What is the NIST cybersecurity framework?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a comprehensive guide created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations manage their cybersecurity risks. It provides standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity risks in a cost-effective way. The framework is designed to be applicable to organizations of any size, sector, or maturity level.

What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0?

The NIST CSF 2.0 version is a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that is designed to help organizations of all sizes and sectors manage their cybersecurity risks effectively. This framework not only provides guidance for implementing effective cybersecurity practices, but it also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and stakeholder feedback.

The CSF 2.0 is structured around six main Functions — Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Collectively, these Functions create a holistic approach to managing cybersecurity risk.

In February 2024, NIST completed the first significant revision of the framework since it was first introduced in 2014.

Here are some key features of the CSF 2.0:

1. Broadened Scope: CSF 2.0 extends its influences beyond just critical infrastructure sectors. It now assists a wider range of organizations, providing guidance to manage cybersecurity risks effectively.

2. Universal Guidance: The Framework offers high-level cybersecurity outcomes applicable to entities irrespective of their size, sector, or maturity, thereby enhancing their ability to comprehend, evaluate, prioritize, and communicate cybersecurity efforts.

   

3. Flexible Approach: CSF 2.0 proposes a taxonomy of cybersecurity outcomes without enforcing specific practices or controls. It directs to resources for achieving these outcomes, making it adaptable for diverse use cases.

4. Governance Emphasis: The updated Framework highlights the crucial role of governance in managing cybersecurity risks, aligning it with enterprise risk management strategies and stressing the incorporation of cybersecurity into total organizational governance.

5. Supply Chain Security: The CSF 2.0 stresses the importance of cybersecurity within supply chains, advocating for comprehensive risk management programs that include due diligence and risk assessments for suppliers and third parties.

6. Adoption of Profiles and Tiers: The Framework encourages creating and using Profiles to customize cybersecurity strategies to specific organizational needs or sector requirements, and utilizing Tiers to help organizations assess their risk management processes and cybersecurity posture.

   

Before we delve deeper into the the guide of CSF 2.0, Let’s understand with a case study.

Hypothetical Example Case Study

Imagine a Company Acme Inc, an e-commerce platform, adopted the CSF 2.0 to secure their online transactions and customer data. By utilizing the Detect and Respond functions, they were able to quickly identify and mitigate any cyber threats, thereby minimizing the impact on their operations and customer confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing CSF 2.0

Step 1: Define the Scope of the Organizational Profile

Define the high-level context for the Profiles by setting the scope. You can create multiple Organizational Profiles, each with a different scope. When defining your Profile's scope, consider the following questions:

• What purpose does the Organizational Profile serve?

• Does the Profile cover the entire organization or specific divisions, data assets, technology assets, products and services, and/or partners and suppliers?

• Will the Profile cover all types of cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, and defenses, or only specific types?

• Who will develop, review, and operationalize the Profile?

• Who will be accountable for setting goals to achieve the target outcomes?

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

Gather the necessary information, which may include organizational policies, risk management priorities, resources, and cybersecurity standards. The sources you'll need will depend on your use case, the elements your Profiles will capture, and the level of detail you require.

Step 3: Create the Organizational Profile

Determine the supporting information each Profile should include for the selected CSF outcomes. Steps for creating an Organizational Profile are:

• Download and customize the latest CSF Organizational Profile template spreadsheet.

• Include applicable cybersecurity outcomes for your use case and document reasons as needed.

• Document current cybersecurity Practices in the Current Profile columns. Detailed entries can provide better insights for later steps.

• Document cybersecurity Goals and plans for achieving them in the Target Profile columns. The entries can be based on CSF Informative References, new cybersecurity requirements, new technologies, and trends in cyber threat intelligence.

• Use the Priority field to highlight the importance of each Goal.

Example organization profile

Step 4: Analyze Gaps and Develop an Action Plan

Analyze the differences between the Current and Target Profiles to identify gaps. Then, develop a prioritized action plan to address these gaps. By using Profiles in this manner, your organization can make informed decisions about improving cybersecurity risk management in a prioritized and cost-effective way.

Step 5: Implement the Action Plan and Update the Profile

Implement the Action Plan and update the Profile through a combination of management, programmatic, and technical controls. Use the Organizational Profile to track the implementation status as these controls are implemented. Monitor controls and associated risks through Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Key Risk Indicators (KRI).

Observe cyber risks beyond Risk Tolerance through Risk Assessments. Consider activities that follow your Action Plan as part of an ongoing cyber risk management program. Leverage Risk Tolerance statements in Risk Assessments when identifying risks, as well as determining the likelihood and impact of those risks. Updates to the Organizational Profile can result from changes in risks, likelihoods, and/or impacts.

Roles and Responsibilities in Implementing CSF 2.0:

Role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):

• Strategic Planning: As a CISO, You must understand the core functions of the CSF 2.0: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, integrating them into the organization's broader security plan.

• Risk Management: Use the CSF to identify potential security threats, prioritize them based on severity, and allocate resources to prevent or mitigate these risks.

• Compliance and Reporting: You can use the Framework to streamline the compliance process and create more transparent communication channels with stakeholders about the organization's cybersecurity posture.

Role of the Security Manager:

• Implementation: The Security Manager is the on-ground executor. You must apply the CSF to secure operations, updating policies, procedures, and controls to align with the Framework.

• Team Alignment: Align the team and help them understand their roles in implementing the Framework and maintaining ongoing cybersecurity efforts.

• Technology Alignment: Ensure that security investments align with the Framework, enhancing the organization's cybersecurity defenses.

Role of the Security Analyst:

• Detailed Assessment: Conduct detailed risk assessments and vulnerability analyses, guided by the CSF, to uncover any potential security threats.

• Continuous Monitoring: Use the Framework to develop a robust monitoring strategy that includes detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity events in real-time.

• Incident Response: Use the CSF's guidance to improve plans for responding to cybersecurity incidents and strategies for recovering afterward.

Role of the Security Champion:

• Training and Awareness: Develop training programs based on the CSF to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices among all employees.

• Recruitment and Onboarding: Integrate cybersecurity framework understanding into job descriptions and onboarding processes.

Legal and Compliance Officer:

• Regulatory Alignment: Map the CSF to existing regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and to streamline reporting.

• Contract Management: Ensure that contracts with third parties align with the CSF's guidelines on cybersecurity.