INTRODUCTION

At Smartedge Consulting, we provide comprehensive cybersecurity, risk management, and governance solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of modern organizations. Our expertise ensures robust security postures, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk mitigation to safeguard business operations.

INFORMATION SECURITY:

In today’s business environment, information is the lifeblood for any organization. Increasingly, organizations and their information systems are exposed to security threats from a wide range of sources including computer assisted fraud, espionage, sabotage, vandalism, fire, flood etc. Computer viruses, hacking and denial of service attacks have become more common and sophisticated.

CYBER SECURITY:

Cyber security consists of technologies, processes and controls designed to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber-attacks. Effective cyber security reduces the risk of cyber-attacks and protects against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks and technologies.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security focuses on protecting computer systems – including hardware, software, data and digital infrastructure – from unauthorised access or being otherwise damaged or made inaccessible.

In recent years, cyber security has come under intense media scrutiny because of a rapid increase in the size and number of attacks, and the degree of effect on individuals, governments and organisations.

Moreover, the introduction of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in 2018 means organisations must implement appropriate security measures to protect the personal data they process or risk substantial financial losses.

All well-informed organisations now consider cyber security a critical business issue.

Why is cyber security important?

The cost of cybercrime is at an all-time high, and incidents often take months to be discovered – often by a third party. For instance, APTs (advanced persistent threats) use continuous hacking techniques to gain access to a computer system and can remain inside for months before the intrusion is observed.

The costs of data breaches are soaring

Emerging privacy laws can mean significant fines for organisations. The high-profile EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has a maximum fine of €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is greater. Such penalties are usually on top of damages and other legal action. There are also non-financial costs to be considered, such as organisational sustainability and reputational damage.

Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated

Cyber-attacks continue to grow in sophistication, with attackers using an ever-expanding variety of tactics, including social engineering, malware and ransomware.
Cyber-attacks are lucrative-Usually, cyber attackers seek some type of benefit and will invest in various techniques, tools and technology to achieve their motives. Financial gain is a common motivation, but they may also be driven by political, ethical, intellectual or social incentives.

Cyber security is a critical, board-level issue.

New regulations and reporting requirements make cyber security risk oversight a challenge. The board will continue to seek assurances from management that their cyber risk strategies will reduce the risk of attacks and limit financial and operational impacts.

A strong cyber security stance is a key defence against cyber-related failures and errors and malicious cyber-attacks, so having the right cyber security measures in place to protect your organisation is vital.

GOVERNANCE, RISK & COMPLIANCE (GRC) SERVICES:

1) PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY (PCI) COMPLIANCE- PCI DSS 4.0, PCI PIN, PCI 3DS, PCI P2PE, PCI CP, PCI SSF, AND FACILITATED PCI SAQ COMPLIANCE ENSURE SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND FRAUD PREVENTION.

Would you prefer to reduce the risk of a data breach, to avoid fines, protect customers, improve brand reputation, impart a mindset of security, provide a starting point for other regulations and peace of mind.

PCI DSS-PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY DATA SECURITY STANDARD FOR COMPLIANCE

PCIDSS-Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Compliance

Maintaining payment security is required for all entities that store, process or transmit cardholder data. Guidance for maintaining payment security is provided in PCI security standards. These set the technical and operational requirements for organizations accepting or processing payment transactions, and for software developers and manufacturers of applications and devices used in those transactions.

What is PCI-DSS:

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a widely accepted set of policies and procedures intended to optimize the security of credit, debit and cash card transactions and protect cardholders against misuse of their personal information. The PCI DSS was created jointly in 2004 by four major credit-card companies: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

PCI DSS SERVICES:

• PCI DSS 4.0 – Ensures compliance with the latest PCI Data Security Standards to secure payment processing environments.

• PCI PIN – Implements security measures for PIN transaction environments to prevent unauthorized access.
• PCI 3DS – Enables secure authentication for online transactions to reduce fraud risk.
• PCI P2PE – Provides end-to-end encryption for payment security, reducing the risk of data breaches.
• PCI CP (Card Production) – Ensures compliance for card manufacturing and personalization processes.
• PCI SSF (Software Security Framework) – Establishes secure software lifecycle practices for payment applications.
• Facilitated PCI SAQ – Supports businesses in completing PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for compliance validation.

Why PCI-DSS

• To reduce the risk of debit and credit card data loss.
• It suggests how this could be prevented, detected, and how to react if potential data breaches occur.
• It provides protection for both merchants and cardholders.

APPLICABLE TO

Those who are associated with payment cards including merchants of all sizes, financial institutions, point-of-sale vendors, hardware and software developers.

Key Requirements:

• • Encrypting cardholder data.
  • Implementing strong access control measures.
  • Regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing.

2. CYBER SECURITY SERVICES

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a critical necessity for organizations across all industries. With increasing cyber threats, data breaches, and regulatory requirements, businesses must implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive information, infrastructure, and reputation. However, achieving strong cybersecurity comes with significant challenges.

Cybersecurity Challenges

1. Increasing Sophistication of Cyber Threats
2. Shortage of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals
3. Compliance and Regulatory Complexity
4. Insider Threats and Human Errors
5. Third-Party and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
6. Cloud Security and Remote Work Risks
7. Cybersecurity Budget Constraints

Cybersecurity services protect organizations, networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. These services are vital for businesses to safeguard sensitive information, maintain trust, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Here’s an overview of cybersecurity services:

2.1. Managed Security Services (MSS)

2.1.1 Risk Assessment and Compliance

• Evaluating security posture and identifying vulnerabilities.
• Compliance support for standards like:
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
  • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
  • PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
• Penetration testing and red teaming.

3. Incident Response and Forensics

• Rapid response to breaches and attacks.
• Digital forensic investigation.
• Malware analysis and root cause identification.

4. Cloud Security Services

• Securing cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Identity and Access Management (IAM).
• Data loss prevention and encryption.

5. Network Security

• Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure web gateways.

6. Endpoint Security

• Protecting devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions.
• Anti-malware and threat mitigation.

7. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Privileged Access Management (PAM).
• Single Sign-On (SSO).

8. Data Protection and Privacy

• Data encryption and secure backups.
• Data loss prevention (DLP).
• Information Rights Management (IRM).

9. Security Awareness Training

• Educating employees on cybersecurity best practices.
• Phishing simulation exercises.
• Social engineering awareness.

10. Application Security

• Securing web, mobile, and API applications.
• Static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST).
• Secure coding training for developers.

Smartedge also offer a broad range of cybersecurity services tailored to meet the unique needs of different organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the key services they typically offer:

1. Cybersecurity Strategy and Advisory Services

• Cybersecurity maturity assessments
• Development of cybersecurity frameworks and policies
• Cyber risk management and governance
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning

2. Compliance and Regulatory Consulting

• Gap analysis and compliance readiness for frameworks such as:
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
  • ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System)
  • NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
  • PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
• Third-party risk management
• Auditing and certification support

3. Threat Assessment and Risk Management

• Threat modeling and risk assessments
• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing (web, network, and application security)
• Cyber threat intelligence services
• Security architecture review

4. Incident Response and Digital Forensics

• Incident response planning and playbook development
• On-demand incident response services
• Cyber forensic investigations and root cause analysis
• Post-incident remediation support

5. Managed Security Services (MSS)

• Continuous monitoring and threat detection (Security Operations Center – SOC)
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
• Network traffic analysis and anomaly detection

6. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Identity governance and administration
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO)
• Privileged Access Management (PAM)
• Identity lifecycle management

7. Cloud Security Services

• Cloud security posture assessments
• Secure cloud architecture design (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Container and Kubernetes security
• Data encryption and secure key management

8. Data Privacy and Protection

• Data classification and governance
• Encryption and tokenization strategies
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions
• Privacy impact assessments

9. Security Awareness and Training

• Cybersecurity awareness programs for employees
• Phishing simulation and social engineering training
• Secure coding practices for developers

10. Cybersecurity Technology Implementation

• Deployment and integration of security solutions:
  • Next-generation firewalls
  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
  • Endpoint security solutions
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools
• Cloud security tools

3.0 CYBER SECURITY FRAMEWORKS, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Cybersecurity services must comply with various legal and regulatory requirements depending on the industry, geographical location, and the type of data handled. Here are some of the key frameworks, regulations, and standards:

3.1. ISO 27701: 2019-Privacy Information Management System:

Would you like to Prevents loss, abuse and unauthorized modification?

of information and ensure information is only accessible to authorized

persons and assist in compliance with legal requirements and data protection

ISO 27701-PRIVACY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ISO 27701: 2019-Privacy Information Management System:

Introduction to ISO/IEC 27701:2019-Security techniques — Extension to ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 for privacy information management

ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is a data privacy extension to ISO 27001. This newly published information security standard provides guidance for organizations looking to put in place systems to support compliance with GDPR and other data privacy requirements. ISO 27701, also abbreviated as PIMS (Privacy Information Management System) outlines a framework for Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Controllers and PII Processors to manage data privacy. Privacy information management systems are sometimes referred to as personal information management systems.

This can be used by all types of organizations, which are Personally Identifiable Information (PII) controllers and/or PII processors processing PII, within an ISMS, irrespective of their size, complexity or the country they operate.

What is 27701:2019</p
ISO/IEC 27701 specifies the requirements and provides guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving a privacy information management system (PIMS). It builds on the requirements in ISO/IEC 27001, the information security management system (ISMS) standard, and the code of practice for information security controls in ISO/IEC 27002.

ISO/IEC 27701 provides the management system framework to protect personally identifiable information (PII).  It covers how organizations should manage personal information and assists in demonstrating compliance with applicable privacy regulations.

Why is ISO/IEC 27701

This reduces risk to the privacy rights of individuals and to the organisation by enhancing an existing Information Security Management System.

This standard is a great way of demonstrating to customers, external stakeholders and internal stakeholders that effective systems are in place to support compliance to GDPR and other related privacy legislation.

Organizations looking to get certified to ISO 27701 in order to comply with GDPR will either need to have an existing ISO 27001 system or implement ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 together as a single management system. ISO 27701 is a natural expansion to the requirements and guidance set out in ISO 27001.

This standard is essential for every organization that is responsible and accountable for PII as it provides requirements on how to manage and process data and safeguard privacy. It enriches an already implemented ISMS, to properly address privacy concerns, by assisting the organizations to understand the practical approaches involved in the implementation of an effective management of PII.

What benefits it brings to business:

• Protect the organization’s reputation
• Build customer’s trust
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Increase transparency of the organization’s processes and procedures
• Maintain the integrity of customers’ and other interested parties’ information
• Ensure information within the company secure and effective
• Ensures information is available on time
• Prevents loss, abuse and unauthorized modification of information
• Ensures information is only accessible to authorized persons
• Assists compliance with legal requirements and data protection

Whom ISO 27701 is applicable: 

Software development, Cloud companies, and IT support, Banks, Insurance companies, brokerage houses, Internet providers, Government agencies, Healthcare, pharmaceutical and food processing.

Industry Challenge

Stricter global privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA require businesses to manage personal data responsibly.
Solution:

Implementation of ISO 27701, Data Privacy Impact Assessment, and DPO as a Service for compliance.

Services:

• ISO 27701 – Establishes a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) for data privacy governance.
• Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA) – Identifies privacy risks and ensures compliance with GDPR and other regulations.
• DPO as a Service – Provides expert guidance for organizations in meeting data protection obligations.

• Protects the personal data and privacy of EU citizens.

Key Requirements:

• • Data breach notifications within 72 hours.
  • Implementation of technical and organizational security measures.
  • Appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) for certain organizations.
  • Right to access, correct, and delete personal data.

Would you like to Improve your consumer confidence, better data security, reduce maintenance costs, better alignment with evolving technology and Greater decision-making.

GDPR-General Data Protection Regulation

3.2. GDPR-GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS

Data breaches inevitably happen. Information gets lost, stolen or otherwise released into the hands of people who were never intended to see it – and those people often have malicious intent.

Under the terms of GDPR, not only do organisations have to ensure that personal data is gathered legally and under strict conditions, but those who collect and manage it are obliged to protect it from misuse and exploitation, as well as to respect the rights of data owners – or face penalties for not doing so.

What is GDPR- General data protection regulations

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It’s the core of Europe’s digital privacy legislation.

At its core, GDPR is a new set of rules designed to give EU citizens more control over their personal data. It aims to simplify the regulatory environment for business so both citizens and businesses in the European Union can fully benefit from the digital economy.

What does GDPR mean for businesses?

GDPR establishes one law across the continent and a single set of rules which apply to companies doing business within EU member states. This means the reach of the legislation extends further than the borders of Europe itself, as international organisations based outside the region but with activity on ‘European soil’ will still need to comply.

Why GDPR

• Obligations for data controllers;
• Rights for data subjects;
• Impact on cross-border data flows;
• Global influence.

What benefits it brings to business:

• Improved consumer confidence
• Better data security
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Better alignment with evolving technology
• Greater decision-making

Who does GDPR apply to?

GDPR applies to any organisation operating within the EU, as well as any organisations outside of the EU which offer goods or services to customers or businesses in the EU. That ultimately means that almost every major corporation in the world needs a GDPR compliance strategy.

3.3 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – United States (Healthcare)

Would you protect patients against following violations?

1. Disclosure or use of protected health information (PHI) without authorization;
2. Absence or lack of technical safeguards to protected health information?
3. Inability for patients to access their protected health information;
4. Lost or stolen devices with PHI data;
5. Illegal or excessive access to patient’s files by employees.

HIPAA-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets the standard for delicate patient data protection. Organizations which deal with protected health information (PHI) have to have physical, network, and process security measures in place and follow them to ensure HIPAA Compliance. Anyone who provides treatment, payment, and operations in healthcare and business associates (anyone who has access to patient information and provides support in treatment, payment, or operations) must meet HIPAA Compliance. Other entities, such as subcontractors and any other related business associates have to also be in compliance

What is HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act:

The HIPAA privacy rule addresses the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information called “Protected Health Information (PHI)”.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule is to assure that an individual’s health information is properly protected while allowing the individual’s necessary health information that is needed to provide and promote quality health care, is protected. The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits important uses of information, while protecting the privacy of people who seek healthcare.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule is designed to be flexible and comprehensive to cover the variety of uses and disclosures that need to be addressed. Covered entities regulated by the Rule are required to comply with all of its applicable HIPAA requirements.

Why HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act:

• Secure and confidential storage of patient’s data.
• Better coordination of healthcare data due to standardisation of data formats.
• Do away with health plan–specific reporting and filing requirements for hospitals and health care providers.
• Reduce paper involvement in managing healthcare records.
• Avoid sanctions due to improper handling of data records and data breaches.

What are the benefits of HIPAA

HIPPA protects patients against following violations:

1. Disclosure or use of protected health information (PHI) without authorization.
2. Absence or lack of technical safeguards to protected health information.
3. Inability for patients to access their protected health information.
4. Lost or stolen devices with PHI data.
5. Illegal or excessive access to patient’s files by employees.

HIPAA is applicable to:

HIPPA regulations include: medical centres, clinics, and hospitals; private practices; outpatient providers; hospices and adult care providers; pharmacies; laboratories; health plans and insurance providers.

HIPPA protects patients against following violations:

1. Disclosure or use of protected health information (PHI) without authorization.
2. Absence or lack of technical safeguards to protected health information.
3. Inability for patients to access their protected health information.
4. Lost or stolen devices with PHI data.
5. Illegal or excessive access to patient’s files by employees.

• Key Requirements:
  • Risk assessment and management.
  • Data encryption and access control.
  • Business associate agreements (BAAs) with third-party service providers.

3.4. INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT

What is ISO 27001-Information Security Management System 

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a systematic approach for managing sensitive company information and information entrusted to companies by third parties so that it remains secure. It encompasses people, processes and IT systems.

Why ISO 27001: 2022

• Increase in trust with, respect to partners, customers and the public;
• Systematic detection of vulnerabilities:
• Control of IT risks;
• Reduce the chances of security breaches with the IT environment;
• Keeping the confidentiality of information.

What Benefits it brings to business 

• To mitigate the risk and information security breaches
• To demonstrate due diligence and due care
• To have a proactive approach to legal compliance, regulatory and contractual requirements
• To assure the internal controls of organizations
• Management’s commitment to the security of business and customers’ information
• Helps organization to have competitive advantage

Applicable to:

Suitable for any organisation, large or small, in any sector. The standard is especially suitable where the protection of information is critical, such as in the banking, financial, health, public and IT sectors. The standard is also applicable to organisations which manage high volumes of data, or information on behalf of other organisations such as data centres and IT outsourcing companies

Industry Challenge:

Growing cyber threats target sensitive business data, leading to financial and reputational loss.

Solution:

Implementation of ISO 27001, ISO 27005, ISO 27017, SOC 1 & SOC 2, SWIFT CSF, and NIST CSF to establish a strong cybersecurity framework.
Services:

• ISO 27001 – Establishes an Information Security Management System (ISMS) for comprehensive data protection.
• ISO 27005 – Provides a risk management framework to identify and mitigate information security risks.
• ISO 27017 – Implements cloud security best practices to protect cloud-based assets and data.
• SOC 1 & SOC 2 – Conducts audits and assessments for service organizations to ensure compliance with security and privacy standards.

Does your organization endure high volumes of client and stakeholder requests for assurance?

Does your company need assurance from the vendors that handle your sensitive data?

If you are a service organization and are commonly facing audit requests from customers this could be the perfect, certification to ensure you save on time and money, while also assuring security to all your stakeholders.

3.5 SOC-SERVICE ORGANIZATION CONTROL:

SOC 2 assessments are essential for organizations that handle customer data, particularly SaaS providers, cloud-based service companies, and businesses managing sensitive information. These assessments validate that a company has the necessary controls in place to ensure data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (TSC).

Need for SOC 2 Assessments

1.       Customer & Partner Trust – SOC 2 compliance reassures clients that their data is being handled securely, helping build trust and credibility.

2.       Regulatory & Contractual Requirements – Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and technology, require third-party vendors to be SOC 2 compliant to meet legal and contractual obligations.

3.       Competitive Advantage – Companies that complete SOC 2 audits gain a significant advantage over competitors who cannot prove their security posture.

4.       Risk Management – The SOC 2 framework helps businesses identify and address security gaps before they lead to breaches or compliance failures.

5.       Business Growth & Market Expansion – Many enterprises mandate SOC 2 compliance for vendors, making it essential for startups and growing companies looking to partner with larger organizations.

What is SOC 2

Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 defines criteria for managing customer data

based on five “trust service principles”—security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.

SOC -2 has very rigid requirements, SOC 2 reports are unique to each organization. In line with specific business practices, each designs its own controls to comply with one or more of the trust principles.

These internal reports provide you (along with regulators, business partners, suppliers, etc.) with important information about how your service provider manages data.

There are two types of SOC reports:

• Type I describes a vendor’s systems and whether their design is suitable to meet relevant trust principles.
• Type II details the operational effectiveness of those

SOC 2 certification

SOC 2 certification is issued by outside auditors. They assess the extent to which a vendor complies with one or more of the five trust principles based on the systems and processes in place.

SOC2 SERVICE OFFER:

• SOC 2 Readiness Assessments – Identify gaps and provide a roadmap to compliance
• Policy & Procedure Development – Assist in creating security policies aligned with SOC 2 requirements
• Continuous Monitoring & Compliance Management – Help companies maintain ongoing compliance post-audit
• Third-Party Risk Management – Ensure vendors meet security standards
• Security Testing & Risk Assessments – Perform vulnerability

Trust principles are broken down as follows:

1. Security:

The security principle refers to protection of system resources against unauthorized access. Access Controls help prevent potential system abuse, theft or unauthorized removal of data, misuse of software, and improper alteration or disclosure of information.

IT security tools such as network and web application firewalls (WAFs), two factor authentication and intrusion detection are useful in preventing security breaches that can lead to unauthorized access of systems and data.

1. Availability:

The availability principle refers to the accessibility of the system, products or services as stipulated by a contract or service level agreement (SLA). As such, the minimum acceptable performance level for system.

This principle does not address system functionality and usability, but does involve security-related criteria that may affect availability. Monitoring network performance and availability, site failoverand security incident handling are critical in this context.

1. Processing integrity:

The processing integrity principle addresses whether or not a system achieves its purpose (i.e., delivers the right data at the right price at the right time). Accordingly, data processing must be complete, valid, accurate, timely and authorized.

However, processing integrity does not necessarily imply data integrity. If data contains errors prior to being input into the system, detecting them is not usually the responsibility of the processing entity. Monitoring of data processing, coupled with quality assurance procedures, can help ensure processing integrity.

1. Confidentiality:

Data is considered confidential if its access and disclosure is restricted to a specified set of persons or organizations. Examples may include data intended only for company personnel, as well as business plans, intellectual property, internal price lists and other types of sensitive financial information.

Encryption is an important control for protecting confidentiality during transmission. Network and application firewalls, together with rigorous access controls, can be used to safeguard information being processed or stored on computer systems.

1. Privacy

The privacy principle addresses the system’s collection, use, retention, disclosure and disposal of personal information in conformity with an organization’s privacy notice, as well as with criteria set forth in the AICPA’s generally accepted privacy principles (GAPP).

Personal identifiable information (PII) refers to details that can distinguish an individual (e.g., name, address, Social Security number). Some personal data related to health, race, sexuality and religion is also considered sensitive and generally requires an extra level of protection. Controls must be put in place to protect all PII from unauthorized access.

• SWIFT CSF – Strengthens security for financial institutions handling SWIFT transactions.
• NIST CSF – Provides a risk-based approach to cybersecurity management aligned with industry best practices.

A voluntary standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an information security management system.

• Key Elements:
  • Risk assessment and treatment plan.
  • Security policies and access controls.
  • Continuous monitoring and improvement.
  • Often required for contracts in sectors like finance and technology.

3.5. CYBERSECURITY MATURITY MODEL CERTIFICATION (CMMC) – United States (Défense Contractors)

• Mandatory for organizations in the U.S. Department of Défense (DoD) supply chain.
• Levels from 1 to 5: Based on the sensitivity of the data handled.
• Focus on practices like access control, incident response, and audit logging.

3.6. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY (NIST) FRAMEWORK – UNITED STATES

• Provides guidelines for improving cybersecurity posture.
• Commonly used in government agencies and critical infrastructure sectors.

Key Components:

• • Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.

3.7. FEDERAL INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT ACT (FISMA) – UNITED STATES (GOVERNMENT)

Expert advisory and assessment services to comply with broad range of federal compliance frameworks, including FedRAMP (NIST 800-53r4), CMMC (NIST SP 800-171), CCPA, FFIEC, NYDFS, CJIS, DoD RMF, and FISMA.

• Successfully Expand into federal markets
• Gain access to new state and local government agency revenue streams
• Global network to perform certification by local teams in the local language
• Collaborative, tailored approach based on specific client use cases, business limitations, and technical environment
• Federal Compliance services for wherever you are in the compliance journey

3.7.1 What is FedRAMP and NIST 800-53

The United States Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, known as FedRAMP, is one of the federal government’s most rigorous security compliance frameworks. It enables the federal government to accelerate the adoption of cloud computing by creating transparent standards and processes for security authorizations. FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. Any cloud services that hold federal data must be FedRAMP Authorized. FedRAMP prescribes the security requirements and processes cloud service providers must follow for the government to use their service.

FedRAMP and NIST 800-53

The NIST 800-53 standard is a standard published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which creates and promotes the standards used by federal agencies to implement the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and manage other programs designed to protect information and promote information security. It is used as the information security standard for both FISMA and FedRAMP.

The standard includes the following:

1. Standards for categorizing information and information systems by mission impact.
2. Standards for minimum security requirements for information and information systems.
3. Guidance for selecting appropriate security controls for information systems.
4. Guidance for assessing security controls in information systems and determining security control effectiveness.
5. Guidance for certifying and accrediting information systems.

3.7.2. GLBA / FFIEC ASSESSMENT:

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) of 1999 first established a requirement to protect consumer financial information. Financial services regulations on information security, initiated by the GLBA, require financial institutions in the United States to create an information security program to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of such information. The Federal Financial institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) supports this mission by providing extensive, evolving guidelines for compliance.

• Requires federal agencies to develop and implement information security programs.
• Focus on: Risk management and incident response.

3.7.3. CALIFORNIA CONSUMER PRIVACY ACT (CCPA) – UNITED STATES (CALIFORNIA)

• Protects the personal data of California residents.

Key Requirements:

• • Right to know what personal data is collected and how it’s used.
  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information.
  • Data breach notification requirements.

3.8. NETWORK AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NIS) DIRECTIVE – EUROPE

• Focuses on improving cybersecurity in essential service sectors (energy, healthcare, transport).
• Requires implementation of risk management and incident reporting processes.

3.9. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

Financial Industry:

• • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) – U.S.: Protects customer financial information.
  • MAS Cyber Hygiene Requirements – Singapore: Mandatory cybersecurity controls for financial institutions.

Energy Sector:

• • NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) – Protects critical infrastructure in the energy sector.

Common Requirements Across Regulations

• Risk Assessments and continuous monitoring.
• Access Control and Identity Management.
• Incident Response Plans and reporting obligations.
• Data Encryption and secure storage practices.
• Third-party risk management and vendor assessments.

Cybersecurity in Different Sectors

1. Finance & Banking
   • Focus on fraud prevention, transaction security, and regulatory compliance.
2. Healthcare
   • Protect patient data (HIPAA compliance), secure medical devices, and prevent ransomware attacks.
3. Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
   • Ensure operational technology (OT) security, protect supply chains, and safeguard IoT devices.
4. Energy Sector
   • Prevent attacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, oil refineries).

3.10 BUSINESS CONTINUITY & RESILIENCE

ISO 22301:2019-Security and resilience-Business continuity management systems requirements

Floods, cyber-attacks, IT breakdowns, supply chain issues or loss of skilled staff are just some of the possible threats to the smooth running of an organization. If not addressed effectively, they can cause disruption or even business failure. Consistent planning for what to do when disaster strikes means a more effective response and a quicker recovery.

What is ISO 22301?

ISO 22301 is the international standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS). It provides a framework for organizations to plan, establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and continually improve a documented management system to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure recovery from disruptive incidents.

BCM (business continuity management) is a type of risk management designed to address the threat of disruptions to business activities or processes. It involves managing risks to ensure that mission-critical functions continue to provide an acceptable level of service, even in the event of a major disaster.

Why is ISO 22301 important?

This standard is crucial for organizations to enhance their resilience against various unforeseen disruptions, ensuring continuity of operations and services. It helps in identifying risks, preparing for emergencies, and improving recovery time.

What business benefits BCMS can bring to business?

• Reduced costs and less impact on business performance when something go wrong.
• The ability to reassure clients, suppliers, regulators and other stakeholders that the organization has sound systems and processes in place for business continuity.
• Improved business performance and organizational resilience
• A better understanding of the business through analysis of critical issues and areas of vulnerability

Whom ISO 23001 is applicable: 

All organizations, regardless of size, industry or nature of business. It is also relevant to certification and regulatory bodies as it enables them to assess an organization’s ability to meet its legal or regulatory requirements.

Industry Challenge

Cyberattacks, natural disasters, and system failures disrupt business operations, leading to financial losses.
Solution: ISO 22301 implementation and support for resilience planning and disaster recovery.

Services:

• ISO 22301 – Develops a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) to prepare for and recover from disruptions.

3.11. IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC FRAMEWORKS

Industry Challenge:

Different industries require tailored compliance frameworks to meet regulatory demands.
Solution: Custom GRC solutions for healthcare, finance, aerospace, manufacturing, and more.
Need: Organizations must align compliance strategies with industry-specific requirements.
Advantages: Improved regulatory adherence, reduced risks, and enhanced industry reputation.
Services:

• HITRUST – Ensures compliance for healthcare organizations handling sensitive data.
• CMMC – Provides cybersecurity maturity certification for defense contractors.
• ISA 62443 – Secures industrial automation and control systems.

4) GOVERNANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

Industry Challenge:

Lack of a structured governance model increases risk exposure and operational inefficiencies.
Solution: Security Architecture Review, Risk Assessment & Management, Governance Framework Development, TPRM, and Incident Response Planning.
Services:

• Security Architecture Review – Assesses and strengthens security frameworks to enhance protection.
• Risk Assessment & Management – Identifies and mitigates security risks to reduce exposure.
• Governance Framework Development – Establishes security policies, controls, and best practices.
• Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) – Evaluates vendor risks and ensures compliance.
• Incident Response Planning – Prepares organizations for cyber incidents and response strategies.
• Cyber Insurance Support – Provides assistance in selecting and managing cyber insurance policies.
• Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services – Offers expert security leadership and advisory support.

4.1 CYBER DÉFENSE & SECURITY ASSESSMENTS

Industry Challenge:

Evolving cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, and APTs endanger businesses.

Solution:

Network & Web Application Vulnerability Assessments, Advanced Penetration Testing, Red Team & Purple Team Assessments, Social Engineering Testing, and Threat Modeling.

Advantages:

Enhanced security posture, reduced attack surface, improved threat response, and protection of critical assets.
Services:

• Network & Web Application Vulnerability Assessments – Identifies security weaknesses in IT infrastructure.
• Advanced Penetration Testing – Simulates real-world cyberattacks to test defenses.
• Wireless & IoT Security Assessments – Ensures security of connected devices and networks.
• Cloud Security Assessments – Evaluates cloud security controls and configurations.
• Social Engineering Testing – Conducts phishing simulations and employee security awareness training.
• Threat Modeling – Analyzes attack vectors and develops mitigation strategies.

4.2. Cloud Security & Advanced Technology Services

Industry Challenge:

Cloud adoption increases attack vectors, requiring stronger security measures.
Solution: Source Code Review, Ransomware Simulation, IAM, and Data Leakage Prevention for cloud environments.

Advantages:

Improved data security, secure cloud operations, compliance with cloud security regulations, and reduced cyber risks.
Services:

• Source Code Review – Identifies vulnerabilities in application code.
• Ransomware Simulation – Assesses readiness and response strategies.
• Identity & Access Management (IAM) – Secures authentication and access controls.
• Data Leakage Prevention (DLP) – Protects sensitive data from unauthorized exposure.

• Web Application Security
• Web Application Penetration test

Web Application Penetration test or “ethical hack” evaluates an application’s ability to withstand attack. This will help you to Identify, re mediate and secure internal or third party developed applications against the vulnerabilities & logic flaws that lead to attack and exploitation.

• Explore weakness as a hacker and demonstrate the potential consequences
• OWASP and SANS framework to meet HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX and GLBA
• Comprehensive report with detailed risk analysis and recommendations
  Global presence with renowned research and 24/7 incident response

5.0. WEB SERVICES & APPLICATION VULNERABILITY SCANNING

Web Services & Application Vulnerability Scanning provides a comprehensive evaluation of the security posture of an application or solution based on web services technologies like SOAP or REST.

• Support modern technologies such as Mobile, JSON, REST, SOAP, HTML5 & AJAX
• Intelligent Scanning cover OWASP Top 10, SANS Top 25, OSSTMM, WASC
• Meet requirements of PCI, FISMA, OWASP, SOX, HIPAA, GLBA and more
• Access to Industry Recognized and Certified Experts
• Deeper analysis with interactive reports

5.1) Source Code Security Assessment

On demand managed and automated Static / Source Code Security Assessment to help developers eliminate vulnerabilities and to build secure software.

• Detection of 890+ vul. categories listed by OWASP and SANS
• Support byte and source code of 21 different languages
• Reporting with correlated results prioritized by severity
• Comply with PCI DSS, PA DSS HIPAA, and FISMA
• Easy to manage with no maintenance.

5.2) Mobile App Security Assessment

Mobile Application Security Assessment Service Identify vulnerabilities, malicious or potentially risky actions in mobile applications and help you to prioritize, re mediate and secure your mobile apps before deployment.

• Include both static and dynamic mobile security testing techniques
• Easy to manage: no hardware, no software, and no maintenance
• OWASP Top 10 Mobile framework to comply PCI and HIPPA
• Support for iOS, Android, Blackberry,and Windows
• Unique Behavioral analysis and privacy checks

5.3. INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY: 

5.3.1. Network / PCI ASV Vulnerability Scanning

Cloud based PCI DSS approved network vulnerability scanning solutions to identify vulnerabilities in systems, network devices, applications and databases.

• PCI ASV accredited for accurate internal and external vulnerability scanning
• Demonstrate compliance with PCI DSS, FISMA, HIPAA and GLBA
• Easy to manage: no hardware, no software, and no maintenance
• Non-intrusive scanning of physical and cloud infrastructure
• Prioritized remediation plan with dedicated support

5.3.2. Network Penetration testing

Network Penetration testing service evaluate the security posture of the Network Infrastructure by mimicking real attacks that exist in both external and internal network infrastructures.

• Gain deeper visibility than a vulnerability scanner or tool-based assessment
• Customize each engagement to meet individual client needs
• Execute real-world attack techniques to identify risk posture
• Reproducible step-by-step procedures of exploitation’s
• Demonstrate PCI, HIPAA and GLBA compliance

5.3.3. Firewall Security Assessment

Firewall Security Assessment helps you gain visibility on firewall configuration and access lists to secure, optimize, comply with regulations and manage to keep them secure from external threats.

• Support wide range of firewall’s and network devices
• Secure upload and confidential handling of your exported configuration file
• Demonstrate PCI DSS, SOX, ISO, NSA, NERC and FISMA compliance
• Prioritized remediation plan with dedicated expert guidance
• No remote access or credentials required

5.3.4. Cloud Security Assessment

Cloud Security Assessment help protect the confidentiality, integrity and availbility of systems and data in your organization’s growing cloud environment and to maintain compliance.

• Infrastructure as a Services (IaaS), or Software as a Service (Saas) support
• Meet all regulatory, legal and compliance requirements when deploying in the cloud
• Test whether a hacker could gain access to your cloud instance or the data behind it
• Non-intrusive remote engagements to simulate cyber attacks and identify gaps
• Reduce administrative overhead and automate repeatable testing processes

6.0. GOVERNANCE, RISK & COMPLIANCE (GRC) SERVICES

Effective governance is essential for maintaining compliance, mitigating risks, and ensuring business continuity. Our GRC services help organizations establish structured frameworks for security, privacy, and risk management to align with regulatory and industry best practices.

Governance Framework & Risk Management

Services:

• Security Architecture Review – Evaluates existing security frameworks and policies.
• Risk Assessment & Management – Identifies, analyzes, and mitigates security risks.
• Governance Framework Development – Establishes security governance aligned with industry regulations.
• Security Policy & Strategy Development – Designs policies for secure operations and risk reduction.

Challenges:

• Lack of a unified governance structure leads to inconsistent security practices.
• Difficulty in adapting to evolving regulatory requirements.
• Insufficient risk management frameworks expose organizations to cyber threats.

Solutions:

🔹 Develop and enforce security governance policies.
🔹 Conduct regular risk assessments and audits.
🔹 Align governance frameworks with compliance standards (ISO, NIST, GDPR, etc.).

• Compliance & Third-Party Risk Management

Services:

• Third-Party Risk Management – Assesses and mitigates risks associated with vendors and partners.
• Data Governance – Ensures proper data classification, handling, and protection.
• Metrics & Reporting – Provides visibility into security and compliance performance.
• Incident Response Planning – Establishes protocols for handling security breaches.

Challenges:

• Increased reliance on third-party vendors introduces security vulnerabilities.
• Poor data governance can lead to compliance violations and breaches.
• Organizations struggle to track security performance and incidents.

Solutions:

🔹 Implement continuous monitoring and third-party security assessments.
🔹 Establish a data governance framework for secure handling and processing.
🔹 Use real-time dashboards for security performance tracking and reporting.

7.1 Cybersecurity Leadership & Privacy Management

Services:

• Virtual/Shared CISO as a Service – Provides expert security leadership on demand.
• DPO (Data Protection Officer) as a Service – Ensures compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Data Privacy Impact Assessment – Identifies risks related to personal data processing.
• Cyber Crisis Simulation – Prepares organizations for potential cyber incidents.
• Talent On-Demand – Provides skilled professionals for cybersecurity initiatives.

Challenges:

• Shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
• Difficulty in maintaining compliance with evolving privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
• Unpreparedness for cybersecurity incidents leads to prolonged recovery times.

Solutions:

🔹 Outsource cybersecurity leadership through Virtual CISO services.
🔹 Conduct privacy impact assessments and implement data protection best practices.
🔹 Perform cyber crisis simulations to enhance incident response capabilities.

Why Choose Our Governance Services?

Strategic Security Management – Align security goals with business objectives.
Regulatory Compliance – Ensure adherence to GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO, and more.
Proactive Risk Mitigation – Reduce vulnerabilities through structured governance.
Scalable & Flexible Solutions – Adapt governance strategies to changing business needs.

Would you like to customize this briefing for a specific industry or regulatory focus?

8.0 TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

In the evolving digital landscape, organizations must adopt robust technology services to strengthen cybersecurity, ensure compliance, and improve operational resilience. Our technology services focus on secure IT infrastructure, cloud security, application security, and cyber resilience.

8.1 Cloud Security & Infrastructure Protection

Services:

• Cloud Security Assessment – Evaluates cloud configurations, security controls, and compliance adherence.
• Configuration Management & Hardening – Ensures secure system settings and minimizes vulnerabilities.
• DevSecOps – Integrates security into the software development lifecycle for continuous protection.
• Infrastructure & Network Security – Implements security best practices to protect IT infrastructure.

Challenges:

• Misconfigured Cloud Environments – Increases risks of data breaches and compliance failures.
• Lack of Security Automation – Leads to delays and human errors in security updates.
• Complexity in Infrastructure Security – Makes it difficult to detect and prevent cyber threats.

Solutions:

✔ Regular Cloud Security Audits – Identify and fix misconfigurations before exploitation.
✔ Automated Security Deployment – Implement DevSecOps for real-time security monitoring.
✔ Network Segmentation & Advanced Threat Detection – Strengthen defenses against cyberattacks.

8.2 Application Security & Secure Development

Services:

• Source Code Review – Identifies security vulnerabilities in software code.
• Threat Modeling – Analyzes potential attack vectors in applications and systems.
• Application Security Testing – Includes Web, Mobile, and API security assessments.
• Attack Surface Analysis – Identifies and minimizes external exposure to cyber threats.

Challenges:

• Insecure Software Development – Introduces exploitable vulnerabilities into applications.
• Growing Complexity of Cyber Threats – Increases risks of application-based attacks.
• Limited Visibility into Application Risks – Slows down response to emerging threats.

Solutions:

✔ Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) – Embed security at every development stage.
✔ Automated & Manual Security Testing – Ensure continuous monitoring of application vulnerabilities.
✔ Use AI-Driven Threat Detection – Identify and mitigate risks in real-time.

8.3 Cyber Resilience & Threat Defense

Services:

• Ransomware Simulation & Assessment – Tests preparedness against ransomware attacks.
• Incident Response Planning & Forensics – Helps organizations handle and recover from cyber incidents.
• Wireless & IoT Security Assessment – Identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities in connected devices.
• Social Engineering Testing – Simulates phishing and other human-targeted cyberattacks.

Challenges:

• Rise in Ransomware Attacks – Causes data loss and business disruptions.
• Lack of Incident Response Readiness – Leads to prolonged downtime and financial losses.
• Expanding IoT Threat Surface – Increases security risks in connected environments.

Solutions:

✔ Develop a Robust Incident Response Plan – Ensure quick detection and response to threats.
✔ Implement Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) – Minimize the impact of ransomware and other threats.
✔ Secure IoT & Wireless Devices – Use strict access controls and network segmentation.

8.4 Compliance & Security Assessments

Services:

• Compliance-Focused Security Assessments – Ensure alignment with PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations.
• Vulnerability Remediation Guidance – Provide step-by-step solutions for identified risks.
• Advanced Penetration Testing – Simulate attacks to identify and mitigate security weaknesses.

Challenges:

• Meeting Regulatory Requirements – Organizations struggle with complex compliance frameworks.
• Undetected Security Gaps – Can lead to regulatory penalties and data breaches.
• Lack of Proactive Cyber Defense – Reactive security measures fail to prevent attacks.

Solutions:

✔ Regular Security Audits & Penetration Testing – Identify and fix vulnerabilities proactively.
✔ Compliance-Driven Security Policies – Ensure adherence to industry standards.
✔ Continuous Threat Monitoring – Strengthen cybersecurity posture with real-time insights.

Why Choose Our Technology Services?

Proactive Cybersecurity Approach – Prevent threats before they impact your business.
Advanced Compliance & Risk Management – Stay ahead of evolving regulations.
Scalable & Customized Security Solutions – Tailored for businesses of all sizes.
Industry-Leading Expertise – Trusted by organizations across multiple sectors.

Would you like a detailed roadmap for implementation?

Service Offerings

1. Security Architecture Review
   • Assessment of security controls, configurations, and policies.
   • Identifying gaps and providing recommendations for a resilient security framework.
2. Risk Assessment & Management
   • Comprehensive risk evaluation, impact analysis, and mitigation strategies.
   • Aligning with industry best practices such as ISO 27005 and NIST frameworks.
3. Governance Framework Development
   • Establishing governance models to manage security policies and compliance requirements.
   • Frameworks based on ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and regulatory mandates.
4. Security Programme Maturity Assessment & Improvement
   • Evaluating existing security programs against industry benchmarks.
   • Implementing enhancements for a more robust and proactive security approach.
5. Security Policy & Strategy Development
   • Designing policies and strategies to support business objectives and compliance.
   • Aligning with regulatory requirements and risk management practices.
6. Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
   • Assessing vendor security risks and compliance levels.
   • Implementing frameworks for continuous monitoring and risk mitigation.
7. Data Governance
   • Developing data management policies and security controls.
   • Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations (ISO 27701, GDPR, etc.).
8. Metrics & Reporting
   • Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for security operations.
   • Real-time reporting and analytics for informed decision-making.
9. Incident Response Planning
   • Developing and testing incident response plans.
   • Ensuring rapid containment and mitigation of security breaches.
10. Cybersecurity Insurance Support

• Assisting in cybersecurity insurance assessments and compliance.
• Providing documentation for policy underwriting and claims processing.

1. Cybersecurity Forensics & Incident Response Investigations

• Conducting forensic analysis to identify breach sources and impacts.
• Incident investigation and remediation guidance.

1. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security

• Securing operational technology (OT) and industrial systems.
• Risk assessment and compliance with ICS security standards.

1. Cloud Security

• Securing cloud environments, workloads, and applications.
• Implementing cloud security frameworks (ISO 27017, CIS Benchmarks, etc.).

1. Virtual/Shared CISO as a Service

• Providing experienced Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) on-demand.
• Strategic security leadership and advisory services.

1. DPO as a Service (Data Protection Officer)

• Managing data privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting GDPR, ISO 27701, and other data privacy mandates.

1. Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA)

• Evaluating the impact of data processing on privacy.
• Identifying and mitigating potential privacy risks.

1. Cyber Crisis Simulation

• Conducting simulated cyber incidents for preparedness training.
• Enhancing response strategies and organizational resilience.

1. Talent On-Demand

• Providing specialized cybersecurity professionals as needed.
• Augmenting in-house teams with expert resources.

1. Cyber Threat Intelligence & Threat Hunting

• Proactive identification of threats before they impact operations.
• Leveraging advanced analytics and real-time threat intelligence.

1. Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Assessments

• Identifying security weaknesses through simulated attacks.
• Ensuring robust security defenses through continuous assessments.

1. Zero Trust Architecture Implementation

• Implementing Zero Trust principles to enhance security.
• Continuous authentication and least-privilege access controls.

1. DevSecOps & Secure Software Development

• Integrating security into the software development lifecycle.
• Automating security testing and compliance measures.

1. Identity & Access Management (IAM) Solutions

• Strengthening authentication and authorization mechanisms.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication and privileged access controls.

1. Ransomware Readiness & Recovery Planning

• Developing strategies to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks.
• Incident response and data recovery planning.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced security resilience and threat mitigation.
• Compliance with global security standards and regulations.
• Improved risk management and operational security.
• Strategic alignment of security with business objectives.
• Access to expert cybersecurity professionals on-demand.

Why Choose Smartedge Consulting?

• Experienced professionals with deep expertise in cybersecurity and governance.
• Tailored solutions to meet specific business needs.
• Commitment to regulatory compliance and industry best practices.
• End-to-end support from assessment to implementation and beyond.

9.0. IT RISK ADVISORY & ASSURANCE

IT Risk Advisory & Assurance services help organizations identify, assess, manage, and mitigate risks related to their information technology systems. These services ensure IT governance, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity resilience, and business continuity, providing confidence to stakeholders that IT-related risks are under control.

Core Components of IT Risk Advisory Services

1. IT Risk Assessment & Management
   • Identifies and evaluates IT risks (cyber threats, data breaches, system failures).
   • Develops risk mitigation strategies and controls.
   • Examples: Risk heatmaps, risk registers, control frameworks.
2. IT Governance & Compliance
   • Aligns IT strategies with business goals and ensures compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX).
   • Implements frameworks like COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001 for effective governance.
3. Cybersecurity & Data Protection Advisory
   • Assesses the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
   • Provides strategies for cyber risk management, vulnerability assessment, and incident response planning.
   • Helps implement data protection programs (GDPR, CCPA compliance).
4. IT Internal Audit 📄
   • Evaluates the effectiveness of IT controls, systems, and processes.
   • Identifies gaps and makes recommendations for improvement.
   • Focuses on areas such as system access controls, data security, disaster recovery, and IT project management.
5. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning (BCP/DRP)
   • Develops plans to ensure the organization can continue operations during a disaster or cyberattack.
   • Tests and validates BCP/DR strategies.
6. Third-Party Risk Management
   • Assesses risks associated with vendors and external service providers.
   • Ensures third parties meet the organization’s security and compliance standards.

• Assurance Services for IT Systems

1. IT General Controls (ITGC) Review
2. System & Process Assurance (SPA)
   • Ensures that key business processes supported by IT systems are operating
3. SOC Reporting (Service Organization Control Reports)
   • SOC 1: Focuses on financial reporting controls.
   • SOC 2: Evaluates data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
   • SOC 3: Publicly available summary report of SOC 2 for external stakeholders.
4. Data Analytics & Continuous Auditing

Benefits of IT Risk Advisory & Assurance

1. Enhanced Risk Management: Proactively addresses IT risks before they become critical issues.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to evolving laws and standards.
3. Improved IT Governance: Aligns IT objectives with business strategies.
4. Increased Stakeholder Confidence: Provides assurance that IT systems are secure and well-controlled.
5. Business Continuity: Reduces the impact of potential disruptions.

10.0) RISK ADVISORY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Risk Advisory Services help organizations identify, assess, manage, and mitigate risks to protect business value and ensure long-term sustainability. These services focus on strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, and technological risks, enabling businesses to navigate uncertainty and maintain resilience.

Categories of Risk Advisory Services

1. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
2. Operational Risk Advisory
3. Financial Risk Advisory
4. Regulatory & Compliance Risk Advisory ⚖️
5. Cyber Risk Advisory
6. IT Risk & Governance Advisory
7. Internal Audit & Control Advisory
8. Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
9. Sustainability & ESG Risk Advisory
10. Fraud Risk & Forensic Advisory

Industry-Specific Risk Advisory Services

1. Manufacturing – Supply chain risks, equipment safety, and ESG compliance.
2. Financial Services – Market risks, fraud detection, and regulatory adherence.
3. Healthcare – Data security (HIPAA compliance), patient safety, and operational risks.
4. Energy & Utilities – Environmental risks, asset management, and cybersecurity.
5. Retail & Consumer Goods – Supply chain management, fraud risk, and customer data protection.

Some of the key frameworks, regulations, and standards:

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Europe
2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – United States (Healthcare)

• Regulates the security and privacy of protected health information (PHI).

3. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) – Global (Payment Industry)

• Applies to all organizations handling credit card information.

4. ISO 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS) – Global

• A voluntary standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an information security management system.

5. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) – United States (Defense Contractors)

• Mandatory for organizations in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain.
• Levels from 1 to 5: Based on the sensitivity of the data handled.
• Focus on practices like access control, incident response, and audit logging.

6. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework – United States

• Provides guidelines for improving cybersecurity posture.
• Commonly used in government agencies and critical infrastructure sectors.

7. Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) – United States (Government)

• Requires federal agencies to develop and implement information security programs.

8. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – United States (California)

• Protects the personal data of California residents.

9. Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive – Europe

• Focuses on improving cybersecurity in essential service sectors (energy, healthcare, transport).
• Requires implementation of risk management and incident reporting processes.

Common Requirements Across Regulations

• Risk Assessments and continuous monitoring.
• Access Control and Identity Management.
• Incident Response Plans and reporting obligations.
• Data Encryption and secure storage practices.
• Third-party risk management and vendor assessments.

11.0 CLOUD SECURITY:

ISO 27017: 2017 is applicable to

Cloud service providers and cloud service customers.

Would you like your business to be a competitive advantage, protect your brand, reduces risks – ensure risks are identified, and controls are in place, protect against fines and help grow business. ISO 27018-CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PROTECTION OF PII IN PUBLIC CLOUDS ACTING AS PII PROCESSORS

Introduction to ISO/IEC 27018:2019-Information technology — Security techniques — Code of practice for protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds acting as PII processors.

This standard provides guidance aimed at ensuring that cloud service providers (such as Amazon and Google) offer suitable information security controls to protect the privacy of their customers’ clients by securing Personally Identifiable Information entrusted to them.

The standard will be followed by ISO/IEC 27017 covering the wider information security angles of cloud computing, other than privacy.

What is ISO 27018:2019:

It specifies guidelines based on ISO/IEC 27002, taking into consideration the regulatory requirements for the protection of PII which might be applicable within the context of the information security risk environment(s) of a provider of public cloud services.

Why ISO 27018:2019:

• Vast quantities of data are held in the public cloud, necessitating thorough protection requirements.
• Data breaches can include individual loss of rights and freedoms, identity theft, monetary penalties and huge loss of reputation for the responsible data controller.
• Compliance to protect personal data and ensure it is treated in accordance with the law.

Applicable to:

• Any organisation, large or small, in any sector. The standard is especially suitable where the protection of personal data such as payroll, HR or clients payment details are stored in a cloud environment.

13.0 CMMI-CAPABILITY MATURITY MODEL INTEGRATION

Originally created for the U.S. Department of Defense to assess the quality and capability of their software contractors, CMMI models have expanded beyond software engineering to help any organization in any industry build, improve, and measure their capabilities and improve performance.

For over 25 years, high-performing organizations around the world have achieved demonstrable, sustainable business results with CMMI.

Descriptive Practices Focused on Improvement

CMMI best practices focus on what needs to be done to improve performance and align operations to business goals. Designed to be understandable, accessible, flexible, and integrate with other methodologies such as agile, CMMI models help organizations understand their current level of capability and performance and offer a guide to optimize business results.

What is CMMI

The Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a process and behavioral model that helps organizations streamline process improvement and encourage productive, efficient behaviors that decrease risks in software, product and service development.

The CMMI was developed by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University as a process improvement tool for projects, divisions or organizations.

The CMMI starts with an appraisal process that evaluates three specific areas: process and service development, service establishment and management, and product and service acquisition. It’s designed to help improve performance by providing businesses with everything they need to consistently develop better products and services.

Why CMMI

• Due to a process model;
• Behavioural model. Businesses
• To tackle the logistics of improving performance by developing measurable benchmarks;
• Create a structure for encouraging productive, efficient behavior throughout the organization.

CMMI Latest Version:

CMMI V2.0 helps organizations quickly understand their current level of capability and performance in the context of their own business objectives and compared to similar organizations.

Designed to optimize business performance in an ever-changing global landscape, the CMMI V2.0 model is a proven set of global best practices that enables organizations to build and benchmark the key capabilities that address the most common business challenges, including:​

• Ensuring Quality
• Engineering & Developing Products
• Delivering & Managing Services
• Selecting & Managing Suppliers
• Planning & Managing Work
• Managing Business Resilience
• Managing the Workforce
• Supporting Implementation
• Sustaining Habit & Persistence
• Improving Performance

CMMI is applicable to

CMMI has been adopted by government organizations and across many industries (e.g., software, finance, manufacturing, services).

• VIRTUAL CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER (Vciso) SERVICES

Would you Implement vCISO services within your organization?

Looking for a vCISO provider to enhance your cybersecurity posture?

Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) Services

In today’s evolving digital landscape, organizations need expert cybersecurity leadership to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and mitigate cyber threats. Our vCISO services provide on-demand security expertise to strengthen your organization’s defenses—without the cost of a full-time executive.

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) provides organizations with expert cybersecurity leadership on a flexible, outsourced basis. This service is ideal for companies that need strong security oversight but don’t require or cannot afford a full-time CISO.

Our vCISO Services Include:

🔹 Cybersecurity Policy & Governance

🔹 Risk Management & Compliance

🔹 Incident Response & Cyber Resilience

🔹 IT Security Best Practices & Advisory

🔹 Security Awareness & Employee Training

🔹 Security Assessments & Penetration Testing

Why Choose Our vCISO Services?

Flexible & Scalable – Get expert cybersecurity leadership on-demand
Cost-Effective – Reduce security costs while maintaining strong protection
Industry Expertise – Leverage experienced security professionals
Compliance-Driven – Stay ahead of regulatory requirements

Here’s how Smartedge can help implement these GRC services:

1. Gap Assessments & Readiness Evaluations – Conducting initial assessments to identify compliance gaps and security vulnerabilities.
2. Customized Roadmap Development – Creating tailored implementation plans for each service based on business needs and regulatory requirements.
3. Policy & Procedure Development – Assisting in drafting and implementing security policies, governance frameworks, and compliance documentation.
4. Technology Implementation Support – Deploying necessary security tools, frameworks, and controls, including cloud security solutions, IAM, DLP, and incident response mechanisms.
5. Training & Awareness Programs – Conducting workshops and training sessions to upskill employees on compliance, data security, and risk management best practices.
6. Third-Party Vendor Risk Management – Evaluating and ensuring compliance of suppliers, vendors, and partners with industry standards.
7. Continuous Monitoring & Compliance Audits – Offering ongoing audits, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments to maintain security and compliance.
8. Virtual CISO & Advisory Services – Providing expert guidance and strategic advisory through vCISO services to strengthen governance and security posture.

Governance Services

• Security Architecture Review – Evaluates security controls and system architecture.
• Risk Assessment & Management – Identifies and mitigates cyber risks.
• Governance Framework Development – Establishes regulatory and policy compliance.
• Security Programme Maturity Assessment & Improvement – Enhances overall cybersecurity resilience.
• Security Policy & Strategy Development – Aligns security policies with business goals.
• Third-Party Risk Management – Manages supplier and vendor security risks.
• Data Governance – Ensures data protection, classification, and compliance.
• Metrics & Reporting – Provides insights for decision-making and regulatory audits.
• Incident Response Planning – Prepares organizations for cybersecurity incidents.
• Cybersecurity Insurance Support – Helps businesses manage cyber insurance coverage.
• Cybersecurity Forensics & Incident Response Investigations – Detects and mitigates security breaches.
• ICS Security – Secures industrial control systems and critical infrastructure.
• Cloud Security – Ensures secure cloud architecture and data protection.
• Virtual/Shared CISO as a Service – Provides expert security leadership on demand.
• DPO as a Service – Supports data protection and privacy compliance.
• Data Privacy Impact Assessment – Evaluates risks to personal data and compliance.
• Cyber Crisis Simulation – Prepares organizations for cyber threats through simulations.
• Talent On-Demand – Provides skilled cybersecurity professionals as needed.

Challenges & Solutions:

• Challenge: Managing complex security programs and regulatory changes.
• Solution: Strategic advisory, compliance automation, and real-time risk monitoring.

Why Choose Us?

Expert-Led Services – Certified professionals with deep industry knowledge.
Tailored Solutions – Customized approach to fit unique business needs.
End-to-End Support – From assessments to implementation and continuous monitoring.
Enhanced Risk Resilience – Proactive strategies to mitigate cyber and compliance risks.