What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The cybersecurity framework developed by NIST is an effective tool that may help you structure and enhance your cybersecurity program. It is a collection of rules and recommendations for businesses to follow in order to create and enhance their level of cybersecurity. In addition to providing guidelines on how to respond to, prevent, and recover from cyber incidents, the framework presents a set of recommendations and standards that enables organizations to be better prepared in identifying and detecting cyber-attacks. These recommendations and standards can be found in the framework.
NIST Strategies
Identify
The goal of the Identify process is to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the cybersecurity initiative. This role is helpful in creating a knowledge of how to manage cybersecurity risk across an organization's systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities. This role emphasized the significance of knowing one's business context, the resources that support important operations, and the corresponding cybersecurity risks in order to concentrate and prioritize one's activities in a way that is compatible with one's risk management strategy and business requirements.
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Asset Management
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Business Environment
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Governance
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Risk Assessment​
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Risk Management Strategy
Protect
The Protect feature helps to reduce or control the effects of a possible cyber disaster by outlining the necessary precautions to take before delivering vital infrastructure services. Some of the most important things that this category does are:
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Access Control
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Awareness and Training
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Data Security
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Info Protection Processes and Procedures
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Maintenance
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Protective Technology
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Detect
The Protect feature helps to reduce or control the effects of a possible cyber disaster by outlining the necessary precautions to take before delivering vital infrastructure services. Some of the most important things that this category does are:
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Detect Anomalies and Events
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Continuous Security Monitoring
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Detection Processes
Respond
The Respond operation prioritizes fast response in the face of a suspected cyberattack and helps mitigate its possible effects. Essential duties associated with this position include:
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Response Planning
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Communications
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Analysis
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Mitigation
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Improvements
Recover
Any capabilities or services that were disrupted as a result of a cyberattack may be restored thanks to the work done by the Recover function. The severity of the fallout from a cyberattack may be mitigated by quickly returning to business as usual. Some of the necessary tasks for this function overlap with those of Respond.
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Recovery Planning
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Improvements
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Communications
NIST Framework
When it comes to managing cybersecurity risk, the NIST Framework offers a standardized vocabulary and approach. The Core outlines the foundational elements of a cybersecurity program that may be adapted to fit the requirements of each business. The Framework is meant to function in tandem with an organization's existing cybersecurity program and risk management procedures rather than in substitute of them.
Who's using the NIST Framework?
Any business, in any industry, at any stage of development, may benefit from using the Cybersecurity Framework.
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The Critical Infrastructure (CI) focus of the Framework doesn't limit its adaptability in any way.
Any kind of business may adapt the Framework to its needs by using the built-in methods for personalization (i.e., the ability to alter the Tiers, Profiles, and Core).
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The scalability of the Framework may be attributed to the fact that it is result driven rather than process oriented. In other words, the conclusion may be approached in a manner that is practical for both small businesses with limited cybersecurity budgets and huge corporations with extensive ones. The Framework's adaptability means it may be utilized by companies whose cybersecurity efforts are just getting off the ground, while also adding value to more established programs.
How is NIST being used?
NIST has spent the last several years tracking community adoption of the Framework. For example, we have seen the following trends:
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The executive team has learned the terminology of the Framework and can now conduct meaningful discussions regarding cybersecurity threats.
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The stages have been utilized by businesses to zero in on the best approach to risk management at each level.
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Companies have found that the profile-building process greatly aids their efforts to assess and improve their own cybersecurity.
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Prioritization and allocation of funds for cybersecurity enhancement efforts are being informed by profiles and implementation plans.
