Information Security Maturity Assessment Checklists

Data Classification Policy & Implementation Encryption Standards & Practices Robust Access Management System Defined Incident Response Plan & Team Regular Security Audits & Assessments Comprehensive Network Security Controls Periodic Vulnerability Assessments & Management Established Risk Management Framework Effective Compliance Management Program Strong Physical Security Measures Well-defined Security Policy Development & Review Tested Disaster Recovery Plan Active Business Continuity Planning Mandatory Security Awareness Training Programs Detailed IT Asset Management & Inventory Third-Party Vendor Security Assessment & Management Supply Chain Security Risk Management Cloud Security Policy & Controls Data Privacy & Protection Framework (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Systematic Risk Identification Process Thorough Risk Analysis Methodologies (Quantitative/Qualitative) Clear Risk Evaluation Criteria Documented Risk Treatment Plans (Mitigation, Transfer, Avoid, Accept) Continuous Risk Monitoring & Review Regular Risk Reporting to Management Implemented Risk Mitigation Controls Effective Risk Communication Channels Proactive Contingency Planning Established Crisis Management Protocol Assessment of Compliance Risks Identification & Management of Strategic Risks Analysis of Financial Risks related to Security Management of Operational Security Risks Tracking & Reporting of Risk Remediation Efforts Maintained & Updated Risk Register Clearly Defined Risk Appetite Statement

Formal Incident Reporting Procedures Structured Incident Analysis Process Timely Incident Resolution Protocols Proactive Incident Identification Mechanisms Clear Incident Escalation Matrix Effective Incident Containment Strategies Post-Incident Root Cause Analysis Defined Incident Recovery Procedures Regular Post-Incident Reviews & Learnings Measures for Incident Prevention & Deterrence Internal & External Communication Protocols during Incidents Comprehensive Incident Documentation & Archiving Integration of Threat Intelligence in Incident Response Defined Forensic Readiness & Capabilities

Standardized User Account Creation Process Strong User Authentication Mechanisms Timely Access Revocation Procedures Robust Password Management Policies Implemented Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Widespread Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Deployment Systematic User Privilege Management Regular Access Auditing & Review Secure Session Management Practices Automated Identity Lifecycle Management Automated Access Provisioning & De-provisioning Automated Access Policy Enforcement Continuous User Activity Monitoring Dedicated Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solution Single Sign-On (SSO) Implementation

Maintained Software Inventory & Asset Register Regular Software Updates & Upgrades Centralized Software License Management Automated Patch Management System Secure Software Deployment Procedures Strict Version Control for all Software Periodic Software Auditing Secure Software Retirement & Decommissioning Policy Software Vendor Security Assessment Software Compliance Management (e.g., Open Source Licensing) Regular Software Security Assessments (Pen Testing, Code Review) Formal Change Management for Software Implemented Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Routine Static & Dynamic Application Security Testing (SAST/DAST)

Defined Backup Strategy (3-2-1 Rule) Regular & Automated Backup Execution Periodic Recovery Testing & Validation Clear Data Retention Policy Integrated Disaster Recovery Plan Offsite & Immutable Backup Storage Secure Cloud Backup Solutions Encryption of Backup Data (At Rest & In Transit) Implemented Incremental Backup Strategy Regular Full Backups Utilized Differential Backup Strategy Automated Backup Scheduling & Monitoring Continuous Backup Monitoring and Reporting Defined Recovery Point Objective (RPO) Defined Recovery Time Objective (RTO) Routine Data Integrity Checks on Backups

Regular Training Needs Analysis Ongoing Security Awareness Programs Measurement of Training Effectiveness Structured Training Schedule & Planning Mandatory Security Policies Training Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns Periodic Phishing Simulation Exercises Support for Employee Security Certification Programs Provision of Ongoing Training and Refresher Courses Specific Compliance Training Post-Training Assessment & Quizzes Mechanism for Training Feedback Collection Role-Based Security Training for all Staff

Systematic Threat Identification Threat Classification & Categorization Proactive Threat Response Planning Continuous Threat Monitoring and Detection Regular Threat Risk Assessment Integration of Up-to-date Threat Intelligence Feeds Implemented Threat Mitigation Strategies Integrated Vulnerability Assessment Real-Time Threat Response Capabilities Thorough Incident Post-Mortem Analysis for Threat Insights Active Threat Hunting Program Dedicated Vulnerability Research & Monitoring Exploit Analysis & Countermeasure Development

Physical Access Control Systems (e.g., Badge, Biometrics) Operational Surveillance Systems (CCTV) Trained Security Personnel Functional Fire Suppression Systems Environmental Controls (Temperature, Humidity, Water Leakage) Physical Intrusion Detection Systems Tested Emergency Response Plan for Physical Incidents Defined Facility Lockdown Procedures Robust Perimeter Security (Fences, Gates, Lighting) Detailed Building Access Logs & Review Regular Physical Security Audits Controlled Visitor Management System Physical Asset Tagging and Tracking

Automated Vulnerability Scanning of Applications Regular Penetration Testing for Web/Mobile/APIs Manual & Automated Secure Code Review Periodic Security Architecture Review Integrated Static Code Analysis (SAST) Integrated Dynamic Code Analysis (DAST) Application Threat Modeling Practices Specialized Security Testing (e.g., Fuzz Testing, API Testing) Automated Open Source Dependency Scanning Adherence to Secure Coding Practices & Standards Compliance Check against Standards (e.g., OWASP Top 10, NIST) Detailed Post-Assessment Reporting Actionable Remediation Advice & Support Participation in or Hosting of a Bug Bounty Program

Comprehensive Employee Security Training Program Regular Security Awareness Programs for All Staff Ongoing Phishing Simulations & Training Specific Incident Response Training for Relevant Teams Mandatory Compliance Training (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) Specialized Secure Coding Training for Developers Social Engineering Awareness Training Risk Management Training for Key Personnel Data Protection & Privacy Training Evaluation of Training Effectiveness & Feedback Maintained Training Documentation and Records Regular Executive Security Briefings

Widespread Data Encryption (At Rest & In Transit) Encrypted Communication Channels (e.g., VPNs, TLS) Encrypted Storage Solutions Centralized Encryption Key Management System (KMS) Use of Strong Encryption Algorithm Selection Robust SSL/TLS Certificate Management Secure Data Transmission Protocols Implementation of Secure Cryptographic Protocols (e.g., TLS 1.3) Formal Encryption Policy & Compliance Secure Data Sanitation & Disposal Procedures (including encrypted media) Regular Encryption Audit and Monitoring Utilization of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) for Key Protection

Centralized User Access Management System Granular Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Implemented Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution Formal Access Request & Approval Process Regular & Documented Access Reviews (Certifications) Mandatory Strong Authentication Methods (e.g., MFA) Well-defined Authorization Policies & Enforcement Comprehensive Access Logs & Monitoring Defined Emergency Access Procedures (Break-Glass Accounts) Controlled Temporary Access Management Access Restriction & Account Lockout Policies Integrated Identity Governance & Administration (IGA)

Systematic Threat Identification Regular Vulnerability Assessment Integration Accurate Risk Estimation Methods Comprehensive Impact Analysis Clear Risk Prioritization Framework Quantification of Risk Valuation Developed Risk Mitigation Strategies Formal Risk Reporting to Stakeholders Continuous Risk Monitoring and Review Effective Risk Communication to Relevant Parties Applied Quantitative Risk Analysis Applied Qualitative Risk Analysis

Prioritization of Identified Risks Detailed Impact Assessment Accurate Likelihood Assessment Evaluation of Risk Treatment Options Formal Residual Risk Evaluation Defined Risk Acceptance Criteria Clear Organizational Risk Tolerance Levels Consistent Risk Reporting for Decision Making Periodic Risk Review and Update Cycle Cost-Benefit Analysis of Security Controls

Structured Action Plan Development Active Implementation Monitoring Thorough Effectiveness Evaluation of Actions Adequate Resource Allocation for Corrective Actions Clear Communication of Corrective Actions Timely Issue Resolution Process Systematic Follow-Up Actions Mandatory Documentation Updates after Actions Integration of Lessons Learned into Processes

Root Cause Analysis for Potential Issues Proactive Solution Development Implementation of Preventive Controls Monitoring of Preventive Action Effectiveness Regular Effectiveness Review of Preventive Measures Dedicated Training and Awareness for Prevention Continuous Process Improvement Driven by Prevention Established Feedback Loop for Preventive Measures Proactive Risk Assessment & Future Threat Prediction

Training on Organizational Security Policies Phishing Identification Training Social Engineering Awareness & Countermeasures Training Best Practices for Password Security Data Protection & Handling Guidelines Training Training on Secure Communications Methods Incident Reporting Procedures Training Physical Security Awareness for Employees Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Training

Standardized Incident Documentation Detailed Incident Analysis & Severity Assessment Development of Tailored Incident Responses Clear & Accessible Incident Reporting Procedures Internal & External Incident Communication Protocols Formal Post-Incident Review Process Comprehensive Lessons Learned from Incidents Proper Evidence Handling & Preservation Procedures

Regular Policy Review & Updates Mandatory Policy Training for All Employees Consistent Policy Enforcement Mechanisms Periodic Policy Compliance Audits Continuous Compliance Monitoring Timely Policy Updates based on Regulatory Changes Automated Compliance Reporting Adherence to All Relevant Regulatory Compliance (e.g., ISO, NIST, GDPR)

Rigorous Vendor Security Evaluation Process Inclusion of Security Clauses in Contracts Ongoing Vendor Compliance Monitoring Periodic Vendor Risk Assessment Regular Vendor Performance Reviews (Security Aspect) Right-to-Audit Clauses & Vendor Audits Proactive Vendor Relationship Management for Security Defined Incident Management for Vendor-Related Incidents Robust Data Sharing Agreements (DSA) with Vendors Comprehensive Security Due Diligence for New Vendors

Clear Audit Scope Definition Thorough Documentation Preparation for Audits Audit Training for Relevant Staff Development of Internal Audit Plan Adequate Resource Allocation for Audit Activities Effective Internal Communication during Audits Preparation of Audit Tools & Resources Proactive Stakeholder Engagement for Audits Review of Prior Audit Findings & Remediation Status

Regular Compliance Review Activities Periodic Gap Analysis against Regulations & Standards Development of Compliance Remediation Plans Systematic Audit Trail Review for Compliance Continuous Regulatory Compliance Check Review of Internal Policy Adherence Review of Risk Mitigation Controls for Compliance Evaluation of Compliance Training Effectiveness Review of Internal Controls for Compliance Specific Data Protection Compliance Checks Formal Attestation & Compliance Reporting

Defined Performance Metrics (KPIs) for Security Systematic Review of Feedback & Learnings Ongoing Security Process Optimization Initiatives for Security Innovation & Technology Adoption Security Benchmarking Against Industry Standards Formal Lessons Learned Integration into Processes Clear Goal Setting for Security Enhancements Employee Engagement in Security Improvement Continuous Training and Professional Development for Security Staff Security Quality Assurance Processes Regular Management Reviews of Security Performance

Specific Risk Assessment for Disaster Scenarios Developed & Documented Recovery Strategy Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) Detailed Business Impact Analysis (BIA) Regular & Tested DRP Exercises Clear Communication Plan for Disasters Reliable Data Backup & Restoration Procedures Identified & Allocated Recovery Resources DRP Training & Simulation Exercises Periodic DRP Review and Updates Hot/Warm/Cold Site Readiness & Validation

Formal Security Policy Development Process Regular Policy Review and Revision Cycle Controlled Policy Distribution & Accessibility Consistent Policy Enforcement Across the Organization Continuous Policy Compliance Monitoring Mandatory Security Policy Training Effective Policy Communication Strategy Periodic Security Policy Audits Defined Policy Exception Management Process

Formal Change Request Process Thorough Change Impact Analysis (including security impact) Multi-level Change Approval Process Controlled Change Implementation Procedures Comprehensive Change Testing & Validation Detailed Change Documentation Post-Implementation Change Review Regular Change Management Audits Defined Emergency Change Procedure

Immediate Incident Reporting Procedures In-depth Incident Analysis Efficient Incident Resolution Strategies Structured Incident Communication Plan Comprehensive Incident Post-Mortem Analysis Accurate Incident Documentation Regular Incident Review & Lessons Learned Developed & Maintained Incident Response Playbooks

Maintained & Up-to-date Asset Inventory Formal Asset Classification (Criticality, Sensitivity) Secure Asset Disposal Procedures Systematic Asset Tracking Implemented Asset Protection Measures Regular Asset Maintenance & Servicing Periodic Asset Audits & Reconciliation Dedicated Software Asset Management (SAM) Dedicated Hardware Asset Management (HAM)

Centralized Patch Inventory & Tracking Thorough Patch Testing Before Deployment Controlled Patch Deployment Process Post-Deployment Patch Verification Detailed Patch Documentation Regular Patch Compliance Reporting Automated Patching Implementation for Critical Systems Defined Patch Rollback Plan

Automated Vulnerability Scanning (Internal/External) Regular Vulnerability Assessments (e.g., Pen Testing) Systematic Vulnerability Resolution Process Comprehensive Vulnerability Tracking System Risk-Based Vulnerability Evaluation Detailed Vulnerability Reporting and Documentation Implemented Vulnerability Prioritization Framework (e.g., CVSS)

Comprehensive Business Impact Analysis (BIA) Well-defined Recovery Strategy for Critical Business Functions Developed & Tested Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Regular BCP Testing and Exercises Clear BCP Communication Plan BCP Training and Awareness for Employees Periodic BCP Review and Update Cycle Integration of Supply Chain Resilience in BCP

Optimized Firewall Configuration & Management Deployed Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS) Continuous Network Monitoring & Anomaly Detection Network-Level Access Control (ACLs, Microsegmentation) Secure VPN Configuration & Use Implemented Network Segmentation (VLANs, Subnets, DMZ) Regular Network Device Security Patches Specific Incident Response Plan for Network Issues Use of Secure Network Protocols (e.g., SSH, HTTPS) Periodic Network Vulnerability Scanning Implemented Network Access Control (NAC) DNS Security Measures (e.g., DNSSEC) Robust Wireless Network Security

Scheduled Compliance Review Activities Ongoing Audit Preparation & Readiness Tracking & Implementation of Remediation Actions Timely Regulatory Reporting Regular Internal Audits for Compliance Consistent Policy Enforcement Monitoring Mandatory & Updated Compliance Training Utilization of Compliance Monitoring Tools (GRC platforms) Execution of Compliance Corrective Actions Automated & Detailed Compliance Reporting Specific Data Privacy Compliance Monitoring

Secure Network Topology Design & Documentation Robust Security Infrastructure Design Architecture for Secure Communications Layered Access Control Architecture Holistic Data Protection Architecture Proper Definition & Implementation of Security Zones (DMZ, Internal, etc.) Integrated Security Controls Across Systems Threat Modeling Integrated into Design Process Architecture Aligned with Security Policies Designed-in Resilience & Redundancy Dedicated Application Security Architecture Well-defined Cloud Security Architecture

24/7 Security Monitoring and Analysis Dedicated SOC Incident Response Capabilities Active Threat Intelligence Integration & Use Centralized Log Management & SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) Defined Security Alerts & Escalation Procedures SOC-Integrated Vulnerability Management Developed & Tested Response Protocols & Playbooks In-house or Contracted Forensic Analysis Capabilities Interactive Security Reporting Dashboard Specialized Security Training for SOC Team Implemented Security Automation & Orchestration (SOAR)

Regular Training Needs Analysis Ongoing Security Awareness Programs Evaluation of Training Effectiveness Customized Training Materials Development Promotion of Employee Engagement in Security Conduct of Incident Simulations (Tabletop Exercises, Drills) Effective Security Policy Communication Provision of Ongoing Training & Refreshers Regular & Varied Phishing Simulations Mandatory New Hire Security Onboarding Training

Established Security Policy Framework Adherence to Key Compliance Standards (ISO 27001, GDPR, NIST CSF) Formal Security Oversight Committee (Board Level) Integrated Risk Management into Governance Active Security Governance Committee Defined Security Performance Metrics & Reporting (KPIs, KRIs) Consistent Policy Enforcement & Review Regular Stakeholder Engagement on Security Matters Continuous Legal & Regulatory Compliance Monitoring Dedicated Security Budget & Resource Allocation