NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Definition
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of voluntary guidelines, standards, and best practices to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. Developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, it provides a high-level, strategic view of the lifecycle of cybersecurity risk management.
Why It Matters
The NIST CSF has become a widely adopted framework globally. It provides a common language and a structured approach for organizations to talk about, assess, and improve their cybersecurity posture.
Contextual Example
The framework is organized into five core functions: Identify (understand your assets and risks), Protect (implement safeguards), Detect (identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event), Respond (take action regarding a detected event), and Recover (maintain resilience and restore capabilities).
Common Misunderstandings
- The framework is not a prescriptive checklist but a flexible model that organizations can adapt to their specific needs.
- It is designed to be a tool for communication between technical staff and business leadership.