ITIL
Best-practices framework for IT service management
APRA CPS 234
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.
ITIL
ITIL 4 Framework for IT Service Management
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
APRA CPS 234
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security
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
| Aspect | ITIL | APRA CPS 234 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IT Service Management best practices | Information security governance and resilience |
| Industry | All industries worldwide | Australian financial services only |
| Nature | Voluntary ITSM framework | Mandatory prudential regulation |
| Testing | Continual improvement practices | Systematic independent control testing |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Regulatory sanctions and enforcement |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ITIL and APRA CPS 234
ITIL FAQ
APRA CPS 234 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

NIST CSF 2.0 Deep Dive: Mastering the Updated Framework Core Functions
Unpack NIST CSF 2.0's enhanced Core Functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover. Get SME playbooks, governance shifts & strategies for cyber

Asset-Backed Issuers and SEC Cybersecurity Rules: Applicability, Disclosures, and Compliance Roadmap
How SEC cybersecurity rules apply to asset-backed issuers (ABS): Form 10-D disclosures, ABS-EE risk management, Inline XBRL tagging, exemptions. Roadmap for tru

You Guide on how to Start Implementing NIS2 in Your Organization
Master NIS2 implementation with our detailed guide. Learn requirements, risk assessment, supply chain security, and compliance steps for your organization. Star
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 14001 vs TISAX
Compare ISO 14001 vs TISAX: EMS excellence meets automotive security. Uncover key differences, integration benefits, and certification strategies for compliance success. Explore now!
RoHS vs NIST 800-53
Explore RoHS vs NIST 800-53: EU hazardous substance limits for EEE compliance vs US security/privacy controls. Uncover scopes, strategies & risks to streamline global ops. Expert guide awaits!
ISO 31000 vs Australian Privacy Act
Unlock ISO 31000 vs Australian Privacy Act: Compare risk frameworks, compliance strategies & implementation for resilient governance. Expert insights await!