Understanding and managing cybersecurity risks
Implementing safeguards to protect against cyber threats
Monitoring and identifying cybersecurity events and incidents
Taking action to mitigate the impact of a cybersecurity incident
Recovering from a cybersecurity incident and restoring normal operations
The framework provides a way for organisations to categorise their approach to cybersecurity into different tiers based on their current maturity and risk management practices. These tiers range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4).
Organisations can create a “Profile” that aligns with their specific business requirements and risk tolerance. A profile is essentially a customised set of cybersecurity objectives and activities derived from the framework core functions.
Within each core function, there are categories and subcategories that provide more detailed guidance. Subcategories represent specific security controls and best practices. For example, in the “Protect” function, there are categories like “Access Control” and “Data Security.”
The framework includes informative references to existing standards, guidelines, and practices. These references help organisations align their cybersecurity efforts with established industry standards and resources.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is applicable to a wide range of organisations, from small businesses to large enterprises, across various sectors, including critical infrastructure, healthcare, finance, and more.
The framework is voluntary, meaning organisations are not legally required to implement it. However, it has been widely adopted by both public and private sector organisations as a valuable tool for improving cybersecurity posture.
The framework promotes a culture of continuous improvement in cybersecurity risk management. It encourages organisations to assess their cybersecurity practices, make improvements, and adapt to evolving threats and technologies.
One of the primary objectives of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is to help organisations establish and maintain effective cybersecurity risk management processes. It assists in prioritising cybersecurity efforts based on identified risks.
While developed by NIST in the United States, the framework is recognised and used internationally as a reference for good cybersecurity practices.
The framework is not static and is updated periodically to reflect changes in technology and cybersecurity threats. Organisations are encouraged to stay current with the latest version and adapt their cybersecurity practices accordingly.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework also serves as a communication tool, enabling organisations to discuss their cybersecurity practices and risk management approaches with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulators.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structured approach to cybersecurity risk management, helping organisations enhance their cybersecurity resilience and protect against cyber threats. It is a valuable resource for organisations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
Know your digital assets inside and out. Identify what you have, where it’s located, and its value to your organisation.
Assess potential risks and vulnerabilities. Evaluate how they can impact your operations and prioritise them for mitigation.
Establish clear roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity. Ensure that everyone in your organisation understands their part in keeping your digital assets secure.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework emphasises governance as a core element, involving the creation of distinct rules, roles, and procedures for an organisation’s cybersecurity approach. It insists cybersecurity is not just technical, but integral to risk management. This includes resource allocation, decision-making, and blending cybersecurity policies into the organisation’s wider goals. The framework highlights the significance of senior leadership in fostering a robust cybersecurity culture, contributing to a resilient and secure organisation in the digital era.
Control who has access to your systems and data. Limit privileges to only those who need them.
Encrypt sensitive information both in transit and at rest. Keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Train your team to recognise and respond to cybersecurity threats. Knowledge is your best defence.
Employ firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. Stay vigilant against cyber threats.
Keep a watchful eye on your systems and networks 24/7. Detect anomalies that could signal a security incident.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Develop and regularly test an incident response plan to react swiftly and effectively.
Keep detailed records of security events. Analyse logs to identify unusual activity and potential breaches.
Ensure that your team is trained to recognise suspicious behaviour and report it promptly. Your people are your first line of defence.
Have a well-defined plan in place to guide your response efforts. A clear roadmap can minimise the impact of an incident.
Establish a communication strategy. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed promptly and accurately.
Take immediate action to contain the incident. Prevent further damage and data loss.
Plan for recovery from the incident. Get your systems and operations back to normal as quickly as possible.
After the incident, conduct a thorough review. Learn from the experience and make improvements to your cybersecurity posture.
Having a well-defined recovery plan is essential. It ensures you can restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Learn from incidents. Strengthen your systems and processes to be more resilient against future attacks.
Conduct a thorough post-incident analysis. What worked? What didn’t? Use this knowledge to enhance your cybersecurity posture.
Keep stakeholders informed throughout the recovery process. Transparency builds trust.
Ensure that critical business functions can continue even during a cyber incident. Minimise disruption.
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