What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

 

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a set of guidelines and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organisations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. The NIST CSF provides a flexible and cost-effective approach to improving cybersecurity posture and is applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

 

The framework integrates NIST standards, including those from the NIST Special Publications 800 series (NIST SP 800). The NIST CSF 2.0 version is the latest revised version which has included new updates to remain relevant and effective.

 

NIST CSF 2.0

 

NIST CSF 2.0 is the updated version of the original NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It builds upon the foundational principles of NIST CSF to address new and evolving cybersecurity challenges. The updated framework aims to provide enhanced guidance for managing cybersecurity risks, including improved alignment with international standards and practices.

 

Key updates:

 

  • Expanded guidance on risk management and governance
  • Enhanced focus on supply chain risk management
  • Increased emphasis on cybersecurity for critical infrastructure

 

 

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Core Structure & Functions

 

 

The NIST CSF Core forms the foundation of the framework, organised into six Core Functions. The order of Functions does not imply a sequence or prioritisation. Instead, the CSF Functions should be seen as interconnected elements that need to be addressed simultaneously. The six Core Functions are:

 

  • Govern: This newly introduced Function focuses on establishing and managing an organisation's cybersecurity risk management strategy, policies, and expectations. It guides the approach to the other five Functions and includes categories such as organisational context, risk management strategy, roles and responsibilities, policy, oversight, and supply chain risk management.
  • Identify: It involves understanding the organisation’s assets and cybersecurity risks. Categories in the Identify function include managing assets, assessing risks, and improving current cybersecurity strategies to address potential threats.
  • Protect: It implements safeguards to secure an organisation’s assets and managing its cybersecurity risks. Protect Categories include authentication, Identity and Access Management (IAM), awareness and training, data security, platform security and technology infrastructure resilience.
  • Detect: It enables organisations to discover and analyse abnormal activities or signs of compromise that suggest a cybersecurity incident. Detect Categories include continuous monitoring and adverse event analysis.
  • Respond: It encompasses actions taken when encountered with cybersecurity incidents, which involves digital forensics and incident response efforts. Categories under the respond Function include incident management, analysis, reporting and communication, and mitigation.
  • Recovery: It restores operations and assets back to normal after a cybersecurity incident. Recovery Categories include incident recovery plan execution and communication.

 

What You Should Consider When Implementing the NIST CSF

 

 

When implementing the NIST CSF, consider incorporating the CSF Tiers and Organisational Profiles alongside the Core structure. Both components enhance the effectiveness of NIST CSF implementation by tailoring cybersecurity efforts to the organisation's needs.

 

CSF Tiers assess the maturity of cybersecurity practices, from Tier 1 (ad hoc) to Tier 4 (adaptive), helping gauge and improve security posture. Ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 4, each tier represents a different level of cybersecurity risk governance practices and risk management practices as shown below:

 

  • Tier 1 (Partial): Cybersecurity practices are ad hoc and reactive, with limited integration into the organisation’s processes. The organisation generally has a weak cybersecurity posture and unstructured responses to cybersecurity incidents.
  • Tier 2 (Risk-informed): Organisation has greater awareness of the cybersecurity risks and considers the organisation’s needs and requirements. Cybersecurity practices may be inconsistent and lack an organisational-wide approach.
  • Tier 3 (Repeatable): Cybersecurity practices are well defined, implemented and regularly updated across the organisation. The organisation has the capability to monitor its cybersecurity risks of assets and has procedures in place when responding to those risks.
  • Tier 4 (Adaptive): Tier 4 organisations are proactive in learning from past activities and predictive indicators, continuously adapting to keep up with evolving threats. The organisation ensures that decisions are aligned with both cybersecurity risks and the organisation’s objectives and operations.

 

CSF Organisational Profiles align CSF Core outcomes with business objectives and risk appetite, helping organisations develop tailored cybersecurity strategies. The current profile evaluates the organisation's existing outcomes, while the target profile defines desired outcomes. By comparing both, organisations can identify gaps and plan for improvement. 

 

 

Significance of NIST

 

The NIST CSF provides a structured approach for organisations to assess, prioritise, and address cybersecurity risks. It enables informed decision-making, supports compliance, and strengthens risk management processes, both internally and with third parties. By aligning with NIST standards, the CSF helps organisations ensure compliance and strengthen their cybersecurity risk management processes.

 

As a high-level framework, it can be supplemented by detailed resources like the NIST SP 800 series and NIST Interagency Reports for specific risks. Its flexibility allows adaptation to various organisational needs and integration with other risk management programs, such as ERM, IT, supply chain, and AI risk management.

 

 

Ready to Operationalise the NIST Framework?

 

Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is only the first step. Implementing it effectively—tailored to your organisation’s risk appetite, sectoral demands, and existing cyber maturity—requires both strategic foresight and technical depth. That’s where Ensign can help. Our Strategic Advisory Services team works closely with you to assess your current security posture, define clear target profiles, and design a pragmatic, actionable roadmap aligned with the latest NIST CSF 2.0 updates. From supply chain risk to AI risk management, we bring local and global insights to help you close the gap between ambition and execution.

 

Speak to our advisors today to see how the NIST CSF can be applied to your unique environment—because good frameworks only deliver results when turned into action.

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