How Can Organizations Use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to Strengthen Their Security?
16 June 2023
Cybersecurity can seem confusing and complex. That's why the NIST Cybersecurity Framework was designed to help companies manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks.
The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cybersecurity Framework is a widely utilized set of criteria and techniques that help businesses enhance their cyber protection. It is a well-recognized and accepted system of standards and recommendations that aid in managing the security requirements of organizations. This framework is both flexible and customizable. It can be utilized across a variety of industries which makes it so powerful. The core functions include Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover - all of which form the basis for an effective security system.
Identify: This feature entails understanding and dealing with security concerns by recognizing and recording the assets, systems, data, and capabilities of the entity. It is essential in order to prevent any unexpected cyber-attacks. Key facets of a successful Risk Management strategy include conducting risk assessments, asset management, and having a defined view of the organization’s appetite for risk.
Protect: The Protect function enables organizations to guard against cyber threats and reduce the risks associated with them. It is a necessary measure for ensuring the safety and security of digital assets. To ensure your business's security and safety, many activities must be taken into consideration. These include the implementation of access controls, employee training on cybersecurity topics, secure configurations of devices and systems, and the use of encryption and backup solutions.
Detect: The Detect function involves setting up systems to recognize any cybersecurity events quickly and efficiently. This ensures that the necessary measures can be taken in a timely manner to protect against threats. To ensure security, organizations should continuously monitor activity, deploy Intrusion Detection Systems, develop an incident response capability and conduct regular audits or assessments.
Respond: Respond function defines the steps to be taken in case of a cybersecurity incident so that proper measures can be taken to address it. For an effective incident response plan, it is important to define roles and responsibilities, create communication channels, and run drills and exercises. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of the plan while also providing greater clarity during times of crisis.
Recover: The Recover function is pivotal in getting your business back up and running after a cybersecurity incident. It helps you recover functionality and services that may have been affected. To keep disruption to a minimum, it is essential to plan ahead and be prepared. This can involve activities like creating and executing a business continuity strategy, analyzing what happened after an incident occurs, as well as making the necessary improvements so that similar incidents don't happen again in the future.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework has been configured to be suitable for the individual needs and demands of each organization. Cybersecurity efforts are now easier for organizations to manage, thanks to aligning with business objectives and effectively managing risks. This also helps in prioritizing the resource allocation process. Organizations of all sizes and industries are adopting the framework to boost their cybersecurity resilience and improve their overall security posture. By utilizing this tool, businesses can ensure they remain prepared for cyber threats.
It's worth noting that the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is completely voluntary and not obligatory. It serves as only a guideline and is not to be mistaken for a regulatory requirement. Cybersecurity regulations and standards often refer to the framework as a standard for good cybersecurity practices. Companies can use this framework to evaluate their current cybersecurity status, recognize any deficiencies, and create plans to improve their security posture.
