Understanding the MOD’s Cyber Security Model v4

·

·

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently introduced version 4 of its Cyber Security Model (CSMv4), an update designed to enhance the cyber resilience of its supply chain.

The Cyber Security Model v4 framework embeds a comprehensive approach to organisational resilience, requiring proportionate measures based on risk and reflects the MOD’s commitment to strengthening supplier resilience. For organisations engaging with the MOD, whether SMEs or larger corporations, CSMv4 sets new requirements and redefines expectations around cyber security.

What’s New in Cyber Security Model Version 4?

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of four distinct Cyber Risk Profiles: Level 0 (‘Basic’), Level 1 (‘Foundational’), Level 2 (‘Advanced’), and Level 3 (‘Expert’). These profiles determine the level of cyber security controls suppliers must implement, ranging from demonstrating basic cyber security practices at level 0 to expert cyber security capabilities that embed and implement methodologies such as ‘strength in depth’ to protect against new and evolving threat landscapes at level 3.

These new requirements have increased the number of controls significantly in comparison to version 3, requiring defence industry organisations to apply up to 144 controls (at Expert level 3).

All contracts from Level 0 and 1 onwards require suppliers to hold and maintain Cyber Essentials certification. For Levels 2, and 3, suppliers must meet the more stringent requirements of Cyber Essentials Plus, of which the scope must cover all aspects of the contract and commit to maintaining this over the duration. This enhanced certification involves independent validation of security controls, providing the MOD with greater assurance of a supplier’s ability to defend against cyber threats.

The introduction of these controls outline what suppliers must adhere to based upon their assigned Cyber Risk Profile risk. These controls cover a range of measures, including:

  • Managing Security Risks
  • Protecting against cyber attacks
  • Detecting cyber security events
  • Minimising the impact of cyber security incidents

What Does This Mean for Suppliers?

For SMEs, the changes in CSMv4 represent both an opportunity and a challenge. The enduring requirement to adopt Cyber Essentials formalises cyber security measures, creating a framework for resilience, and stands as the prerequisite to all MOD suppliers required to transfer, or generate MOD Identifiable Information in support of contracts. Meeting the additional controls based on an organisation’s assigned Cyber Risk Profile may create some challenges, however by being able to meet these new requirements, SMEs will demonstrate their commitment to security, which can provide a competitive advantage in future bids.

Larger organisations will face additional complexities, particularly when managing contracts across multiple risk profiles. The need for scalability will be critical as suppliers must ensure compliance with different requirements across their operations. Many larger suppliers already follow frameworks like ISO 27001 and aligning these with CSMv4 will streamline processes while ensuring compliance. Additionally, these organisations must ensure that their subcontractors adhere to CSMv4 standards, which will require careful supply chain management.

Beyond Cyber Essentials: The Broader Scope of CSMv4

CSMv4’s emphasis extends beyond certifications like CE and CE+. At its core, the model is about enhancing organisational resilience, ensuring suppliers are equipped to handle both known and emerging threats. Incident response capabilities play a crucial role, particularly for higher-risk profiles where swift identification and mitigation of breaches are critical.

Supply chain security is another priority, with CSMv4 requiring suppliers to evaluate and manage the cyber security of their own partners and subcontractors. This cascading responsibility ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed at every level of the supply chain.

Proactive measures, such as regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are expected under the updated framework. These practices will not only help suppliers comply with MOD requirements but also strengthen their overall security posture, reducing the risk of costly breaches or downtime.

How Logiq Will Help

Navigating the requirements of CSMv4 will require careful preparation and strategic action.

Logiq can provide tailored guidance to all existing and new DISX clients to help them achieve Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification, to fulfil current and future contractual obligations and ensuring alignment with MOD requirements.

Indeed, Logiq’s DISX secure managed service already meets the security controls required by the highest risk profile level of CSMv4 and is built to meet all Cyber Essentials technical requirements straight out of the box.

As CSMv4 is implemented, organisations must adapt quickly and effectively to meet its demands. Whether implementing Cyber Essentials for the first time or aligning with higher-level controls, Logiq can guide DISX users through the necessary steps to achieve compliance while strengthening your overall security posture.

Conclusion

The MOD’s Cyber Security Model Version 4 is set to become a significant milestone in safeguarding the defence supply chain against cyber threats. By introducing a more comprehensive set of controls that look at an organisation and its systems (including Cyber Essentials and CE+), the model ensures that suppliers of all sizes contribute to a more resilient defence ecosystem. For organisations, compliance will not only be a requirement but also an opportunity to demonstrate trust, improve security, and enhance their standing with the MOD.

If you would like to understand how CSMv4 affects your business or explore how we can support you through these changes, get in touch.


About Logiq:

Logiq is a NCSC-assured cyber security consultancy and secure managed services provider focused on safeguarding critical organisational data. Our clients are amongst the most demanding in the world and have some of the most stringent and complex security needs. We help to design and develop innovative solutions that enable them to focus on delivering their business securely.