Frontier Ready Assessment Framework
Released: 10/08/2026
AI-enabled adversaries are compressing exploit timelines, multiplying attack capacity, and putting expert-grade capabilities within reach of lower-skilled attackers. Preparing for these threats requires security program transformation: applying security fundamentals consistently, at machine speed, and under concurrent load. The Frontier Ready Assessment Framework provides a structured transformation approach for organizations of all sizes.
Organizations can use the framework to prepare for adversarial use of frontier AI, regardless of their own AI adoption. It organizes 12 categories into three domains (Foundational, Structural, and Operational) and five maturity levels (Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Capable, and Efficient). The tempo of operations charts a journey from human-paced defenses to governed, machine-speed operations.
This public edition of the framework includes:
- A spreadsheet with the framework overview, definitions, maturity grid, framework map, and references
- A poster presenting the maturity grid at a glance
Together, these resources help security teams qualitatively assess readiness, identify gaps, and set specific targets. Topics covered include governance, exposure management, defensive AI, Zero Trust, vulnerability operations, incident response, and recovery.
Key Takeaways:
- How security programs evolve across five maturity levels to defend against AI-enabled adversaries
- The 12 categories supporting security program transformation across three domains
- Seven modernization transformations, including continuous exposure assessment and agent-augmented defense
- How Zero Trust, governed automation, and tested recovery support defenses at machine speed
- How to use the maturity grid to assess readiness and establish improvement targets
Check out the blog to learn about the background of the model.
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Best For:
- CISOs & security program leaders
- Security architects & engineers
- GRC professionals
- Incident response teams
- DevSecOps & AppSec teams
