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Gap Analysis

Gap Analysis is a process used to evaluate the difference between an organization's current performance and its desired performance. The goal is to identify areas for improvement to bridge the gap between the current state and the desired state. It can be used to improve operations, processes, performance, or cybersecurity posture.

Steps in Conducting a Gap Analysis

  1. Define the Scope

    • Identify specific areas of the organization to evaluate.
    • Determine the desired outcome of the analysis.

  2. Gather Data

    • Collect data on the current state of the organization.
    • Use surveys, interviews, or other data collection methods.

  3. Analyze Data

    • Analyze gathered data to identify gaps between current performance and desired performance.

  4. Develop a Plan

    • Create a plan to address the gaps identified.
    • Include specific goals, objectives, and a timeline for achieving them.

Example: Cloud Migration and Security Gap Analysis

  • Current State: On-premise security measures (firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data access controls).
  • Desired State: Cloud provider security standards (e.g., AWS, Azure).
  • Identified Gaps:
    • Outdated encryption methods (not aligned with cloud's encryption at rest protocols).
    • On-premise access controls incompatible with cloud's Identity and Access Management (IAM) models.
  • Plan: Enhance encryption techniques and modify IAM policies for a secure migration to the cloud.

Types of Gap Analysis

  1. Technical Gap Analysis

    • Focuses on the organization's technical infrastructure and its ability to support security solutions.
    • Example: Evaluating if the current network infrastructure can support encryption or a zero trust architecture.
    • Plan: Upgrade infrastructure to meet required technical capabilities.

  2. Business Gap Analysis

    • Focuses on business processes and their ability to support new solutions (e.g. cloud-based solutions).
    • Example: Assessing if current data management processes are efficient enough for cloud-based storage or sharing.
    • Plan: Improve business processes to align with new technological solutions.

Real-World Example: Vulnerability Assessment

  • Current State: Weekly vulnerability assessments identified weak points in the system.
  • Identified Gaps: Software vulnerabilities, insufficient encryption for data in transit, outdated database configurations.
  • Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M):
    • Prioritize critical vulnerabilities (patching software, updating database configurations).
    • Allocate resources and set timelines for remediation.
    • Use POA&M to close the gap between the current state and desired security level.