BLOG: Navigating the Complexities of Threat-Led Ratings

As businesses and organisations continue to rely heavily on technology and the internet, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches has become a major concern. To help protect against these threats, companies and governments have developed threat-led ratings systems to assess the security of different products, services, and organisations.

However, understanding and navigating these ratings systems can be complex and confusing. In this blog, we will explore the basics of threat-led ratings and what you need to know to make informed decisions about the security of your products and services.

First, it’s important to understand that threat-led ratings assess the potential impact of a security threat on a particular product or service. These ratings are based on the likelihood and severity of a potential attack, as well as the ease of exploiting any vulnerabilities. For example, a product or service that is frequently targeted by attackers and has a high potential for harm would receive a lower rating than one that is less likely to be targeted and has a lower potential for harm.

There are several different threat-led rating systems in use today, each with its own criteria and methods for assessing security. Some of the most well-known include Common Criteria, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).

Common Criteria is an international standard used to evaluate the security of IT products and systems. It provides a set of security requirements that a product must meet in order to receive a specific rating. The FedRAMP system is used by the US government to assess the security of cloud services and is based on a set of security controls and standards. The CSF, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides a framework for organisations to assess and improve their cybersecurity posture.

When evaluating the security of a product or service, it’s important to consider the specific threat-led rating system being used and what criteria are being used to assess security. It’s also important to consider the context in which the product or service will be used and how it will be integrated into your overall security strategy.

In conclusion, threat-led ratings are an important tool for assessing the security of products and services. However, understanding and navigating these ratings systems can be complex. By being aware of the different systems in use, the criteria and methods used to assess security, and the context in which the product or service will be used, you can make informed decisions about the security of your products and services.