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What is the NIST cybersecurity framework? Cybersecurity frameworks explained

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Cybersecurity frameworks function just like any other set of rules – they help to avoid chaos and lower the chances of failure. In cybersecurity, such rules shield companies against security risks and help them survive cyberattacks. That’s precisely what the NIST framework was created for. Discover how businesses in different industries can benefit from the NIST cybersecurity framework and what its guidelines are about.

What is the NIST cybersecurity framework? Cybersecurity frameworks explained

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What is a cybersecurity framework?

Cybersecurity framework definition

A cybersecurity framework (CSF) is a set of standards and rules that help organizations take the right actions to reduce cybersecurity threats. There are many types of frameworks – some are designed to work in one specific industry, and others offer general guidelines regardless of the industry.

Cybersecurity frameworks typically involve risk evaluation, protective measures, and incident response. The main idea is to ensure business operations continue after a possible attack. CSFs act as a foundation for effective cybersecurity risk management.

What is the NIST cybersecurity framework?

The NIST cybersecurity framework is a set of guidelines that help evaluate a business security system and guide the company to improve its security posture.

This framework was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Its purpose was to address a lack of cybersecurity standards within organizations and provide general guidelines for companies in various industries to improve their preparation for cybersecurity threats.

One of the best parts about the NIST CSF is its flexibility. The framework shows companies how to use their security resources most efficiently. This means organizations can choose how much of the NIST principles they want to integrate. While the NIST compliance is voluntary, it outlines the best cybersecurity practices and how to get the most out of them.

The History of the NIST CSF

The NIST CSF came to life in 2014 when the NIST published its CSF Version 1.0 for critical infrastructure services. After a couple of years, in 2018, the NIST released CSF Version 1.1 for public use. Both framework versions are compatible with each other and with the most current Version 2.0, released in 2024.

The latest NIST CSF Version 2.0 offers a broader range of guidelines for managing businesses in a world brimming with cyberthreats, including more details on supply chain risk management.

The five core elements of the NIST cybersecurity framework

Though the NIST is not a compulsory framework, its benefits make it popular among companies of various backgrounds. This CSF is based on the best security protocols and has five essential elements.

Identify

The first thing a company needs to do to draw an effective plan against cyberthreats is to identify what exactly needs to be secured – the company’s most critical resources. At this stage, the NIST urges companies to analyze their business context and related cybersecurity risks and review the already-established cybersecurity program.

Protect

During this stage, a company decides what security controls it needs to protect its critical infrastructure. It’s the right time to overview access control, access management, and data security, take care of employee training, and make sure maintenance procedures and protective technology are intact.

Detect

The longer a cybercriminal has their hands on a company’s critical assets, the bigger the damages. That’s why one of the most essential parts of the NIST framework is cyber threat detection. Companies are urged to implement appropriate safeguards that would alert them in case of a cyberattack. This includes looking out for anomalies, identity management, and continuous monitoring of system functions.

Respond

Every successful cybersecurity risk management strategy should include an adequate response to pressing threats. The NIST, too, offers guidelines on how to build an effective response mechanism before the threat actually strikes. This includes processes like analyzing detected threats and their mitigation, all done in a timely manner. Organizations are encouraged to establish communication protocols and regularly update response plans.

Recover

The main purpose of any cybersecurity framework is to ensure business continuity even after a cyberattack. The NIST framework is no exception. It provides insight on how to successfully prepare a recovery plan based on the business specifics and improve this plan following the changing cybercrime scene.

Should you use the NIST cybersecurity framework?

Yes, the NIST cybersecurity framework provides a structured approach to tackling various cybersecurity threats based on best practices. It helps evaluate your company’s critical resources, train your employees to be focused on the most pressing risks, and efficiently deal with cyberthreats or avoid them altogether.

This CSF was developed to benefit companies in various fields and industries. It offers the flexibility needed to adapt to a changing cybersecurity scene and is extremely valuable for enhancing a business’ cybersecurity posture.

Implementing the NIST cybersecurity framework

The NIST implementation is voluntary, so companies can decide how thoroughly they’d like to follow the framework’s guidelines. Companies can choose among four tiers of implementation:

  • Partial. The organization has implemented some aspects of the guidelines, but its actions against cyberattacks are reactive rather than planned. The employees have only a limited awareness of cybersecurity risks and secure asset management.
  • Risk informed. The company doesn’t have the knowledge necessary to foresee and manage cybersecurity risks. However, its employees are aware of the cybersecurity threats and informally share information about possible risks.
  • Repeatable. The organization has an easy-to-repeat, organization-wide security management plan. Employees can monitor and respond to cyberattacks effectively because they’re aware of the current cybersecurity threats.
  • Adaptive. The company follows the latest trends and news in the cybersecurity field and is ready to tackle cybersecurity threats. The employees are trained to respond to various security risks and are familiar with all the procedures necessary to reduce the negative impact.

What other cybersecurity frameworks are available?

The NIST cybersecurity framework is far from being the only framework to grant security for organizations and their customers. Below are the most current and widely used cybersecurity frameworks:

  • ISO 27001 certifies that a company maintains an effective information security management system (ISMS).
  • ISO 27002 provides guidelines for must-have information security policies.
  • SOC2 certification shows that a company securely manages its clients’ data and protects their privacy.
  • NERC-CIP are mandatory standards that indicate how companies in the utility and power sectors should secure their bulk electric systems.
  • HIPAA regulations oversee that healthcare organizations protect and securely keep patients’ electronic health information.
  • GDPR is a regulation that requires companies to protect EU citizens’ data privacy.
  • FISMA is a law in the US that requires federal agencies to protect sensitive government data.