What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

5 Core Elements of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The 5 core elements of the NIST CSF are as follows:

1. Identify

The purpose of this function is to enable organizations to identify both digital and physical assets, including existing policies, and regulatory and legal documentation. Likewise, organizations must identify any supply chain risks and other external threats.

2. Protect

The Protect function is to ensure that organizations have implemented the appropriate safeguards to protect their critical infrastructure and assets. It focuses on Identity Access Management (IAM), which includes implementing robust authentication and authorization protocols to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. This function also includes security awareness training, penetration testing, and any other relevant activities.

3. Detect

This function focuses on detecting potential or actual security threats in a timely manner, as well as gaining an understanding of their potential impact. It also includes continuously monitoring all systems and data for anomalous activities, and a means by which to monitor the effectiveness of the access controls in place.

4. Respond

The respond function describes the procedures and protocols for responding to security incidents. This includes developing and testing an incident response plan, communicating the incident to the relevant parties, conducting a forensic analysis to determine the cause of the incident, and carrying out mitigation activities to prevent the threat from reoccurring. The final stage of the response function is to document all relevant details, including a section about the lessons learned from the incident.

5. Recover

The recover function specifies the activities that should be performed in the aftermath of a security incident. Such activities include implementing the procedures for restoring systems to their operational state, reviewing existing strategies to ensure that they are fit for purpose, and ensuring that the incident was properly communicated to the relevant parties.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework Implementation Tiers

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is broken down into four implementation tiers, which are used to classify organizations according to how well their risk management strategies have been implemented. These four tiers are as follows:

Tier 1: Partial

Organizations that fall into this tier are considered to have an ineffective risk management strategy. The risk management processes are performed with little to no foresight or prioritization, and the organization in question lacks a deep understanding of its position in the supply chain, and the security relationships they have with its business associates.

Tier 2: Risk Informed

Tier 2 organizations have an information risk management strategy. While their risk management procedures are usually approved by management, they are not standardized across the whole organization, periodically tested, or treated as a top priority. Organizations in Tier 2 tend not to be open about the information they receive, nor are they likely to act on it.

Tier 3: Repeatable

Organizations that fall into Tier 3 have a formally approved risk management strategy, supported by a range of policies. These policies are regularly reviewed and updated when requirements change, or when there are changes to the threat landscape. Organizations in Tier 3 have a broad understanding of the threats they face, including threats associated with their supply chains. They also share information regularly with their business associates and even sign written agreements with them to ensure that they are aware of their risk management methods, and how they are enforced.

Tier 4: Adaptive

Tier 4 organizations have a cybersecurity program that is able to adapt according to new information, including the lessons learned from previous incidents. They are able to incorporate advanced cybersecurity technologies and practices, and budget for new and improved technologies as they emerge. Tier 4 organizations are able to monitor their systems in real-time and communicate risks effectively with all relevant stakeholders. They will have a comprehensive set of policies that specify how threats should be treated before, during, and after they unfold.

Why should You Use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

There are several compelling reasons why organizations should consider using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework:

1. Comprehensive Approach: The framework provides a structured and comprehensive approach to managing cybersecurity risk, covering various aspects such as identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery. This holistic approach helps organizations address cybersecurity risks in a systematic manner.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: The NIST CSF is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different organizational structures, sizes, sectors, and cybersecurity maturity levels. Organizations can customize and tailor the framework to suit their specific needs and requirements.
3. Common Language: The framework offers a common language and set of standards for discussing, managing, and communicating cybersecurity risks within an organization and with external stakeholders. This facilitates better collaboration and understanding among different departments, teams, and partners.
4. Risk-Based Approach: The NIST CSF emphasizes a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, helping organizations prioritize their cybersecurity efforts and resources based on the potential impact and likelihood of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
5. Alignment with Standards and Best Practices: The framework is aligned with other cybersecurity standards, guidelines, and best practices, such as ISO 27001, COBIT, and CIS Controls. It can complement existing cybersecurity frameworks and initiatives, providing additional guidance and support.
6. Regulatory Compliance: While voluntary, the NIST CSF may help organizations meet regulatory requirements related to cybersecurity. Many regulatory bodies and industry sectors reference or incorporate elements of the framework into their regulations and compliance frameworks.
7. Continuous Improvement: The NIST CSF encourages organizations to adopt a cycle of continuous improvement in their cybersecurity practices. By regularly assessing and updating their cybersecurity posture based on evolving threats and changes in the business environment, organizations can enhance their resilience to cyber threats over time.

Establishing a NIST Framework Cybersecurity Risk Management Program

program involves several key steps to ensure effective implementation and integration within your organization. Here’s a general guideline on how to establish such a program:

1. Understand Your Organization: Begin by understanding your organization’s mission, objectives, business processes, assets, and the cybersecurity risks it faces. Identify key stakeholders and establish clear lines of communication and responsibility.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the NIST CSF: Thoroughly review the NIST Cybersecurity Framework documentation, including the Framework Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles. Understand the framework’s structure, core functions, categories, and subcategories.
3. Assess Current State: Conduct an initial assessment of your organization’s current cybersecurity posture against the NIST CSF. Identify strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and areas for improvement. This assessment will serve as a baseline for developing your risk management program.
4. Define Objectives and Scope: Clearly define the objectives and scope of your NIST CSF risk management program. Determine what you aim to achieve, the resources available, and any constraints or limitations.
5. Establish Governance Structure: Establish a governance structure for your risk management program, including roles, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms. Define how decisions will be made, and ensure buy-in from senior leadership.
6. Develop Policies and Procedures: Develop and document cybersecurity policies, procedures, and standards aligned with the NIST CSF. Ensure that these policies are comprehensive, clear, and accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
7. Risk Assessment: Conduct a detailed risk assessment based on the NIST CSF categories and subcategories. Identify and prioritize cybersecurity risks based on their potential impact and likelihood, considering both internal and external threats and vulnerabilities.
8. Risk Treatment: Develop risk treatment plans to address identified cybersecurity risks. Determine appropriate controls, safeguards, and countermeasures to mitigate, transfer, or accept risks based on organizational priorities and risk tolerance.
9. Implementation: Implement the controls and measures outlined in the risk treatment plans. Ensure that cybersecurity controls are effectively integrated into business processes, systems, and workflows.
10. Monitoring and Review: Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring, measurement, and review of your cybersecurity program. Regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of controls, identify emerging threats, and adjust your risk management strategies accordingly.
11. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization’s cybersecurity program. Regularly review and update policies, procedures, and controls based on lessons learned, best practices, and changes in the threat landscape.
12. Training and Awareness: Provide cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees, contractors, and other stakeholders. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a secure environment.
13. External Collaboration: Collaborate with external partners, vendors, regulators, and industry groups to share threat intelligence, best practices, and lessons learned. Leverage external resources to enhance the effectiveness of your risk management program.
14. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of your risk management activities, including risk assessments, treatment plans, policies, procedures, and audit trails. Prepare regular reports for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate the effectiveness of your cybersecurity program.