NIST CSF Overview and Guides
Overview
The Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is voluntary guidance released by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2014 for private sector organizations in the US which has been embraced by companies around the world. CSF provides a uniform set of rules, guidelines, and standards for organizations across industries to better manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. If you worry about unseen risks and vulnerabilities, don’t have an accurate inventory of assets that need to be protected, and need a strategic cybersecurity plan, NIST CSF can be a valuable resource. CSF represents the collective experience of information security professionals and is widely recognized as industry best practice.
The framework was created as a voluntary measure to help private sector organizations secure their IT infrastructure. By providing a common language to address cybersecurity risk management, CSF aims to enhance cybersecurity communication inside and outside the organization.
The CSF categorizes all cybersecurity capabilities, projects, processes, and daily activities into three main components:
- Framework Core – is a set of cybersecurity activities. The functions are applicable not only to cybersecurity, but to an overall risk management program. The categories are broad cybersecurity objectives that are further detailed within the subcategories.
- Implementation Tiers – the tiers refer to the degree to which an organization meets the characteristics described in the framework. The tiers do not represent maturity levels, but the degree of rigor and how well cybersecurity is integrated in risk decisions.
- Profiles – enable each organization to create a roadmap for reducing cybersecurity risks.
To sum it all up, the Core represents the cybersecurity activities of the organization, the Profiles provide an opportunity to identify areas where existing processes might be strengthened or implemented, and the Tiers provide context on how an organization views cybersecurity risk management.
Aligning with the framework provides a common language and systematic methodology for managing cybersecurity risk.
Is NIST CSF a certification?
Simply, no.
NIST does not offer certifications or endorsement of Cybersecurity Framework implementations or Cybersecurity Framework-related products or services. CSF is intended to provide guidance solely! The main goal is to encourage organizations in making cybersecurity risks a priority.
NIST CSF Preparation and tips
Well we take care of the preparation piece at TrustCloud! However, though you can use a GRC tool for preparation, there are still some important considerations:
- Make sure you have a dedicated team to handle the effort that an NIST CSF audit demands. Compliance is a team effort and does require intent and continual effort, making sure you have a clear goal and drive will help you succeed in this endeavor.
- Perform an internal assessment to determine your gaps. This will help you determine how much time is needed. This is also something TrustCloud can help you with.
- Document, document, document everything! If its not documented, it is not happening!
We have curated for you a toolkit to help you in your NIST CSF journey! Follow each article below
