Spearheaded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the NIST cybersecurity framework aims to provide a backbone for organisational cybersecurity.
More than ever before, companies and organisations need to balance cybersecurity considerations in the process of furthering business transactions. The NIST cybersecurity framework was brought forward as a means to manage cybersecurity risks and address the threats involved in running a business.
Incorporating industry standards, the framework facilitates a more targeted management of organisational risks. Providing for a common language between all personnel, the NIST cybersecurity framework provides for a shared understanding of the cybersecurity risks at all points within the supply chain.
Released in 2014, NIST worked with both the private sector and the governmental sector to create a standardised framework that addresses multiple considerations. The functions outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework include the identify, detect, protect, respond and recover elements of cybersecurity.
Providing for customised measures, the framework not only helps organisations understand risks and threats, but also provides the means to reduce these vulnerabilities by relying on customised measures. The framework also supports organisations in reducing cybersecurity incidents, allowing us to understand where vulnerabilities rest, the root causes of each incident, and helps teams prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Various companies from around the world have incorporated the framework into their organisational functions including industry leaders like JP Morgan, Microsoft, Boeing, Intel and Bank of England.
Understanding the functions of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The major area that the framework addresses is the lack of universal standards within the cybersecurity field.
At the moment, there are vast differences in the manner in which various companies and organisations handle cybersecurity and the threats that originate from within.
Cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent and complicated and it’s becoming a difficult task to manage these attacks and recover from them. Using different policies and guidelines leads to the challenge of not being able to share information on attacks. This is where the NIST Cybersecurity Framework comes in to provide a base on which organisations can shape their security strategies and activities.
Providing a common set of rules, guidelines, and standards, the framework makes it easier to share information between organisations and companies. Further to the framework facilitating cybersecurity within governmental organisations, it can vastly benefit non-governmental organisations and businesses as well, providing the means for all entities to stand on common ground in the battle against cyberattacks.
Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
There’s no need to second-guess the importance of this framework, the implementation of which is a must.
Not following the NIST guidelines can affect how your company tackles those inevitable cyberattacks, which have the ability to compromise the work you do. The framework also facilitates a smarter, targeted, and more resourceful application of technology to give life to your cybersecurity strategy.
Moreover, clients are likely to trust your organisation more and your employees will have a more security-minded attitude to the work you do if your activities are guided by the NIST framework.
With a systematic methodology for managing cybersecurity risks, the framework provides for the means to uphold organisational integrity in the cyber world. The framework is intended to complement existing cybersecurity programmes and risk management processes, working alongside these, instead of replacing them altogether.
Implemented in both the domestic and international market, NIST continues to promote the framework in a number of different settings. NIST also ensures that any updates to the framework are done in a way that’s applicable to all organisational entities, ensuring continued relevance.
Speak to experts on the finer elements of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Cybersecurity being as important as it is, when it comes to warding off cyberattacks and promptly recovering from such attacks, is integral to the success of your organisation.
At Triskele Labs, our experts can conduct cybersecurity reviews and formulate strategies and roadmaps for the implementation of this framework. We are here and ready, not only to keep cyberattacks at bay, but also help you understand how the NIST Cybersecurity Framework supports your operations.
