CyberSec 101: What is NIST CSF?

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By Jeffrey Jones Security Blog September 16, 2024

Introduction

The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) provides a comprehensive approach to managing cybersecurity risks. Initially developed for critical infrastructure sectors, its principles are applicable to organizations of all sizes and types. The NIST CSF allows Organizations to provide Better Risk Management, Better Communications, Better Compliance and a more Resilient Cyber Security Program. This article is meant to help those of us who may be getting into Cyber Security or may need a refresher.

First off, NIST CSF blends together a variety of existing standards, guidelines, and practices to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. It does not create new standards but instead provides a unified structure by integrating key standards into its framework. Some of the primary standards and frameworks that NIST CSF aligns with or integrates include:

NIST 800 Series
ISO/IEC 27000 Series
Particularly ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002
COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies)
CIS Controls (Center for Internet Security)
ANSI/ISA 62443
FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act)

Structure

The CSF consists of these components:

Core: The core provides a set of desired cybersecurity outcomes and security controls. It is organized into five key functions:

Identify: Develop an understanding of organizational assets, risks, and cybersecurity policies.

Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure delivery of critical infrastructure services.

Detect: Develop and implement appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event.

Respond: Take action regarding a detected cybersecurity event.

Recover: Develop and implement activities to maintain plans for resilience and restore any capabilities or services impaired due to a cybersecurity event.

Implementation

The CSF is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing organizations to tailor the framework to their specific needs. It supports a continuous improvement process and integrates with existing risk management practices.

Benefits

Risk Management: Provides a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risks.
Communication: Facilitates communication about cybersecurity risks and practices within and outside the organization.
Compliance: Helps meet regulatory and contractual obligations.
Resilience: Enhances the ability to recover from cybersecurity incidents and disruptions.

Conclusion

The NIST CSF offers a robust, adaptable framework for managing cybersecurity risks. By following its guidelines, organizations can improve their cybersecurity posture, align with best practices, and better protect their critical assets Just an FYI for everybody. NIST sets the Cyber Security Standard for the United States. Now, if people are asking why does it matter whether you adhere to standards. Here are the reasons better Risk Management, Better Communications, Better Compliance and a more Resilient Cyber Security Program. See More at the NIST CSF Site.

Jeffrey Jones / About Author

Jeff Jones is a Cyber Security Architect and Ethical Hacker for Topgallant Partners. He has been in Data Communications for over 35 years. He responsible for all day-to-day operations, technical consulting, and security design for Topgallant.

His expertise is in Security Program Design, Security Risk Analysis and Assessment and Cyber Security Testing to include Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Testing, Social Engineering, Phishing, Wi-Fi Exploitations, Password Cracking, Man-in-the Middle Attacks and Web Application Hacking.

He has a M.A. in Computer Resources Management from Webster University and a B.A. in Journalism from Purdue University. He is also a terrible golfer.