Standards Comparison

    ITIL

    Voluntary
    2019

    Best-practices framework for IT service management

    VS

    APRA CPS 234

    Mandatory
    2019

    Australian prudential standard for information security resilience.

    Quick Verdict

    ITIL provides flexible ITSM best practices for global organizations, while APRA CPS 234 mandates information security governance for Australian financial entities. Companies adopt ITIL for service efficiency; CPS 234 ensures regulatory compliance and cyber resilience.

    IT Service Management

    ITIL

    ITIL 4 Framework for IT Service Management

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Holistic Service Value System linking principles, governance, practices
    • 34 categorized practices for general, service, technical management
    • Seven guiding principles directing value-focused decisions
    • Four dimensions balancing organizations, technology, partners, processes
    • Service Value Chain operating six end-to-end activities
    Information Security

    APRA CPS 234

    APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Board ultimate responsibility for information security
    • 72-hour notification for material security incidents
    • Systematic risk-based testing of security controls
    • Third-party capability and control assessments
    • Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ITIL Details

    What It Is

    ITIL 4 is a globally recognized framework of best practices for IT Service Management (ITSM). Originally developed in the 1980s by the UK's CCTA, it evolved from prescriptive processes to a flexible, value-driven model. Its primary purpose is aligning IT services with business objectives through the full service lifecycle, emphasizing value co-creation via the Service Value System (SVS).

    Key Components

    • SVS core: guiding principles, governance, Service Value Chain, 34 practices, continual improvement.
    • 34 practices divided into 14 general management, 17 service management, 3 technical.
    • Seven guiding principles (e.g., Focus on Value, Progress Iteratively).
    • Four dimensions: organizations/people, information/technology, partners/suppliers, value streams/processes.
    • Certification via PeopleCert from Foundation to Strategic Leader.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives cost efficiencies, reduced downtime, 87% global adoption. Enhances service quality, risk mitigation (e.g., cyber resilience), ROI up to 38:1. Builds stakeholder trust, integrates with DevOps/Agile, boosts careers.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased 10-step roadmap: assess gaps, define roles, pilot practices, integrate tools like CMDB. Suited for enterprises/SMEs across industries; voluntary with certifications. Focuses cultural shift, training ($496+), continual improvement. (178 words)

    APRA CPS 234 Details

    What It Is

    APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding prudential regulation for APRA-regulated entities in Australia, effective 1 July 2019. It requires maintaining an information security capability commensurate with threats and vulnerabilities to minimize incidents affecting confidentiality, integrity, or availability (CIA) of information assets, including third-party managed ones. Adopts a risk-based, governance-driven, assurance-focused approach.

    Key Components

    • **GovernanceBoard ultimate responsibility (para 13), defined roles (para 14).
    • **Risk ManagementAsset classification by criticality/sensitivity (para 20).
    • **ControlsLifecycle implementation commensurate with risk (paras 21-22).
    • **Incident ManagementDetection/response mechanisms, annual plan testing (paras 23-26).
    • **Testing/AssuranceSystematic testing (paras 27-31), internal audit (paras 32-34).
    • **Reporting72-hour material incident notification, 10-day control weakness notice (paras 35-36). Principle-based, no fixed control count.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for ADIs, insurers, super funds to avoid enforcement.
    • Enhances cyber resilience, protects customers/depositors.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, reduces prudential risks.
    • Aligns with NIST/ISO for strategic advantage.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, asset inventory, policy framework, controls/testing, third-party assessments. Applies to all sizes in Australian finance; ongoing APRA supervision, no certification but evidence-based audits. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ITIL
    IT Service Management best practices
    APRA CPS 234
    Information security governance and resilience

    Industry

    ITIL
    All industries worldwide
    APRA CPS 234
    Australian financial services only

    Nature

    ITIL
    Voluntary ITSM framework
    APRA CPS 234
    Mandatory prudential regulation

    Testing

    ITIL
    Continual improvement practices
    APRA CPS 234
    Systematic independent control testing

    Penalties

    ITIL
    No legal penalties
    APRA CPS 234
    Regulatory sanctions and enforcement

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ITIL and APRA CPS 234

    ITIL FAQ

    APRA CPS 234 FAQ

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