(TLP:CLEAR) New SANS Framework Helps Organizations Assess AI Security Readiness

Summary: SANS (A WaterISAC Champion!) recently published its AI Security Maturity Model™ eBook, a framework designed to help organizations assess, govern, and secure their use of artificial intelligence technologies.

The model provides an evidence-based approach for measuring AI security maturity across three core areas: Protect, Utilize, and Govern. It also outlines a five-stage progression model with associated controls, metrics, and actions. The framework is aligned with recognized standards and guidance, including the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), ISO 42001, the EU AI Act, and OWASP recommendations, providing organizations with a structured roadmap for securely adopting and scaling AI capabilities.

Analyst Note: During Andy Bochman’s H2OSecCon 2026 presentation, “Proactive Prioritization: How to Combat Concurrent Digital and Physical Risks (And Not Go Crazy),” a utility asked for credible resources on AI safety and security. This framework directly addresses that need.

As utilities increasingly explore AI-enabled tools for cybersecurity operations, customer service, data analysis, and business processes, establishing governance and security controls around AI adoption is becoming increasingly important. This SANS framework may provide a useful starting point for utilities seeking to evaluate their current AI security posture, identify governance gaps, and align AI initiatives with established risk management practices. Utilities considering broader AI adoption may benefit from implementing formal oversight processes before AI use becomes widespread across the organization.

Original Source: https://www.sans.org/mlp/2026-ai-security-maturity-model-ebook

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 6, 8, 11