ITIL is a widely adopted framework that definesbest-practice guidance for IT Service Management. Its focus is on how organizations design, deliver, operate, and continually improve IT services so they reliably support business outcomes. In cybersecurity and service delivery documentation, ITIL is often referenced because strong service management processes are foundational to secure operations. For example, ITIL practices such as incident management, problem management, change enablement, configuration management, and service continuity help ensure security controls are implemented consistently and that deviations are identified, tracked, and corrected.

ITIL does not define how hardware systems interface securely with one another; that is more aligned with architecture standards, security engineering, and network or platform design frameworks. It also does not prescribe a universal set of components for every technology system; that belongs to reference architectures and enterprise architecture standards. Likewise, ITIL is not primarily a security requirements standard. While ITIL supports security governance through practices like risk management, access management, and information security management integration, it does not itself serve as a mandatory security control catalog.

From a cybersecurity perspective, ITIL contributes by promoting repeatable processes, clear roles and responsibilities, measurable service levels, and continual improvement. These elements reduce operational risk, improve response effectiveness, and strengthen accountability—key requirements for maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability in production environments.