COBIT 2019 vs COBIT 5 What’s The Difference in 2024

COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is an IT governance framework developed by ISACA and has emerged as an essential consideration for organizations seeking to manage their information and technology (IT) effectively.

COBIT 5 and COBIT 2019 are both used for IT governance. When COBIT 5 focuses on managing risks in hotel applications, COBIT 2019 applies to various organizations, including educational institutions and manufacturing companies. COBIT 2019 is an evolved version of COBIT 5 and uses the same foundation and features as its previous version. It retains the core structure and principles but introduces several enhancements to address the evolving IT world.

In this article, we will understand the critical differences between COBIT 2019 and COBIT 5, helping you know which version is a better fit for your career goals.

What is COBIT 5?

Released in 2012, COBT 5 offers guidelines that help companies improve their governance and management. It addresses some of the biggest challenges enterprises often face, including missed IT project deadlines, disconnection between IT and business strategies, and cyber threat problems.

COBIT 5 has been designed with easy integration and can be aligned with various best practices frameworks and standards such as ITIL, ISO 20000 and ISO 27001. Based on five principles essential for the effective management and governance of enterprise IT, COBIT 5 enables organizations to build a holistic framework.

What is COBIT 2019?

COBIT 2019 is basically an update on COBIT 5, and it uses the same foundation. However, it also offers new developments that organizations need today. COBIT 2019 comes with different insights  and guidelines to help businesses grow further.

COBIT 2019 provide companies a more open and flexible framework that is easy to implement and help them solve either a specific problem or making them adopt across the organization. The introduction of a more open-source model allows better ongoing community feedback and future updates.

What is the need for a COBIT 5 Update?

As the world of information technology is evolving, the need for IoT and cloud data has become essential. If organizations need to be successful, they need to adapt to changing times and adopt new technologies. Since COBIT 5 was released in 2012, it lacks the capabilities of managing problems that may arise today. Risk management tools and strategies also need to evolve as risks evolve so that IT operations are ready to assess, manage, and mitigate risks and remain compliant.

Upgrading COBIT was also required to maintain better alignment with current global standards, frameworks, and best practices such as ITIL, CMMI, and TOGAF. Moreover, to remain relevant, it is necessary that COBIT continues to evolve with frequent updates.

Features of COBIT 2019 that are Absent in COBIT 5

The new version of COBIT offers additional features, making it more robust and convenient to use. The main incorporated features of COBIT 2019 include:

• It offers best risk management practices with a sharp focus and helps implement governance protocols that are fully customized as per individual or organizational requirements.
• COBIT 2019 aligns with global risk management standards, security standards, and various other frameworks.
•  COBIT 2019 undergoes regular updates, thus ensuring compatibility with the latest standards and emerging technologies.
• The new version of COBIT's guidelines takes a more perspective approach, offering better integration in governance and risk management.
• COBIT 2019 is an open-source model and easily incorporates feedback into future updates. However, this is subject to evaluation by the Steering Committee to help maintain consistency and quality.
• COBIT 2019 emphasizes on newer technologies. It also takes into considerations various updated operational practices, such as cloud-based systems and outsourcing.

Difference Between COBIT 5 and COBIT 2019

The significant differences between COBIT 5 and COBIT 2019 can be explained as below:

How COBIT Users Can Gain More from COBIT 2019

Since the COBIT 2019 framework received a major update to keep it aligned with the latest business leads, it has become more capable than before. It can now increase business value, reduce business risk, and ensure compliance.

Some other significant advantages of choosing 2019 over COBIT 5 are:

• Better alignment with global standards and best practices
• Regular updates and advancements
• Continual improvement practices
• Flexible approach to IT governance
• Better alignment of IT with the organization’s goals

Why Upgrade to COBIT

Although candidates who have already earned their COBIT 5 certification need not worry as it will not expire, but having the latest ISACA certification provides them an added advantage. COBIT 2019 certification showcases your knowledge of latest standards, frameworks, and compliance requirements and lets you stand as the right candidate who can deliver benefits to a business.

Individuals looking for the advancement in their career should consider looking for a more adaptable framework which has integrated the latest IT best practices. So, decide early and make the transition to COBIT 2019. Click here to register for a COBIT 2019 foundation training session with Knowlathon and start preparing  for the certification exam.