Rapid Security Assessment (RSA) - Deliver maximum insight with minimal disruption

Since 2015 we are using the NIST CSF as the foundation for our Rapid Security Assessment (RSA). Back then, the framework was primarily a tool for us to bring order to an often confusing world. Security requirements were becoming increasingly complex. Many organizations did not know where to start. The framework helped us to create a common understanding and identify specific gaps. Today, after many years of practical application, our approach to the framework has changed significantly. We no longer see it as a rigid grid, but as a modular structure that we adapt individually depending on the size of the company, sector and risk profile. This approach offers particular advantages for small and medium-sized companies. These companies rarely have comprehensive security resources at their disposal. They need pragmatic solutions that take effect quickly. Our approach deliberately avoids complex maturity models or lengthy audits. Instead, we rely on precise assessments, concrete recommendations for action and understandable language. The aim is to make security tangible and practicable, even without an in-house security department or many years of experience in the field of cybersecurity.

Rapid Security Assessments (RSA) is an approach designed to quickly and precisely assess an organization’s security posture. The method is based on the NIST CSF and is deliberately structured to deliver actionable insights in a short time frame. The focus is not on technical details, but on the systematic assessment of risks. We combine structured interviews, document analysis, and targeted technical reviews. Rather than following a rigid checklist, we tailor our approach to the specific needs of each organization, using reduced or customized checks where appropriate to assess CSF controls. Our work with clients is highly collaborative. In workshops and discussions, we partner with the organization to determine which threats are truly relevant. Factors such as industry, business model, and the current threat landscape all play a significant role. Based on this, we produce a concise report with clearly prioritized recommendations. This provides organizations not only with a security inventory, but also a concrete foundation for informed decision-making. The Rapid Security Assessment helps organizations allocate limited resources effectively and invest where the greatest value can be achieved.

The RSA package

Many SMEs struggle to accurately assess their security situation. They know cyber risks exist but often cannot quantify or prioritize them. Limited time, staff, and budgets make comprehensive strategies difficult to implement. Yet it is precisely this understanding that marks the first critical step towards improvement.

This is where the RSA package comes in. Designed specifically for smaller companies, it provides a quick and reliable assessment of their security situation without requiring weeks-long projects. The goal is to deliver maximum insight with minimal disruption. It is ideal for companies seeking actionable recommendations without the overhead of full compliance programs. The package is based on the proven NIST CSF and follows a structured but flexible approach. Together with the company, we select relevant framework functions, analyze existing documentation, conduct workshops to clarify questions, and review technical configurations. The result is a report that highlights deviations from baseline and provides prioritized recommendations.

This pragmatic approach ensures that even smaller companies gain a realistic understanding of their current state and know exactly where action is needed.

Example of Posture Assessment for SMEs, structured according to the NIST CSF:

• Selection of relevant CSF functions: Identification of the most applicable NIST CSF functions and categories based on the organization’s sector, size, and risk exposure. Focus is placed on practical relevance and regulatory alignment.
• Review of client documentation: Analysis of existing policies, procedures, network diagrams, and risk assessments to understand the current cybersecurity posture and identify potential gaps.
• Workshops with SMEs to clarify issues: Interactive sessions with key personnel to validate documentation findings, assess process maturity, and clarify unclear or missing information through structured interviews.
• Technical configuration review: Targeted evaluation of selected systems and infrastructure components (e.g., endpoints, firewalls, identity services) to assess alignment with security best practices and CSF controls.
• Report of deviations from expected baseline: Summary of findings compared against a CSF-aligned baseline, highlighting deviations, gaps, and priority areas for improvement in a structured and actionable format.
• Recommendations for remediation: Clear, prioritized recommendations tailored to the organization’s capabilities, with practical steps for closing gaps, improving controls, and enhancing overall cybersecurity maturity.

The GV.PO package

The new Govern function in the NIST CSF encourages organizations to understand their cybersecurity strategy as an integral part of their business. It enables long-term alignment, clear responsibilities and sustainable improvements. Especially for SMEs, which often lack the human or financial resources to develop this function independently, the _GV.PO package was created.

It offers a guided and adaptable way to define, develop and implement governance policies that are both realistic and effective within the constraints of smaller organizations. The package supports SMEs in two phases to develop and implement governance policies that not only exist on paper, but can actually be integrated into the day-to-day running of the organization. In the first phase, the design, we analyze the existing guidelines together with the customer, propose sensible standards and develop individual specifications on this basis that fit the size and structure of the company. A particular focus is placed on defining realistic parameters and on a clear plan of how technical systems and processes can be aligned with the new requirements. In the second phase, the implementation, we accompany the company over a period of several months. In regular meetings, we jointly implement the planned measures, adapt them to new findings and ensure that the company continuously improves.

This continuous support process creates trust, security and a genuine cultural change. Technical implementation is not viewed in isolation, but is established as part of corporate management. This creates a cybersecurity culture that not only reacts to audits, but also acts proactively and with foresight.

Holistic experts

scip AG was founded on the belief that entrepreneurship and innovation cannot be sustainable without security.

Integrated protection of values and knowledge – a necessity.

With this fundamental and customer-oriented goal in mind, we comprehensively review and optimize your security. We show you how to stay one step ahead of digital attackers with offensive, defensive, and innovative techniques.

Security is our business – so you can focus on yours.

Our interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams advise companies from all industries worldwide. With a long-term, self-financed corporate strategy, we maintain business flexibility and independence. Thanks to continuous research, we always offer up-to-date and well-founded expertise. We publish this knowledge in trade magazines, blogs, and books.