So, how to implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. Government agency that is used to measure, ensure, and uphold standards in various scientific fields such as information technology, physical science, material and physical measurement, and so on.
The agency has much historical significance and has undertaken several highly respected endeavors. Its standardizations and research are referred to by and form the base of a large number of organizations from all around the world, despite being a U.S.-based agency.
In 2014, it proposed a groundbreaking voluntary framework in the field of cybersecurity practices. After a brief introduction, this article will proceed to discuss “how to implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework”.
1. What Is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?
In February 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology introduced a voluntary framework and guide for organizations to follow to significantly reduce their cybersecurity risk. An extension to it was later introduced in April of 2018 which amended it to Version 1.1.
The framework was made necessary for the United States of America federal government agencies to follow. Thanks to the framework, many institutions recognized where their security was lacking. They then used the very same framework to make changes to strengthen their security posture.
1.1 Overview
No matter the size or scale of the business, this framework can be used by any organization to maintain and uphold favorable security practices. It dictates the steps an organization should take to minimize security risks and eliminate any outstanding ones. The guide is divided into three main parts: ‘Core’, ‘Profile’, and ‘Tiers’. Each category is, then, further divided into hundreds of subcategories.
Since it is difficult to discuss a document as extensive as this in detail, light will be shed in a bird’s eye view manner. Following are the categories that summarize the framework in brief and provide a basic process for organizations to mitigate risks and develop a favorable security posture.
1.1.1 Identify
“Develop the organizational understanding to manage cybersecurity risks to systems, assets, data, and capabilities.”
1.1.2 Protect
“Develop and implement the appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of critical infrastructure services.”
1.1.3 Detect
“Detect and implement the appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event.”
1.1.4 Respond
“Develop and implement the appropriate activities to take action regarding a detected cybersecurity incident.”
1.1.5 Recover
“Develop and implement the appropriate activities to maintain plans for resilience and to restore any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cybersecurity incident.”
1.2 Future
The NIST compliance framework is an ever-evolving one. Since it is openly available for public comment, suggesting changes in the guide becomes easier for the common folk. Edits continue to be recommended and updates are made available on the official NIST page. A second version NIST framework with several amendments building upon the original one is expected to be out soon. The guide is ready to adapt to changing times and provides information based on the latest guidelines.
2. How to Implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?
Contrary to popular belief, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework affects more than just the software section of any company. Every individual member of a company is affected by the entire company’s security level. The size of the organization is no bar, the guide provides cost-effective solutions to overcome security issues.
The framework sets a gold standard for security risk mitigation. Several studies conducted on the effectiveness of the framework returned overwhelmingly positive results. Over 70% of organizations consider the NIST Cybersecurity Framework among the best practices for managing and improving internal security. Issues such as data breaches, leaking of private files online, and unauthorized access to information are some major issues targeted by the Cyber Security Framework.
The framework does not dismiss the existing standards, guidelines, and practices. Rather, it builds upon them and uses those very ideas in birthing much better ones. It makes great use of the old proverb of prevention being better than cure. Also, it greatly enhances the risk detection and management procedure.
It also helps a company shift its approach to cyber risk management from reactive to proactive. Hence, its reach widens with each passing year and it is being taken up by many private sector organizations and a growing number of businesses. Discussed forth are certain steps an organization must take to implement the framework.
2.1 Realize the Scope
With thorough discussion with the organization members, a scope must have legal and regulatory requirements must be decided upon. The organization must be clear on its stands and functioning levels. Permissible risks, goals to achieve and effort to be put in should be made transparent. The time, effort, and capital to be put in should be realized. A clearly defined scope helps a company be more efficient in the framework implementation process and build upon its current practices.
2.2 Developing a Profile
A base profile needs to be formed for proper implementation of the framework. A company should realize the potential risks, highlight the pre-existing security measures, and quantify resources. Based upon the reaction approach, the framework divides a company stance into 4 tiers which it can choose from.
With tier 1 being partial, tier 2 being risk-informed, tier 3 being repeatable and tier 4 being adaptive, the company needs to be clear on its ideas. Moving through the tiers can prove unhealthy for an organization and may adversely affect its financial resources.
2.3 Risk Assessment
Security audits must be conducted to enhance the organization’s self-understanding. This will help the institute realize its shortcomings and assess itself in a meaningful manner. Software tools used for such tasks can be implemented. The likelihood of a security breach must be considered.
A pseudo-scoring system can be developed. This can then be used to rate all risks and measures. The scores given can be reviewed to determine which facets pose a genuine threat to the organization’s safety. Referring to NIST standards is highly necessary during this step to have an ideal comparison and thus realize one’s state.
2.4 Reviewing Gaps
After completing the above-mentioned steps, they need to be reviewed well. Since it is highly crucial for the steps to follow, the findings from earlier steps should not have any gaps. Any such complications that slip under the radar can cause the company immense trouble and can open them to security attacks. Observations gathered through the process can now be shared with stakeholders for a final review.
Those whose future can be affected by the company must be in the loop throughout the implementation and the risk management strategy assessment process. Only when an organization owns up to its problems can it solve them? Not communicating the risks, vulnerabilities, and plan of action with the staff might instill in them a sense of being cheated. This can lead them to lose faith in the organization. Transparency is important for smooth functioning.
2.5 Listing Targets
Now armed with the imperative information, the organization can start to map out the implementation process. Target areas can be listed and highlighted. The sectors that need to be worked on can be given special attention. Risks can be assessed and given the required amount of attention.
A target profile needs to be created which will prove to be the blueprint for implementation. Required resources to be put in and the priority level for each issue is determined at this level. This marks the penultimate lap in the race to an uptight security posture with fewer vulnerabilities.
Allocation must be done with a cost-effective and targeted solution in mind. A strong and thorough review means smooth implementation. Mistakes in this step can highly affect the implementation and cause unwanted issues for the company to deal with. Any risks that seem unmanageable at the moment should also be duly noted to make sure that they are addressed later.
2.6 Implementation
The final part of the implementation risk management process is putting the plan being developed for managing cybersecurity risk from the previous steps into action. This process must be well documented. It may involve adding new processes or updating the ones currently in place. This entire process must be repeated at regular intervals to ensure absolute elimination of risks.
3. How to Implement NIST Cybersecurity Framework? Conclusion
Cyber security is not a box to be marked once and then forgotten about. It demands utmost care and attention. NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a set of guidelines that can be followed to attain a good level of security in an organization. However, it is the organization that must ensure proper implementation of said framework to ensure an upstanding security posture that does not put those who are a part of it at risk.
Companies must regularly revisit their security processes and match them with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to make sure they are not at risk. If done with proper efficiency, each cycle can reveal hitherto unforeseen cyber threats. With the advancing passage of time, cyber risks will change in shape and form, threatening to increase, but since NIST keeps updating its framework, organizations can keep up with the changing landscape to ensure a secure environment for its members.
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