguard critical systems and data
- Detect: Identify security events in progress
- Respond: Take action to mitigate incidents
- Recover: Restore operations after incidents
Maturity levels: Not formally defined but often assessed as 1-4 against framework functions
Profiles: Customizable profiles for different industries and risk profiles
ISO/IEC 27001
Origin: International Organization for Standardization
Purpose: Global information security management system standard
Scope: Applicable to all organizations globally
Certification: Third-party auditors assess compliance; certificate valid 3 years
Assessment approach: Binary (compliant or non-compliant) rather than maturity levels
Key domains:
- Information security policies
- Organization of information security
- Human resource security
- Asset management
- Access control
- Cryptography
- Physical and environmental security
- Operations security
- Communications security
- System acquisition and development
- Supplier relationships
- Information security incident management
- Business continuity management
- Compliance
Other Maturity Models
SEI CMMI (Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute): General software process maturity
Gartner Security Maturity Model: Framework for assessing security capabilities
CIS Controls: Prescriptive list of 18 critical controls with implementation levels
Performing a Maturity Assessment
Organizations assess maturity through:
Self-assessment: Internal team evaluates maturity
- Advantages: Fast, low cost
- Disadvantages: Bias, might underestimate or overestimate
Third-party assessment: External assessor evaluates maturity
- Advantages: Objective, provides credibility
- Disadvantages: Higher cost, requires external coordination
Assessment methodology:
- Define scope: Which business units/departments
- Gather evidence: Interview staff, review documentation, observe processes
- Map to model: Assess current state against maturity model
- Score capability: Assign maturity level for each domain/function
- Identify gaps: Determine shortcomings vs. target maturity
- Report findings: Communicate current state and improvement roadmap
Maturity Assessment Components
A comprehensive assessment evaluates:
Processes: Are security processes documented and followed?
- Written policies and procedures
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Process steps and controls
- Consistent application
Technology: Are appropriate tools and systems in place?
- Security tools and platforms
- System hardening and configurations
- Integration and automation
- Monitoring and logging
People: Do staff understand and follow security practices?
- Security awareness training
- Role-specific training
- Understanding of policies
- Compliance with procedures
Governance: Is security managed and overseen?
- Security leadership and structure
- Risk management processes
- Decision-making frameworks
- Accountability and metrics
Target Maturity Levels
Organizations should determine target maturity based on:
Industry and risk: High-risk industries (finance, healthcare, defense) typically target Level 3-4
Regulatory requirements: Compliance often mandates minimum maturity level
Customer requirements: Customers increasingly require certain maturity levels
Competitive positioning: Market leaders often adopt higher maturity targets
Resources available: Maturity improvement requires sustained investment
Realistic targets:
- Startups/small companies: Aim for Level 2 initially
- Mid-market: Aim for Level 2-3
- Enterprises: Aim for Level 3-4
- Security-focused organizations: Aim for Level 4-5
Most organizations shouldn't try to jump directly to Level 4; progression from Level 1→2→3→4 typically takes 2-5 years depending on starting point.
Using Maturity Assessment for Improvement
Maturity assessment is most valuable when used for improvement:
Gap analysis: Identify specific gaps between current and target maturity
Prioritization: Prioritize improvements to reach target maturity efficiently
Resource planning: Estimate resources needed for each improvement
Timeline: Create roadmap for maturity improvements over time
Metrics: Track progress toward target maturity
Example roadmap:
- Year 1: Improve from Level 1 to Level 2 (establish basic processes, documentation)
- Year 2: Improve from Level 2 to Level 3 (standardize and integrate processes)
- Year 3: Improve from Level 3 to Level 4 (measure and optimize processes)
Limitations of Maturity Models
While valuable, maturity models have limitations:
They're not binary: Not all controls must be perfect for good security. Sometimes good-enough is sufficient.
Industry variation: Maturity levels might not apply equally across different industries.
Tool-centric: Sometimes tools can substitute for mature processes.
Risk-blind: A highly mature organization in low-risk areas might be less mature in high-risk areas.
Resource-intensive: Reaching high maturity requires significant sustained investment.
Use maturity models as guidance, not gospel truth.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity maturity assessment provides frameworks for evaluating security program sophistication. Common models include CMMC (for defense contractors), NIST CSF (for all organizations), and ISO 27001 (global standard). Maturity assessment involves evaluating processes, technology, people, and governance against defined levels. Organizations should assess current maturity, define target maturity aligned with risk and requirements, then create roadmap to close gaps. Maturity improvement is a multi-year journey requiring sustained investment and organizational commitment. Use maturity models as improvement tools rather than rigid requirements, focusing on security improvements that reduce risk and meet business objectives.
