NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF)

NIST CSF Background

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a voluntary framework comprised of risk-based guidelines that leverage well-established cybersecurity practices. It is a scaled-down version of NIST 800-53 designed to help organizations design, implement, and manage a recognized cybersecurity structure, using a flexible and customizable approach. As new cyber threats, technologies, and processes emerge, the NIST CSF will evolve to address the changing landscape.

NIST CSF is broken down into six framework functions. The newest function, Govern, was added with the release of NIST CSF 2.0 in 2024. Each function contains a set of categories and subcategories. The six functions are:

1. Identify: Understand and manage cybersecurity risks to systems, assets, data, and capabilities. The categories within the Identity function are:
   1. Asset management
   2. Business environment
   3. Governance
   4. Risk assessment
   5. Risk management strategy
   6. Supply chain risk management
2. Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical services and the protection of sensitive information. The Protect categories are:
   1. Access control
   2. Awareness and training
   3. Data security
   4. Information protection
   5. Maintenance
   6. Protective technology
3. Detect: Identify and react to cybersecurity events quickly. The Detect controls are:
   1. Anomalies and events
   2. Security monitoring
   3. Detection process
4. Respond: Develop and implement actions to take following a detected cybersecurity incident. The Respond controls are:
   1. Response planning
   2. Communications
   3. Analysis
   4. Mitigation
   5. Improvements
5. Recover: Develop and implement plans to restore services and capabilities damaged in a cybersecurity event. The Recover controls are:
   1. Recovery planning
   2. Improvements
   3. Communication
6. Govern: Align cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls with the organization’s objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements. The Govern controls are:
   1. Organizational context
   2. Risk management strategy
   3. Roles, responsibilities, and authorities
   4. Policy
   5. Oversight
   6. Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management

Because it is less rigorous, NIST CSF does not meet the security requirements needed to achieve certification or compliance with many common standards such as GDPR, CPRA/CCPA, and PCI DSS.  NIST 800-53 or 800-171 is a better option for organizations that need to comply with one or more of those standards. NIST CSF can be used to comply with HIPAA security standards.

Benefits of NIST CSF Compliance

For small and medium-sized businesses and organizations NIST CSF is a proven framework to defend against cyber threats and establish a unified approach to security throughout the enterprise. NIST CSF utilizes an adaptive approach that will account for emerging threats. Your organization will likely find the continuous compliance strategy more effective and efficient than a one-off audit strategy.

Adhering to the highly recognized standard will allow your business to meet potential customers’ security requirements. NIST CSF compliance will build trust with your vendors, suppliers, and partners and help enable business growth.

NIST CSF Resources

NIST offers resources to help businesses successfully implement NIST CSF. The CSF Online Learning page contains modules focused on:

• Uses and Benefits of the Framework
• History and Creation of the Framework
• Introduction to the Framework Roadmap
• Cybersecurity Framework Components
• The Five Functions
• Informative References

The CSF 2.0 Resource Center includes Quick Start Guides, FAQs, and more.

How We Can Help

CompliancePoint’s team of cybersecurity experts offers decades of experience your organization can leverage. We can help design and implement controls that will meet the requirements of whichever NIST standard is the right fit for you. Once implemented, we can help manage your security program on an ongoing basis to ensure continuous compliance.