SCF Organizations Seeking Certification (OSA)

SCF Organizations Seeking Assessment (SCF OSA) are organizations that are working towards earning a SCF-based certification, but have not yet undergone a SCF CAP conformity assessment.

SCF Certified Organization (SCF CO) are SCF OSA that have successfully passed an SCF CAP conformity assessment and have earned an SCF Certified designation. These organizations have demonstrated conformity with the SCF, establishing the SCF CO as a trusted and compliant entity within the SCF CAP Ecosystem. SCF COs maintain their certification through ongoing compliance efforts, periodic assessments, and adherence to SCF standards.

SCF Certified Organization

SCF CAP Ecosystem

OSAs and COs exist within the SCF CAP Ecosystem:

Most Common Questions About Obtaining A SCF Certification

These are some of the top questions we receive about the SCF certification process. We are more than happy to answer any additional questions you have if there are other questions about the SCF CAP or other assessment-related questions:

FAQ #1 – What will my organization receive upon an SCF assessment?

Once your organization's adherence to selected SCF controls (e.g., NIST CSF 2.0, HIPAA, etc.) is verified by a qualified SCF Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), you will obtain formal certification affirming that your organization meets the minimum standards for reasonable cybersecurity practices. This certification acknowledges effective management of cyber risk and validation of these standards by an independent third-party assessor accredited by The Cyber AB. Should there be identified gaps, certification will only be granted after all necessary corrections have been implemented and validated.

This certification, accompanied by a comprehensive report, can be effectively utilized to demonstrate your organization's cybersecurity risk management and compliance posture to executive management, stakeholders, and potential business partners, thereby enhancing trust and credibility.

FAQ #2 – When can my organization expect to achieve an SCF certification?

The timeline for achieving certification primarily depends on your organization's readiness for assessment. If sufficient documented evidence demonstrates conformity with the controls is readily available, SCF 3PAOs can conduct the assessment efficiently.

SCF assessments emphasize efficiency. Initially, the 3PAO team provides an Evidence Request List (ERL), clearly outlining necessary documentation. With adequate preparation, most evidence reviews are conducted remotely, reducing or eliminating the need for extensive interviews or site visits. Typically, a SCF assessment can be conducted within a few days (depends on the breadth and complexity of the environment), contingent upon the clarity and availability of evidence:

Remote evidence examination significantly accelerates the process.
For controls necessitating interviews or detailed examination, teams typically cover 4-6 controls per hour.

FAQ #3 – What are the estimated costs of an SCF certification?

The cost for obtaining SCF certification varies depending on:

The hourly billing rate of your chosen 3PAO.
Your organization's preparedness and internal readiness.

A general estimate for budgeting purposes would account for approximately 1 control per hour, totaling around 70 hours of assessment labor. However, additional considerations such as technological complexity, geographical distribution of facilities, and potential travel costs must also be factored into the final budget estimation.

FAQ #4 – Why utilize SCF-based processes, materials and SCF-qualified professionals for my assessment?

Leveraging SCF-based processes, materials, and certified professionals ensures your organization benefits from globally recognized best practices and comprehensive cybersecurity controls, widely applicable and rigorously vetted across multiple industries. SCF materials offer detailed prescriptive guidance, clarifying control interpretation and evidentiary requirements.

Adopted by numerous Global 2000 enterprises and thousands of mid-sized businesses for nearly a decade, SCF’s adaptability allows seamless alignment with diverse regulatory frameworks. This standardized approach enhances assessment accuracy and consistency, significantly reducing operational burdens and bolstering compliance efficiency. Ultimately, employing SCF methodologies delivers a strategic business advantage, reinforcing stakeholder confidence through robust, validated, and resilient cybersecurity practices.

FAQ #5 – What support resources are available for SCF Core assessment preparation?

Extensive support resources are accessible to guide your organization in preparing for the SCF certification:

The SCF website provides free, comprehensive guidance materials.
The global SCF community offers significant expertise and practical insights.
Through partnership with The Cyber AB, the SCF Marketplace offers access to experienced consultants, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms, cloud providers, and additional resources designed to streamline your preparation efforts and maximize assessment readiness.

Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your organization's ability to efficiently achieve certification and implement robust cybersecurity practices.