Maturity Model
What Is the CRF Maturity Model?
The CRF – Maturity Model (CRF–MM) is a five-level framework designed to help organizations prioritize the implementation of cybersecurity safeguards based on expert-driven guidance. Built with input from leading cybersecurity professionals, the model reflects how real-world organizations progress from basic protections to fully integrated, risk-informed practices.
Rather than relying on guesswork or generic checklists, the CRF–MM provides a clear path for which safeguards to implement first, and which can wait—ensuring that limited resources are focused on the most impactful actions at each stage of maturity. It’s a practical tool for turning industry consensus into a strategic, scalable cybersecurity roadmap.
Why You Need a Structured Maturity Model
Without a clear path, it’s hard to know whether your cybersecurity program is progressing—or just reacting. The CRF-MM breaks down cybersecurity maturity into manageable, actionable stages, helping teams identify gaps, set realistic goals, and prioritize initiatives that drive long-term value. It brings structure, clarity, and purpose to your cybersecurity journey.
What You’ll Get
The 2025 edition of the CRF-MM outlines five distinct levels of maturity, from basic safeguards to advanced, business-aligned security operations. Each level is paired with recommended practices and strategic objectives, making it easy to assess your current posture and plan your next steps. This year’s model also reflects new guidance from cybersecurity professionals and updated alignment with modern threats and technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Five clearly defined cybersecurity maturity levels
- Actionable recommendations for progressing through each level
- Designed for alignment with business strategy and risk management
- Built to support continuous improvement, not one-time assessments
- Informed by real-world insights from cybersecurity leaders
Who Is This For?
This resource is perfect for:
- CISOs and security leaders guiding long-term cybersecurity strategy
- IT and compliance teams conducting maturity assessments
- Consultants developing security roadmaps for clients
- Executives seeking to align cybersecurity with business risk and resilience
Whether you’re just starting out or refining a mature program, the CRF-MM provides the clarity and direction you need.
What’s New in v2025?
- Updated Guidance: Refined based on input from leading security professionals
- Modern Threat Alignment: Reflects today’s evolving risk environment
- Improved Business Integration: Stronger focus on aligning cybersecurity with organizational strategy
- Streamlined Level Descriptions: Clearer, more actionable breakdowns of each maturity stage
Frequently Asked Questions
The CRF-MM (Maturity Model) is a framework developed by the Cybersecurity Risk Foundation and IANS Research, designed to guide organizations in enhancing their cybersecurity maturity through five levels, from foundational to monitored safeguards.
Adopting the CRF-MM helps organizations systematically improve their cybersecurity defenses, align security practices with business objectives, and ensure resilience against evolving cyber threats.
The five levels are Foundational, Hygiene, Governed, Controlled, and Monitored, each representing a stage in the maturity of an organization's cybersecurity program.
Yes, organizations can navigate the CRF-MM independently. However, collaborating with cybersecurity experts can provide additional insights and support, enhancing the effectiveness of the maturity assessment and improvement process.
It's recommended to reassess your cybersecurity maturity annually using the CRF-MM. This ensures your cybersecurity measures remain effective and aligned with the latest threats, technologies, and business objectives.