Control Framework Mapping

Control mapping creates relationships between requirements from different frameworks, enabling organizations to satisfy multiple compliance obligations efficiently. Rather than treating each framework as an isolated silo, mapping reveals where a single control implementation satisfies multiple frameworks.

The Value of Mapping

Consider an organization that must comply with both ISO 27001 and demonstrate NIST CSF alignment. Without mapping, they might implement separate control sets, maintain separate documentation, and conduct separate assessments. With effective mapping, they implement unified controls, maintain consolidated evidence, and demonstrate compliance to both frameworks through integrated audits.

Mapping reduces compliance burden, improves consistency, and enables holistic views of control coverage. It also reveals gaps where one framework addresses concerns that another misses, enabling more comprehensive security programs.

Understanding NIST CSF Structure

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework organizes activities across five core functions. Identify encompasses asset management, business environment understanding, governance, risk assessment, and risk management strategy. Protect covers access control, awareness training, data security, information protection, and protective technology.

Detect addresses anomaly and event detection, continuous security monitoring, and detection process maintenance. Respond covers response planning, communications, analysis, mitigation, and improvements. Recover addresses recovery planning, improvements, and communications.

Mapping Principles

Effective mapping requires understanding both the intent and implementation of controls in each framework. Controls map when they address the same underlying concern, even if worded differently. Partial mappings occur when one control partially addresses another framework's requirements.

Document mapping rationale, not just the relationship. Explain why a particular ISO 27001 control satisfies a specific NIST CSF subcategory. This documentation proves invaluable during audits and when the mapping requires updates.

Practical Mapping Examples

ISO 27001 Annex A.5.9 on asset inventory maps to NIST CSF ID.AM subcategories covering asset management. Both frameworks require organizations to identify and inventory assets, though they use different terminology and structure.

ISO 27001 access control requirements in A.5.15 through A.5.18 and A.8.1 through A.8.5 map to NIST CSF PR.AC subcategories. The specific implementation may differ slightly, but a well-designed access control program satisfies both frameworks.

Maintaining the Mapping

Control frameworks evolve over time. ISO 27001:2022 significantly revised its control structure from the 2013 version. NIST CSF 2.0 introduced changes from earlier versions. Mapping documentation requires periodic review and update as both source and target frameworks change.