SoK: Identifying Limitations and Bridging Gaps of Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Models (CCMMs)

Abstract: In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where organisations are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Models (CCMMs) emerge as pivotal tools in enhancing organisational cybersecurity posture. CCMMs provide a structured framework to guide organisations in assessing their current cybersecurity capabilities, identifying critical gaps, and prioritising improvements. However, the full potential of CCMMs is often not realised due to inherent limitations within the models and challenges encountered during their implementation and adoption processes. These limitations and challenges can significantly hamper the efficacy of CCMMs in improving cybersecurity. As a result, organisations remain vulnerable to cyber threats as they may fail to identify and address critical security gaps, implement necessary improvements or allocate resources effectively. To address these limitations and challenges, conducting a thorough investigation into existing models is essential. Therefore, we conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) analysing 43 publications to identify existing CCMMs, their limitations, and the challenges organisations face when implementing and adopting them. By understanding these barriers, we aim to explore avenues for enhancing the efficacy of CCMMs, ensuring they more effectively meet the cybersecurity needs of organisational entities.