We see a lot of “security assessments” in our industry. It can be challenging to tell them apart, and to determine the value of an engagement like that. Choosing the right security assessment for your business goals, compliance needs, and current cybersecurity programs is critical. In this blog, we’ll share insights into two of our most popular cybersecurity assessments – the Security Evaluation and Security Risk Assessment. We’ll compare them, help you spot the differences so you can determine which you might need, and give examples of who they’re best for.
All assessments aren’t created equal
Taking a step back, let’s discuss how many assessments there are – and how many providers offer them. Unless someone adheres to a specific framework, like NIST, or CIS, there’s nothing guaranteeing you’re getting what you think you are from a cybersecurity partner.
One company can offer a “Security Risk Assessment” for $700, and another may be $15,000. There’s no standardization around using common names for cybersecurity services, so you need to do due diligence to understand what you’re really getting. Cheaper isn’t always the right move, and you often get what you pay for.
Here are some common red flags when looking for a partner to provide the assessments.
- The assessment is conducted solely by tools and technology, not experienced, credentialed humans
- They rely on AI to interpret findings, make suggestions, and more
- The report you get doesn’t provide actionable feedback you can use to improve your security in a meaningful way
A cybersecurity assessment can be an investment for organizations. Whether it’s time or money, it’s not an insignificant cost. Assessments shouldn’t be undertaken without knowing exactly what you’re going to get and how they will benefit your business. At the end of the day, you should be getting value from cybersecurity assessments.
What is a Security Evaluation?
A Security Evaluation is a lightweight assessment, focused more on the programs and policies in place than the systems themselves. It’s a great way to help you strategically invest in improving your cybersecurity strategy.
The Security Evaluation helps create an actionable roadmap, prioritizing the most critical steps you can take to improve your security posture. If you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey, a Security Evaluation can be a very valuable exercise. It’s also a great way to continually improve and refine your cybersecurity posture in between larger or more specific assessments.
What is a Security Risk Assessment?
A Security Risk Assessment, or SRA, is an intensive assessment that reviews your systems, policies, procedures, and more. It’s a heavily technical, intense assessment that requires a significant investment of time and resources.
Which assessment is best? Quick comparison of the Security Evaluation vs. Security Risk Assessment
This is a trick question. There’s no “best”, but there is what’s best for your organization. A cybersecurity assessment should meet you where you are, and help you reach your business goals. Here’s when to look at a Security Evaluation, vs. a Security Risk Assessment.
Consider a Security Evaluation if…
- You’re at the beginning of your cybersecurity journey
- You’re looking for a lightweight assessment that will be quicker and focus on your programs and policies rather than your systems
- You’re trying to keep to a small budget
Get a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) when…
- You have any compliance requirements
- You want an in-depth assessment that covers everything from systems to programs and policies
- You want to be benchmarked against widely accepted NIST standards
- Cyber liability insurance requires one
- You’ve experienced a Security Event already and want to mitigate risks
Both assessments are valuable. Both include actionable reports and strategic insights, but in most cases, one will make more sense for your business.
Talk to a trusted cybersecurity provider
The right security assessment for your business depends on your business model, industry, goals, budget, and current cybersecurity posture. It’s always best to have a discussion with a trusted cybersecurity provider to ensure the assessment is aligned with your goals and needs.
Cyber74 can help you choose the right assessment for your organization, and deliver a valuable, actionable evaluation or assessment.
Ready to get started? Let’s chat.