CT4-MATURITY™

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"What should I do NEXT?"

What Is CT4-MATURITY™?

CT4-MATURITY™ answers the practical question every security leader asks: "What should I implement next?" It sequences 24 specific controls across 6 maturity levels, with 4 controls at each level. The fundamental rule: complete your current level before advancing to the next. No skipping. This prevents the erratic, haphazard investments that plague most SMB security programs.

Controls

Levels

Per Level

The Six Maturity Levels

6
Resilient
Advanced threat detection and continuous validation. Your organization can detect sophisticated attacks, respond rapidly, and continuously test its own defenses through breach simulation and red teaming.
Controls: Attack Surface Management, Extended Detection & Response (XDR), Continuous Red Teaming, Breach Attack Simulation
5
Secured
Comprehensive data protection and security operations. You have dedicated security monitoring, advanced data protection controls, and proven incident response capabilities.
Controls: DR Drills & IR Capability, SASE & DLP Solutions, Critical Data Encryption, SOC with SIEM/SOAR or MDR
4
Protected SMB Target
Compliance-ready with proactive security testing. You've achieved formal certification (ISO 27001 or SOC 2), conduct regular penetration testing, and follow recognized security frameworks.
Controls: CIS Critical Security Controls, Source Code Review for Critical Apps, External/Internal Pen Testing, ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Certification
3
Hardened
Systematic hardening across all assets. Every system follows security baselines, vulnerability management is continuous, and network security is robust with next-gen capabilities.
Controls: Monthly Credential-based VM Cycle, CIS Benchmarks All IT Assets, DC Next-Gen FW with IPS, Secure SDLC Hardening Program
2
Fundamentals
Basic security tools and processes established. You have vulnerability scanning, network segmentation, and essential perimeter controls in place and operating consistently.
Controls: Licensed/Open Source VM Tool, Quarterly Credential-based VM Cycle, Edge Next-Gen FW with Web/Email Filtering, Network Segmentation with VLANs & DMZ
1
Foundation
Essential baseline established. Licensed operating systems, enterprise endpoint protection, centralized identity management, and basic perimeter firewall. The minimum viable security posture.
Controls: Licensed Windows/Open Source OS, Enterprise Endpoint Protection (AV), Active Directory (Workstations & Servers), Edge Next-Gen Firewall with Filtering

💡 Level 4 Is the Target for Most SMBs

Level 4 (Protected) satisfies the vast majority of customer requirements and regulatory obligations. It includes formal certification, regular penetration testing, and adherence to recognized frameworks. Levels 5 and 6 represent advanced capabilities for organizations with specific requirements. Start at Level 1, progress systematically, and don't skip levels — each builds on the one before.

Assess Your Current Level

CT4-MATURITY™ is covered in depth in Chapter 12 of Cybersecurity Transformation, with detailed control specifications and assessment criteria.

Get the Book → Next: CT4-PROCESS™ →

What Is CT4-MATURITY™?

The Six Maturity Levels

💡 Level 4 Is the Target for Most SMBs

Assess Your Current Level

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