Strategic Security Management for Your Organization

Security Governance

Digital transformation presents German companies with complex security challenges. We support you in developing and implementing a tailored Security Governance framework that takes into account national regulatory requirements, industry-specific standards, and practical implementation experience.

✓Integration of BSI baseline protection, KRITIS-B3S, and cloud governance models
✓Strategic alignment through the COBIT 5 reference model and OCTAVE Allegro methodology
✓Methodical implementation based on the BSI reference process

Your strategic success starts here

Our clients trust our expertise in digital transformation, compliance, and risk management

30 Minutes • Non-binding • Immediately available

For optimal preparation of your strategy session:

Your strategic goals and objectives
Desired business outcomes and ROI
Steps already taken

Or contact us directly:

info@advisori.de +49 69 913 113-01

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Strategic Security Management

Our Strengths

In-depth expertise in national regulatory frameworks and their harmonization
Experience with industry-specific adaptations for KRITIS sectors
Proven implementation approaches with measurable performance metrics

⚠

Expert Knowledge

The dominance of BSI baseline protection (75% of DAX companies), the growing adoption of KRITIS-B3S standards (+40% since 2022), and a 300% increase in CISO roles at mid-sized companies since the IT Security Act 2.0 came into force all underscore the growing importance of Security Governance in German organizations.

ADVISORI in Numbers

11+

Years of Experience

120+

Employees

520+

Projects

We follow a methodical approach to developing and implementing your Security Governance, based on the BSI reference process. Our methodology comprises seven iteratively structured phases that enable thorough analysis, tailored strategy development, and structured implementation.

Our Approach:

Context determination (BSI Standard 200-1) and baseline protection modeling (BSI Standard 200-2)

Gap analysis using the ISIS12 toolkit and risk treatment according to VdS 3473

Certification audit (BSI Standard 200-4) and continuous improvement process (CIP)

Compliance reporting in accordance with TISAX and integration of KPI systems for performance measurement

"Effective Security Governance must strike the right balance between regulatory requirements, technological innovation, and operational feasibility. Only by integrating these three pillars can organizations build lasting cyber resilience that meets the demands of dynamic threat landscapes and evolving regulatory requirements."

Sarah Richter

Head of Information Security, Cyber Security

Expertise & Experience:

10+ years of experience, CISA, CISM, Lead Auditor, DORA, NIS2, BCM, Cyber and Information Security

LinkedIn Profile

Our Services

We offer you tailored solutions for your digital transformation

Security Governance Strategy Development

Development of a tailored Security Governance strategy that integrates strategic alignment, regulatory frameworks, methodical implementation, and continuous improvement into a coherent security concept.

Integration into corporate governance via the COBIT 5 reference model
Risk-based prioritization using the OCTAVE Allegro methodology
Business alignment through Balanced Scorecard approaches

BSI Baseline Protection Implementation

Implementation of BSI baseline protection as the national standard for information security in German companies.

Context determination (BSI Standard 200-1) and baseline protection modeling (BSI Standard 200-2)
Gap analysis using the ISIS12 toolkit and risk treatment according to VdS 3473
Certification audit (BSI Standard 200-4) and continuous improvement process (CIP)

KRITIS-B3S Compliance

Implementation of industry-specific security requirements (B3S) for critical infrastructures in accordance with the IT Security Act 2.0.

Industry-specific architectures for the energy sector, healthcare, and other KRITIS sectors
Threat intelligence sharing via DCSO platforms
Regulatory compliance with the IT Security Act 2.0 and the BSI KRITIS Regulation

Cloud Governance Implementation

Implementation of cloud governance models to address the specific challenges of cloud environments.

Compliance-by-design architectures and CSPM tools (Cloud Security Posture Management)
Zero-trust architectures with continuous verification and micro-segmentation
DevSecOps integration with automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines

Looking for a complete overview of all our services?

View Complete Service Overview

Our Areas of Expertise in Information Security

Discover our specialized areas of information security

Strategy

Development of comprehensive security strategies for your company

▼

IT Risk Management

Identification, assessment, and management of IT risks

▼

Enterprise GRC

Governance, risk, and compliance management at enterprise level

▼

Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Secure management of identities and access rights

▼

Security Architecture

Secure architecture concepts for your IT landscape

▼

Security Testing

Identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities

▼

Security Operations (SecOps)

Operational security management for your company

▼

Data Protection & Encryption

Data protection and encryption solutions

▼

Security Awareness

Employee awareness and training

▼

Frequently Asked Questions about Security Governance

What are the core components of Security Governance?

Effective Security Governance is structured around a tetrahedral model that integrates four key elements.

🔍 Strategic Alignment

• Integration into corporate governance via the COBIT

5 reference model

• Risk-based prioritization using the OCTAVE Allegro methodology

• Business alignment through Balanced Scorecard approaches

📋 Regulatory Frameworks

• BSI baseline protection for the public sector

• KRITIS umbrella act for critical infrastructures

• GDPdU for financial auditing

🛠 ️ Methodical Implementation

• Context determination (BSI Standard 200‑1)

• Baseline protection modeling (BSI Standard 200‑2)

• Gap analysis using the ISIS 12 toolkit

🔄 Continuous Improvement

• Certification audit (BSI Standard 200‑4)

• Continuous improvement process (CIP)

• Compliance reporting in accordance with TISAX

Which frameworks are particularly relevant for German companies?

German companies operate within a complex multi-layered regulatory environment that must be taken into account when developing a Security Governance framework.

🏛 ️ National Standards

• BSI Baseline Protection: Comprehensive framework for the public sector with ISMS based on IT baseline protection profiles

• KRITIS Umbrella Act: Regulatory framework for critical infrastructures with CSMS according to UN R155• GDPdU: Requirements for audit-compliant logging in financial auditing

🌐 International Standards

• ISO/IEC 27001: Global standard for information security management systems (ISMS)

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: US framework with a focus on risk assessment

• COBIT 5: Framework for IT governance and management

🏢 Industry-Specific Standards

• B3S Standards: Industry-specific security requirements for KRITIS sectors

• BDEW Whitepaper: Specific requirements for the energy sector

• Gematik specification: Standards for the healthcare sector

How can the BSI reference process be applied in Security Governance?

The BSI reference process forms the backbone of a methodical implementation of Security Governance in German companies.

📝 Context Determination (BSI Standard 200‑1)

• Definition of the scope of information security

• Identification of relevant stakeholders and their requirements

• Establishment of security objectives and strategy

🏗 ️ Baseline Protection Modeling (BSI Standard 200‑2)

• Recording and structuring of information networks

• Protection needs assessment for information and systems

• Modeling using IT baseline protection building blocks

🔍 Gap Analysis Using the ISIS 12 Toolkit

• Comparison of the current state with BSI baseline protection requirements

• Identification of security gaps and vulnerabilities

• Prioritization of areas for action

⚙ ️ Risk Treatment According to VdS 3473• Assessment of identified risks

• Selection of appropriate security measures

• Development of an implementation plan

What role does cloud governance play in Security Governance?

Cloud governance is an integral component of modern Security Governance models and addresses the specific challenges of cloud environments.☁️ 7-Dimensions Model According to ITIL 4• Compliance-by-design architectures: Integration of compliance requirements into cloud architecture

• CSPM tools (Cloud Security Posture Management): Continuous monitoring of security configurations

• CASB interfaces (Cloud Access Security Broker): Control of access to cloud services

🔒 Zero-Trust Architectures

• Continuous verification of all access, regardless of location or network

• Micro-segmentation of networks to restrict lateral movement

• Least-privilege access to resources based on the principle of minimal authorization

🔄 DevSecOps Integration

• Integration of security throughout the entire development lifecycle

• Automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with integrated security controls

What can Security Governance look like for KRITIS operators?

KRITIS operators (critical infrastructure operators) in Germany are subject to specific requirements that significantly influence their Security Governance.

🏭 Industry-Specific Architectures

• Energy sector (BDEW Whitepaper): OT/IT convergence according to IEC 62443, redundant SOC architecture with 99.999% availability, physical segmentation according to VdS 3473• Healthcare (Gematik specification): TI connector isolation, pseudonymization gateways according to §

206 SGB V, medical device hardening (DIN EN 60601‑1-4)

🔄 Threat Intelligence Sharing

• DCSO (Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation): Exchange of threat intelligence using STIX/TAXII protocols

• UP KRITIS: Public-private cooperation for the protection of critical infrastructures

• Industry-specific CERTs: Computer Emergency Response Teams for specific sectors

📋 Regulatory Compliance

• IT Security Act 2.0: Mandatory measures for KRITIS operators

• BSI KRITIS Regulation: Sector-specific thresholds and requirements

• B3S Standards: Industry-specific security requirements

Which KPIs should be used to measure the effectiveness of Security Governance?

Measuring the effectiveness of Security Governance requires a KPI system that combines quantitative and qualitative indicators.

⏱ ️ Prevention Metrics

• MTTD (Mean Time to Detect): Average time to detect a security incident

• Security Control Coverage: Percentage of implemented security controls

• Vulnerability Management: Number of open critical vulnerabilities

🛡 ️ Response Metrics

• MTTR (Mean Time to Respond): Average time to respond to an incident

• Incident Response Effectiveness: Success rate in handling security incidents

• Playbook Tracking: Adherence to defined incident response processes

🔄 Resilience Metrics

• RTO/RPO Achievement: Compliance with Recovery Time Objectives and Recovery Point Objectives

• DR Drills: Success rate in disaster recovery exercises

• Business Continuity: Downtime caused by security incidents

📊 Compliance Metrics

• Audit Finding Index: Number and severity of audit findings

• GRC Software: Automated compliance monitoring

• Predictive Compliance Model: Forecasting potential compliance violations

How can an effective governance structure for security be established?

An effective governance structure defines clear responsibilities and processes for information security within the organization.

👥 Roles and Responsibilities

• CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): Senior executive with overall responsibility for information security

• Security Operations Center (SOC): Operational monitoring of the security posture

• Security Architecture Team: Design and implementation of security architectures

• Security Champions: Representation of security interests within business units

🏢 Committees and Decision-Making Processes

• Cyber Security Steering Committee: Strategic oversight with C-level involvement

• Security Architecture Review Board: Technical decisions on security architectures

• Incident Response Team: Coordination of responses to security incidents

• Risk Assessment Committee: Assessment and prioritization of security risks

📋 Documentation and Policies

• Information Security Policy: Overarching security policy

• Area-specific policies: Detailed requirements for individual areas

• Standards and procedural instructions: Concrete operational guidelines

• Evidence documents: Logs, reports, audit records

Which trends will shape Security Governance in the coming years?

The future of Security Governance will be shaped by technological innovations and evolving regulatory requirements.

🤖 AI and Automation

• Predictive compliance models using machine learning

• Autonomous security orchestration platforms

• AI-supported GRC tools (Governance, Risk, Compliance)

☁ ️ Cloud Governance Evolution

• Multi-cloud governance strategies

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) 2.0• Serverless Security Governance

🔒 Zero-Trust Transformation

• Identity-centric Security Governance

• Continuous Security Validation (CSV)

• Zero-Trust Data Governance

📋 Regulatory Agility

• Adoption of the NIS

2 directive package

• Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Governance

• ESG integration (Environmental, Social, Governance)

How does Security Governance differ across industries?

Security Governance must be adapted to the specific requirements and risk profiles of different industries.

⚡ Energy Sector

• OT/IT convergence according to IEC 62443• Redundant SOC architecture with 99.999% availability

• Physical segmentation according to VdS 3473• BDEW Whitepaper as industry standard

🏥 Healthcare

• TI connector isolation for the telematics infrastructure

• Pseudonymization gateways according to §

206 SGB V

• Medical device hardening (DIN EN 60601‑1-4)

• Gematik specification as industry standard

🏦 Financial Sector

• BAIT (Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions) as regulatory framework

• Dynamic risk appetite framework

• Fraud detection and prevention

• PSD 2 compliance for payment service providers

How can DevSecOps be integrated into Security Governance?

DevSecOps integrates security throughout the entire development lifecycle and is an important component of modern Security Governance models.

🔄 Shift-Left Principle

• Early integration of security testing into the development process

• Automated security checks in CI/CD pipelines

• Security as Code with Infrastructure-as-Code scans

• Threat modeling in the design phase

🛠 ️ Toolchain Integration

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST) for source code analysis

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for runtime analysis

• Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for open-source components

• Container security with Kubernetes policy enforcement

👥 Culture and Processes

• Security Champions in development teams

• Shared responsibility for security

• Continuous security training for developers

• Blameless post-mortems following security incidents

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Is your organization ready for the next step into the digital future? Contact us for a personal consultation.

Your strategic success starts here

Our clients trust our expertise in digital transformation, compliance, and risk management

Ready for the next step?

Schedule a strategic consultation with our experts now

30 Minutes • Non-binding • Immediately available

For optimal preparation of your strategy session:

Your strategic goals and challenges

Desired business outcomes and ROI expectations

Current compliance and risk situation

Stakeholders and decision-makers in the project

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Strategic inquiries via email

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For complex inquiries or if you want to provide specific information in advance

Security Governance

✓Integration of BSI baseline protection, KRITIS-B3S, and cloud governance models

✓Strategic alignment through the COBIT 5 reference model and OCTAVE Allegro methodology

✓Methodical implementation based on the BSI reference process

Frequently Asked Questions about Security Governance

What are the core components of Security Governance?

Effective Security Governance is structured around a tetrahedral model that integrates four key elements.

🔍 Strategic Alignment

• Integration into corporate governance via the COBIT

5 reference model

• Risk-based prioritization using the OCTAVE Allegro methodology

• Business alignment through Balanced Scorecard approaches

📋 Regulatory Frameworks

• BSI baseline protection for the public sector

• KRITIS umbrella act for critical infrastructures

• GDPdU for financial auditing

🛠 ️ Methodical Implementation

• Context determination (BSI Standard 200‑1)

• Baseline protection modeling (BSI Standard 200‑2)

• Gap analysis using the ISIS 12 toolkit

🔄 Continuous Improvement

• Certification audit (BSI Standard 200‑4)

• Continuous improvement process (CIP)

• Compliance reporting in accordance with TISAX

Which frameworks are particularly relevant for German companies?

German companies operate within a complex multi-layered regulatory environment that must be taken into account when developing a Security Governance framework.

🏛 ️ National Standards

• BSI Baseline Protection: Comprehensive framework for the public sector with ISMS based on IT baseline protection profiles

• KRITIS Umbrella Act: Regulatory framework for critical infrastructures with CSMS according to UN R155• GDPdU: Requirements for audit-compliant logging in financial auditing

🌐 International Standards

• ISO/IEC 27001: Global standard for information security management systems (ISMS)

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: US framework with a focus on risk assessment

• COBIT 5: Framework for IT governance and management

🏢 Industry-Specific Standards

• B3S Standards: Industry-specific security requirements for KRITIS sectors

• BDEW Whitepaper: Specific requirements for the energy sector

• Gematik specification: Standards for the healthcare sector

How can the BSI reference process be applied in Security Governance?

The BSI reference process forms the backbone of a methodical implementation of Security Governance in German companies.

📝 Context Determination (BSI Standard 200‑1)

• Definition of the scope of information security

• Identification of relevant stakeholders and their requirements

• Establishment of security objectives and strategy

🏗 ️ Baseline Protection Modeling (BSI Standard 200‑2)

• Recording and structuring of information networks

• Protection needs assessment for information and systems

• Modeling using IT baseline protection building blocks

🔍 Gap Analysis Using the ISIS 12 Toolkit

• Comparison of the current state with BSI baseline protection requirements

• Identification of security gaps and vulnerabilities

• Prioritization of areas for action

⚙ ️ Risk Treatment According to VdS 3473• Assessment of identified risks

• Selection of appropriate security measures

• Development of an implementation plan

What role does cloud governance play in Security Governance?

• CSPM tools (Cloud Security Posture Management): Continuous monitoring of security configurations

• CASB interfaces (Cloud Access Security Broker): Control of access to cloud services

🔒 Zero-Trust Architectures

• Continuous verification of all access, regardless of location or network

• Micro-segmentation of networks to restrict lateral movement

• Least-privilege access to resources based on the principle of minimal authorization

🔄 DevSecOps Integration

• Integration of security throughout the entire development lifecycle

• Automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with integrated security controls

What can Security Governance look like for KRITIS operators?

KRITIS operators (critical infrastructure operators) in Germany are subject to specific requirements that significantly influence their Security Governance.

🏭 Industry-Specific Architectures

206 SGB V, medical device hardening (DIN EN 60601‑1-4)

🔄 Threat Intelligence Sharing

• DCSO (Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation): Exchange of threat intelligence using STIX/TAXII protocols

• UP KRITIS: Public-private cooperation for the protection of critical infrastructures

• Industry-specific CERTs: Computer Emergency Response Teams for specific sectors

📋 Regulatory Compliance

• IT Security Act 2.0: Mandatory measures for KRITIS operators

• BSI KRITIS Regulation: Sector-specific thresholds and requirements

• B3S Standards: Industry-specific security requirements

Which KPIs should be used to measure the effectiveness of Security Governance?

Measuring the effectiveness of Security Governance requires a KPI system that combines quantitative and qualitative indicators.

⏱ ️ Prevention Metrics

• MTTD (Mean Time to Detect): Average time to detect a security incident

• Security Control Coverage: Percentage of implemented security controls

• Vulnerability Management: Number of open critical vulnerabilities

🛡 ️ Response Metrics

• MTTR (Mean Time to Respond): Average time to respond to an incident

• Incident Response Effectiveness: Success rate in handling security incidents

• Playbook Tracking: Adherence to defined incident response processes

🔄 Resilience Metrics

• RTO/RPO Achievement: Compliance with Recovery Time Objectives and Recovery Point Objectives

• DR Drills: Success rate in disaster recovery exercises

• Business Continuity: Downtime caused by security incidents

📊 Compliance Metrics

• Audit Finding Index: Number and severity of audit findings

• GRC Software: Automated compliance monitoring

• Predictive Compliance Model: Forecasting potential compliance violations

How can an effective governance structure for security be established?

An effective governance structure defines clear responsibilities and processes for information security within the organization.

👥 Roles and Responsibilities

• CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): Senior executive with overall responsibility for information security

• Security Operations Center (SOC): Operational monitoring of the security posture

• Security Architecture Team: Design and implementation of security architectures

• Security Champions: Representation of security interests within business units

🏢 Committees and Decision-Making Processes

• Cyber Security Steering Committee: Strategic oversight with C-level involvement

• Security Architecture Review Board: Technical decisions on security architectures

• Incident Response Team: Coordination of responses to security incidents

• Risk Assessment Committee: Assessment and prioritization of security risks

📋 Documentation and Policies

• Information Security Policy: Overarching security policy

• Area-specific policies: Detailed requirements for individual areas

• Standards and procedural instructions: Concrete operational guidelines

• Evidence documents: Logs, reports, audit records

Which trends will shape Security Governance in the coming years?

The future of Security Governance will be shaped by technological innovations and evolving regulatory requirements.

🤖 AI and Automation

• Predictive compliance models using machine learning

• Autonomous security orchestration platforms

• AI-supported GRC tools (Governance, Risk, Compliance)

☁ ️ Cloud Governance Evolution

• Multi-cloud governance strategies

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) 2.0• Serverless Security Governance

🔒 Zero-Trust Transformation

• Identity-centric Security Governance

• Continuous Security Validation (CSV)

• Zero-Trust Data Governance

📋 Regulatory Agility

• Adoption of the NIS

2 directive package

• Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Governance

• ESG integration (Environmental, Social, Governance)

How does Security Governance differ across industries?

Security Governance must be adapted to the specific requirements and risk profiles of different industries.

⚡ Energy Sector

• OT/IT convergence according to IEC 62443• Redundant SOC architecture with 99.999% availability

• Physical segmentation according to VdS 3473• BDEW Whitepaper as industry standard

🏥 Healthcare

• TI connector isolation for the telematics infrastructure

• Pseudonymization gateways according to §

206 SGB V

• Medical device hardening (DIN EN 60601‑1-4)

• Gematik specification as industry standard

🏦 Financial Sector

• BAIT (Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions) as regulatory framework

• Dynamic risk appetite framework

• Fraud detection and prevention

• PSD 2 compliance for payment service providers

How can DevSecOps be integrated into Security Governance?

DevSecOps integrates security throughout the entire development lifecycle and is an important component of modern Security Governance models.

🔄 Shift-Left Principle

• Early integration of security testing into the development process

• Automated security checks in CI/CD pipelines

• Security as Code with Infrastructure-as-Code scans

• Threat modeling in the design phase

🛠 ️ Toolchain Integration

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST) for source code analysis

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for runtime analysis

• Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for open-source components

• Container security with Kubernetes policy enforcement

👥 Culture and Processes

• Security Champions in development teams

• Shared responsibility for security

• Continuous security training for developers

• Blameless post-mortems following security incidents