by Alex Joseph
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of voluntary guidelines, standards, and best practices developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Originally designed for critical infrastructure, it is now widely adopted across all sectors and organization sizes, both in the U.S. and globally .
2013: Executive Order 13636 calls for improved cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
2014: NIST CSF Version 1.0 released.
2018: Version 1.1 released, adding supply chain risk management and self-assessment enhancements.
2024: Version 2.0 released, introducing the "Govern" function and expanding global applicability .
Risk Management: Provides a flexible, scalable approach to managing cybersecurity risk.
Integration: Aligns with existing standards and best practices.
Communication: Offers a common language for internal and external cybersecurity discussions.
Continuous Improvement: Encourages regular assessment and enhancement of cybersecurity practices .
The Core is organized into six key functions (as of v2.0):
Govern
Establish and monitor the organization's cybersecurity risk management strategy, policies, and roles. (New in v2.0)
Identify
Understand the business context, resources, and risks to manage cybersecurity efforts.
Protect
Implement safeguards to ensure delivery of critical services.
Detect
Identify the occurrence of cybersecurity events.
Respond
Take action regarding detected cybersecurity incidents.
Recover
Restore capabilities or services impaired by cybersecurity incidents.
Each function is divided into categories and subcategories detailing specific activities and outcomes .
Tiers describe the degree to which an organization’s cybersecurity risk management practices exhibit the characteristics defined in the framework:
1
Partial: Ad hoc, reactive, limited awareness of risks.
2
Risk-Informed: Some risk management, but not standardized across the organization.
3
Repeatable: Formalized, standardized, and regularly updated practices.
4
Adaptive: Continuous improvement, proactive, integrated into organizational culture.
Tiers are not maturity levels but benchmarks for improvement .
Current Profile: Describes the organization’s current cybersecurity posture.
Target Profile: Describes the desired state of cybersecurity.
Gap Analysis: Comparing profiles helps identify and prioritize improvement actions .
Establishes and monitors cybersecurity risk management strategy, policies, and roles.
Ensures alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements .
Asset Management: Inventory of data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities.
Business Environment: Understanding mission, objectives, and critical functions.
Governance: Policies, procedures, and processes for cybersecurity.
Risk Assessment: Identifying and evaluating risks.
Risk Management Strategy: Defining risk tolerance and priorities.
Supply Chain Risk Management: Managing third-party and supply chain risks .
Identity Management & Access Control: Managing access to assets.
Awareness & Training: Ensuring personnel are trained.
Data Security: Protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Information Protection Processes: Policies and procedures for protection.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance of systems.
Protective Technology: Implementing technical security solutions .
Anomalies & Events: Detecting unusual activity.
Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of systems.
Detection Processes: Testing and maintaining detection capabilities .
Response Planning: Executing response plans.
Communications: Coordinating internal and external communications.
Analysis: Analyzing incidents and response effectiveness.
Mitigation: Containing and mitigating incidents.
Improvements: Incorporating lessons learned .
Recovery Planning: Restoring services and capabilities.
Improvements: Updating recovery strategies.
Communications: Coordinating recovery communications .
Flexible & Scalable: Adaptable to any organization, regardless of size or sector.
Not Prescriptive: Complements, not replaces, existing cybersecurity programs.
Risk-Based: Focuses on managing cybersecurity as an ongoing risk management process .
Healthcare: Enhanced cybersecurity posture through CSF adoption.
Financial Services: Standardized security across subsidiaries.
Utilities: Improved incident response and resilience.
Local Government: Assessed and improved cybersecurity using CSF.
Cloud Providers: Achieved regulatory compliance and structured controls.
Small Businesses: Protected data and improved security with CSF .
Govern
Risk Management Strategy, Policy Development, Roles & Responsibilities
Identify
Asset Management, Business Environment, Governance, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain Risk Management
Protect
Access Control, Awareness & Training, Data Security, Maintenance, Protective Technology
Detect
Anomalies & Events, Continuous Monitoring, Detection Processes
Respond
Response Planning, Communications, Analysis, Mitigation, Improvements
Recover
Recovery Planning, Improvements, Communications
NIST Quick Start Guides: Step-by-step implementation instructions.
Resource Repository: Case studies, mappings, educational materials.
Implementation Examples: Available for various sectors and organization sizes .
The NIST CSF is a globally recognized, flexible framework for managing cybersecurity risk.
Version 2.0 introduces the "Govern" function and aligns more closely with privacy and risk management.
The framework is structured around six core functions, implementation tiers, and profiles for continuous improvement.
Widely applicable, with real-world success stories across industries.
Use this cheat sheet as a high-level guide to understanding, communicating, and implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework in your organization.