Graded Cybersecurity Protection: Practices and Challenges in System Implementation

Abstract

The Graded Protection of Cybersecurity scheme represents a foundational regulatory framework for information security system construction in China. This paper conducts a systematic investigation into the practical implementation and emergent challenges of Graded Protection evaluation within contemporary organizational contexts. Through a mixed-methods approach combining policy analysis, case studies, and expert interviews, we examine the complete evaluation lifecycle—from initial system classification and gap assessment to formal evaluation and continuous compliance. Our findings reveal that while the scheme has successfully institutionalized baseline security controls and raised organizational awareness, significant implementation barriers persist. These include technical difficulties in accurately classifying complex cloud-native and hybrid systems, operational burdens associated with compliance documentation, and strategic challenges in maintaining dynamic compliance amid evolving technologies and threat landscapes. The study further identifies critical gaps in evaluator expertise, particularly regarding emerging technologies such as IoT and industrial control systems, and discusses the tensions between standardized compliance requirements and organization-specific risk profiles. Based on these findings, we propose a maturity model for graded protection implementation and recommend strategies for enhancing evaluation effectiveness, including the development of technology-specific implementation guides and the integration of continuous monitoring mechanisms. This research provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for policymakers, evaluators, and organizations navigating China's evolving cybersecurity regulatory landscape.