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Managing information security systematically

Information Security Governance

82% of cybersecurity incidents trace back to organizational weaknesses — missing roles, unclear responsibilities, and gaps in escalation paths. Information Security Governance closes this gap by translating strategic protection objectives into binding structures. As an ISO 27001-certified consulting firm with over 150 specialist consultants, ADVISORI designs tailored governance models based on the Three Lines of Defense principle: operational controls (1st Line), risk management and compliance (2nd Line), and independent assurance (3rd Line). We build your CISO office, define your hierarchical policy framework, and conduct governance maturity assessments that quantify your current state and deliver a prioritized roadmap — audit-proof for BaFin, BSI, and ISO audits.

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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

Certifications, Partners and more...

ISO 9001 CertifiedISO 27001 CertifiedISO 14001 CertifiedBeyondTrust PartnerBVMW Bundesverband MitgliedMitigant PartnerGoogle PartnerTop 100 InnovatorMicrosoft AzureAmazon Web Services

Strategic Governance Consulting: From Maturity Assessment to Audit-Proof Governance Model

Why Choose ADVISORI?

  • Deep regulatory and industry expertise
  • Proven track record with leading organizations
  • Practical, implementation-focused approach
  • End-to-end support from assessment to implementation
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Expert Consultation Available

Contact our specialists today for a personalized assessment of your requirements.

ADVISORI in Numbers

11+

Years of Experience

120+

Employees

520+

Projects

Our governance approach is based on the Three-Lines-of-Defense model and combines ISO 27001:2022 compliance with pragmatic implementation expertise — audit-ready, regulatorily compliant, and tailored to your organization.

Our Approach:

"ADVISORI provided exceptional expertise and guidance throughout our project. Their deep understanding of regulatory requirements and practical approach helped us achieve our compliance goals efficiently."
Sarah Richter

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

ISMS Governance Setup

Establishment of a complete governance structure for your ISMS in accordance with ISO 27001:2022 — from the top-level policy through steering committees to operational processes. We define decision-making pathways, escalation paths, and reporting structures that integrate information security into your corporate management and fulfill the management review requirements of ISO 27001 Clause 9.3.

    Security Organization & Role Model

    Design and implementation of an effective security organization with clearly defined roles: CISO/ISB, risk manager, Asset Owner, Security Champions, and steering committee. We define responsibilities using the RACI model, establish reporting lines, and ensure that the governance requirements of NIS2 (executive responsibility) and ISO 27001 are met.

      Policy Governance & Document Management

      Development of a hierarchical policy framework: information security policy (top level), guidelines (e.g., access control, incident management), work instructions, and standards. We develop a document management system with approval, review, and versioning processes that systematically addresses the 37 organizational controls of ISO 27001:2022.

        Compliance Governance & Regulatory Mapping

        Systematic management of all compliance requirements from NIS2 (personal liability §38 BSIG), DORA (digital resilience for the financial sector), the KRITIS umbrella act, TISAX (automotive), and GDPR. We create a regulatory mapping, identify overlaps and gaps, and establish a compliance monitoring process with regular reporting to senior management.

          Audit Management & Effectiveness Review

          Establishment of an internal audit program in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO 27001 Clause 9.2. We design the audit cycle, train internal auditors, develop audit checklists, and implement a measure-tracking process. Complemented by KPIs (policy compliance rate, risk reduction, mean time to remediate), the result is a data-driven governance reporting framework.

            Our Competencies in Information Security Governance

            Choose the area that fits your requirements

            Cyber Security Framework

            82% of all cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that a structured framework would have prevented (Verizon DBIR 2024). But which framework fits your industry, company size and regulatory environment? ADVISORI develops your individual cyber security strategy — from gap analysis through framework selection to a prioritised security roadmap.

            Cyber Security Governance

            NIS2 enshrines personal liability of senior management for cybersecurity — with fines of up to EUR 10 million or 2% of global turnover. ADVISORI develops governance structures that clearly define board-level responsibilities, present risks transparently in executive dashboards, and position your organization for demonstrable compliance.

            Cyber Security Strategy

            German companies suffered EUR 206 billion in total losses from cyberattacks in 2023 (Bitkom). Only 15% invest proactively in security strategy (PwC). ADVISORI develops your cybersecurity strategy based on a structured maturity assessment — with a clear 3-year roadmap, prioritized measures, and a robust business case for executive leadership and the board.

            Information Security Management Strategy

            An ISMS is not a paper exercise — it is the operational backbone of your information security. Whether building from scratch to ISO 27001:2022, transitioning from the 2013 version, or optimizing an existing system: ADVISORI brings experience from over 50 ISMS projects. Our proven roadmap guides you in 6–12 months from initial gap analysis through structured ISMS build-up to successful certification — audit-proof and practical.

            Information Security Strategy

            An effective information security strategy is more than a document — it is the strategic compass for all security decisions in your organization. According to the BSI Situation Report 2025, 68% of companies rate the threat level as high or very high, yet only 23% have a comprehensive security strategy. ADVISORI supports you as an experienced strategic advisor in developing a tailored information security strategy: from maturity assessment through security program roadmap to investment planning. Our CISO strategic advisory connects regulatory requirements (NIS2, DORA, ISO 27001) with your business objectives — making security a business enabler. With over 150 specialist consultants and experience from financial institutions, critical infrastructure, and upper mid-market companies, we deliver no standard concepts, but robust strategies with measurable value.

            KPI Framework for Information Security

            Security metrics that trigger decisions — not just fill dashboards. We develop strategic KPI frameworks for board reporting, security ROI measurement, and maturity scoring based on ISO 27004, NIST CSF, and CIS Benchmarks.

            Policy Framework for Information Security

            A policy framework is more than a document collection — it is the strategic foundation of your information security. From the overarching information security policy through topic-specific guidelines to operational work instructions: every level must be aligned, meet regulatory requirements, and function in day-to-day operations. ISO 27001 Annex A Control A.5.1 and NIS2 Article 21 require a hierarchical policy set — but the real challenge lies in strategic design: Which policy architecture fits your organization? How do you ensure policies are lived, not shelved? ADVISORI develops policy frameworks with strategic foresight. We combine ISO 27001, BSI IT-Grundschutz (ORP.1), NIST SP 800-53, and industry-specific requirements into a coherent governance framework. Our approach: policy architecture design, structured lifecycle management, and policy compliance automation — for policies that are audit-proof, clearly written, and sustainably maintainable.

            Security Measures

            An effective IT security strategy starts not with technology, but with prioritization. We analyze your risk landscape, evaluate the cost and benefit of each measure, and develop a security roadmap that deploys your budget where it delivers the greatest protection. Drawing on experience from financial regulatory audits, critical infrastructure environments, and over 150 consultants.

            Zero Trust Framework

            NIS2, DORA, and the BSI Situation Report 2024 make it unambiguous: perimeter security has failed. 70% of all successful cyberattacks exploit lateral movement within the network — exactly what Zero Trust prevents. We implement Zero Trust architectures in accordance with NIST SP 800-207, continuously verifying every identity, every device, and every data stream. As a BeyondTrust partner, we combine strategic consulting with leading PAM technology — for a security architecture that meets regulatory requirements and measurably reduces attack surfaces.

            Frequently Asked Questions about Information Security Governance

            What is Information Security Governance?

            Information Security Governance is the control framework that ensures information security is strategically managed, organizationally embedded, and continuously improved. It encompasses roles and responsibilities, policy hierarchies, decision-making processes, audit programs, and reporting structures. Governance is the bridge between the ISMS (the management system) and corporate leadership.

            What liability risks does NIS2 create for senior management?

            The NIS 2 Implementation Act (§

            38 BSIG) makes senior management personally responsible for overseeing cybersecurity measures. Violations can result in fines of up to €

            10 million or 2% of global annual turnover. Responsibility cannot be fully delegated — executives must demonstrate that they have approved risk management measures and monitored their implementation.

            What is the difference between an ISMS and Governance?

            An ISMS (ISO 27001) is the management system for information security — encompassing risk assessment, controls, and continuous improvement. Governance is the overarching control framework that defines WHO makes decisions, HOW reporting is conducted, and WHICH committees oversee effectiveness. Governance steers the ISMS, not the other way around. In practice, every ISMS requires a functioning governance structure.

            What is the Three-Lines-of-Defense model?

            The Three-Lines model structures responsibilities across three levels: The 1st Line (operational units) implements security measures. The 2nd Line (ISB, risk management, compliance) monitors and advises. The 3rd Line (internal audit) independently reviews effectiveness. This model is the international standard for governance and is equally recommended by ISO 27001, NIS2, and financial supervisory authorities.

            How often should governance audits be conducted?

            ISO 27001 requires at least annual internal audits (Clause 9.2) and a management review (Clause 9.3). Best practice is a risk-based audit cycle: critical areas semi-annually, others annually. We also recommend event-driven audits following security incidents or major changes. ADVISORI supports both audit planning and execution.

            What roles does an effective Security Governance require?

            Key roles include: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Information Security Officer (ISB) as the central control authority, Asset Owners responsible for information assets, Security Champions within business units, a steering committee (Information Security Board) at management level, and internal auditors. The specific design depends on company size and industry.

            How does ADVISORI support governance implementation?

            ADVISORI supports the entire governance build-up: from the initial inventory through the target governance model to operational implementation. We define roles, develop policy frameworks, establish audit programs, and train your teams. As an ISO 27001-certified company with approximately

            150 consultants, we bring best practices from over

            100 governance projects across various industries.

            Success Stories

            Discover how we support companies in their digital transformation

            Digitalization in Steel Trading

            Klöckner & Co

            Digital Transformation in Steel Trading

            Case Study
            Digitalisierung im Stahlhandel - Klöckner & Co

            Results

            Over 2 billion euros in annual revenue through digital channels
            Goal to achieve 60% of revenue online by 2022
            Improved customer satisfaction through automated processes

            AI-Powered Manufacturing Optimization

            Siemens

            Smart Manufacturing Solutions for Maximum Value Creation

            Case Study
            Case study image for AI-Powered Manufacturing Optimization

            Results

            Significant increase in production performance
            Reduction of downtime and production costs
            Improved sustainability through more efficient resource utilization

            AI Automation in Production

            Festo

            Intelligent Networking for Future-Proof Production Systems

            Case Study
            FESTO AI Case Study

            Results

            Improved production speed and flexibility
            Reduced manufacturing costs through more efficient resource utilization
            Increased customer satisfaction through personalized products

            Generative AI in Manufacturing

            Bosch

            AI Process Optimization for Improved Production Efficiency

            Case Study
            BOSCH KI-Prozessoptimierung für bessere Produktionseffizienz

            Results

            Reduction of AI application implementation time to just a few weeks
            Improvement in product quality through early defect detection
            Increased manufacturing efficiency through reduced downtime

            Let's

            Work Together!

            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

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            Desired business outcomes and ROI expectations
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            For complex inquiries or if you want to provide specific information in advance

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