🏛️ Which Security Framework Does Your Business Need?
If you’re not technically savvy or hear about cyber security and risk but have no context, “security frameworks” might sound like just another confusing term. But in reality, these frameworks are simply trusted guides that help you keep your business safe. Think of them as roadmaps that show you how to protect customer data, stay compliant with regulations, and build a reputation for trust all without needing a full-time security team, at least to start laying the foundation.
Why Should You Care?
Peace of Mind: You’ll know you’ve taken the right steps to protect your business and your customers
Regulatory Confidence: When someone asks, “Are you SOC 2 compliant?” or “How do you handle HIPAA?” you’ll have the answer
Business Advantage: Clients and partners want to work with businesses they can trust, and having the right framework shows them you take security seriously
🔍 Which Framework Is Right for You?
Here are some of the most common options and how to know which one fits your business:
1. SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls)
Best for companies that store or process customer data, especially SaaS providers or MSPs.
Focuses on security, availability, and confidentiality.
Gives you a third-party audit report you can share with clients.
2. ISO 27001
Ideal for companies working internationally or with enterprise clients.
Helps you build a documented system for managing security risks.
A well-known global standard that builds long-term trust.
3. HIPAA
Required for any business handling health information, like clinics or telehealth providers.
Focuses on privacy, security, and breach response.
Non-compliance can lead to fines and legal risk.
4. NIST Cybersecurity Framework
A flexible option for businesses looking for a place to start.
Covers five areas: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
There’s no audit required, and it’s a great DIY guide.
5. CMMC
Required for companies that contract with the Department of Defense.
Has tiered levels depending on the sensitivity of data you handle.
Necessary if you want to bid on federal contracts in the defense sector.
How to Choose the Right One
Look at your contracts—Are your clients asking for SOC 2 or ISO or PCI?
Know your industry—Healthcare and government work often require specific frameworks as well as the financial and insurance industry
Check your capacity—Some frameworks need more documentation and investment than others
Decide your goals—Are you trying to win bigger clients, meet legal requirements, or simply get your house in order?
A Simple Plan to Start
Use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as your foundation
Add SOC 2 if you deal with customer data or work with tech-savvy clients
Include HIPAA if you’re in healthcare
Consider ISO if you’re growing internationally or serving large organizations
Prepare for CMMC if you plan to work with the government
Getting Started Without the Tech Headache
How to Start without a technical team:
1. List Key Data and Systems Know what you use and where sensitive info lives
2. Identify Risks Think about weak spots like passwords or unsecured laptops
3. Pick a Framework Choose based on your industry and business goals
4. Start with the Basics Secure logins, data backups, clear access policies
5. Write it Down Even simple documentation helps your team stay consistent
6. Review Regularly Check your progress and update your practices over time
Why It All Matters
You don’t need to be a tech expert to take security seriously. Choosing the right framework gives you direction, helps you meet client expectations, and makes sure you’re building a business people can rely on. When you treat compliance and cybersecurity as part of your business strategy, it shows and it pays off.
Ready to move forward? Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll walk through how to put one of these frameworks into action, step by step.