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HSTD (Horizontal Security and Trust Domains)

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Horizontal Security and Trust Domains (HSTD) is a security framework that provides a structured approach to managing security across an organization's various business units or domains. The HSTD framework is designed to address the challenges of managing security in large, complex organizations with diverse business units and IT systems.

The HSTD framework is based on the concept of creating horizontal trust domains that span multiple business units or domains. These trust domains are designed to provide a unified approach to security management, regardless of the underlying business unit or IT system. Each trust domain is managed by a team of security professionals who are responsible for implementing and enforcing security policies and procedures within that domain.

The HSTD framework is composed of several key components, including trust domains, security controls, risk management, and governance. Each of these components plays an important role in ensuring the security of an organization's assets.

Trust Domains

At the core of the HSTD framework are trust domains. A trust domain is a logical grouping of business units or IT systems that share a common security policy and set of security controls. Trust domains are designed to provide a standardized approach to security management across an organization, while also accommodating the unique security requirements of each business unit or IT system.

Trust domains are typically organized around business functions, such as finance, human resources, or customer service. Each trust domain is managed by a dedicated security team that is responsible for implementing and enforcing security policies and procedures within that domain. The security team is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on security incidents and vulnerabilities within the domain.

Security Controls

The HSTD framework includes a set of standardized security controls that are designed to be applied across all trust domains. These controls are based on industry standards and best practices and are designed to provide a comprehensive approach to security management.

The security controls include both technical and non-technical controls, such as access control, encryption, network security, physical security, and security awareness training. The security controls are implemented and enforced by the security teams within each trust domain, in accordance with the policies and procedures defined for that domain.

Risk Management

Risk management is a critical component of the HSTD framework. Each trust domain is required to perform a risk assessment to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities within that domain. The risk assessment is used to prioritize security controls and to determine the appropriate level of risk mitigation.

The risk assessment process includes identifying assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts. Based on this analysis, the security team develops a risk management plan that includes risk mitigation strategies and controls. The risk management plan is periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.

Governance

Governance is an important aspect of the HSTD framework. Governance refers to the policies, procedures, and processes that are put in place to ensure that the framework is effectively implemented and managed. Governance includes oversight, accountability, and transparency.

The governance structure for the HSTD framework includes a security governance committee that is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the framework. The committee is composed of senior executives from each business unit or domain, as well as representatives from the security teams. The committee is responsible for setting policies and procedures for the framework, as well as monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the framework.

Benefits of HSTD

The HSTD framework offers several key benefits to organizations. These benefits include:

  1. Standardization: The HSTD framework provides a standardized approach to security management across an organization. This helps to ensure consistency and uniformity in security policies and procedures, which can help to reduce the risk of security incidents.
  2. Flexibility: While the HSTD framework provides a standardized approach to security management, it also accommodates the unique security requirements of each business unit or IT system. This helps to ensure that security is tailored to the specific needs of each unit or system, rather than being imposed in a "one-size-fits-all" manner.
  3. Risk-based approach: The HSTD framework takes a risk-based approach to security management. This means that security controls and policies are prioritized based on the level of risk associated with different assets and systems. This helps to ensure that resources are focused on the most critical security risks.
  4. Centralized governance: The HSTD framework includes a centralized governance structure that is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the framework. This helps to ensure that the framework is effectively managed and that security policies and procedures are consistently enforced.
  5. Improved communication: The HSTD framework promotes improved communication between security teams and business units. By providing a standardized approach to security management, the framework helps to ensure that security risks are effectively communicated and understood by all stakeholders.
  6. Reduced costs: The HSTD framework can help to reduce the cost of security management by streamlining processes and procedures. By providing a standardized approach to security management, the framework can also help to reduce the need for redundant security controls.

Conclusion

The HSTD framework provides a structured approach to managing security across an organization's various business units or domains. The framework is designed to address the challenges of managing security in large, complex organizations with diverse business units and IT systems. The key components of the framework include trust domains, security controls, risk management, and governance. The framework offers several key benefits, including standardization, flexibility, risk-based approach, centralized governance, improved communication, and reduced costs. By implementing the HSTD framework, organizations can improve their overall security posture and better protect their critical assets.