# Security Governance Maturity Assessment - **PURPOSE:** Helps organizations evaluate their current security governance maturity and identify practical steps for improvement. - **WHEN TO USE:**During annual security program reviews, after significant organizational changes, or when planning governance improvements. **Instructions: Rate your organization's maturity in each area on a scale of 1-4:** 1 = Initial/Ad Hoc: Few formal processes, reactive approach 2 = Traditional: Formal processes exist but implementation may be inconsistent 3 = Advanced: Consistent processes with regular measurement and improvement 4 = Optimal: Adaptive processes that balance security with business agility ## SECTION 1: DECISION AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY \_\_\_ Clear decision rights for security matters are documented (RACI) \_\_\_ Security risk acceptance process is defined and followed \_\_\_ Escalation thresholds for security decisions are established \_\_\_ Security exceptions have clear approval processes and ownership \_\_\_ Business leaders are accountable for security risks in their areas \_\_\_ Security leaders have appropriate authority for technical decisions ## SECTION 2: GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES \_\_\_ Board-level oversight of security risks is formalized \_\_\_ Executive-level security committee exists with clear charter \_\_\_ Appropriate reporting relationship for the CISO \_\_\_ Cross-functional input into security decisions \_\_\_ Regular security reporting to executive leadership \_\_\_ Security governance documentation is current and accessible ## SECTION 3: INTEGRATION WITH BUSINESS \_\_\_ Security risks are evaluated in business terms \_\_\_ Business leaders participate actively in security governance \_\_\_ Security considerations are included in strategic planning \_\_\_ Risk appetite statements guide security decisions \_\_\_ Security investments align with business priorities \_\_\_ Security metrics reflect business impact ## SECTION 4: PROCESSES AND OPERATIONS \_\_\_ Regular review of security policies and standards \_\_\_ Security governance adapts to changing business needs \_\_\_ Feedback mechanisms exist for governance effectiveness \_\_\_ Information flows between governance bodies are defined \_\_\_ Governance operates at appropriate speed for business needs \_\_\_ Security governance decisions are documented and tracked ## MATURITY SCORE CALCULATION: Total the ratings and divide by 24 to get your overall maturity score. •Score 1.0-1.9: Initial/Ad Hoc Stage •Score 2.0-2.9: Traditional Stage •Score 3.0-3.9: Advanced Stage •Score 4.0: Optimal Stage ## IMPROVEMENT PLANNING: 1. Identify the three lowest-scoring items as priorities for improvement 2. For each priority area, document: - Current state - Target state (realistic for next 12 months) - Key stakeholders needed for improvement - Specific actions to advance maturity - Timeline and resource requirements - Success metrics 3. Develop an implementation roadmap with quarterly milestones 4. Plan to reassess maturity in 12 months to measure progress ## IMPLEMENTATION TIPS: - Have multiple stakeholders complete the assessment independently, then compare results - Focus improvement efforts on areas that will provide the most business value - Tailor the maturity targets to your organization's size and industry requirements *** (c)[Kayne McGladrey](https://kaynemcgladrey.com/) - [Get the full book "Cyber Risk is a Myth"](https://www.routledge.com/Cyber-Risk-is-a-Myth-A-Business-Approach-to-Integrated-Risk-Management/McGladrey/p/book/9781041249054)