
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structured approach for managing and reducing cybersecurity risks through a set of guidelines and best practices. It focuses on enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. The framework helps organizations Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover from cyber threats. Its flexible and scalable nature makes it suitable for organizations of all sizes and sectors.
Helps organizations understand their assets, systems, and data, and identify potential cybersecurity risks.
Provides recommendations for implementing security safeguards to protect critical systems and data.
Focuses on establishing mechanisms to continuously monitor systems and networks for suspicious activity.
Offers guidance on how to effectively respond to a cyber incident to minimize damage downtime.
Provides a framework for recovering systems and data after a cyber incident.
NIST CSF compliance is essential as it provides a standardized framework for managing cybersecurity risks, helping organizations improve their security posture and resilience against cyber threats. It ensures consistency, aids in meeting regulatory requirements, and enhances trust with customers and stakeholders. By following NIST CSF, organizations can effectively manage risks, respond to incidents, and gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary, U.S.-centric framework that focuses on managing and reducing cybersecurity risks. It offers a flexible, adaptable approach through five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Unlike ISO 27001 and GDPR, NIST CSF is not legally binding but is recognized globally for improving cybersecurity resilience.
ISO 27001 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It takes a comprehensive approach to managing information security risks, requiring formal certification by accredited bodies. Unlike NIST CSF, which is more flexible, ISO 27001 is often necessary for contracts and is applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries globally.
GDPR is a legally binding regulation within the European Union that focuses on the protection of personal data and privacy. It mandates strict compliance with data protection principles and grants extensive rights to data subjects. Unlike NIST CSF and ISO 27001, GDPR applies globally to any organization processing EU residents' data and imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, making it essential for organizations handling personal data.
The NIST compliance table outlines key domains for robust security, including security and privacy controls, risk management, protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), incident response, Zero Trust Architecture, and secure configuration management. It ensures a comprehensive approach to safeguarding data, managing risks, responding to incidents, and maintaining secure systems, all aligned with the latest NIST guidelines.
Major NIST Compliances | Purpose | Benefits |
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NIST Special Publication 800-53 | NIST SP 800-53 provides a catalogue of security and privacy controls for all U.S. federal information systems, except those related to national security. It is used to ensure comprehensive and consistent security standards are applied to protect sensitive data. |
Provides a robust and flexible approach to managing security and privacy risks.
Ensures that federal systems meet stringent security requirements.
Helps organizations maintain compliance with federal regulations.
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NIST Special Publication 800-37 | NIST SP 800-37 outlines the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for federal information systems. It guides the process of integrating security and risk management activities into the system development lifecycle. |
Facilitates a comprehensive approach to risk management.
Ensures that security and privacy are integrated into the lifecycle of federal information systems.
Supports compliance with other NIST guidelines and federal regulations.
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NIST Special Publication 800-171 | NIST SP 800-171 provides guidelines on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. It’s primarily focused on organizations that process, store, or transmit CUI. |
Enhances the protection of sensitive information shared with or managed by non-federal entities.
Provides clear and specific guidance for contractors and other third parties dealing with CUI.
Helps non-federal organizations align with federal security requirements.
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NIST Special Publication 800-61 | NIST SP 800-61 provides guidelines for creating, developing, and implementing an incident response capability within an organization. It is essential for managing cybersecurity incidents effectively. |
Improves the organization's ability to respond quickly and effectively to cybersecurity incidents.
Minimizes damage and reduces recovery time and costs associated with cyber incidents.
Enhances coordination and communication during incident response efforts, leading to better outcomes.
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NIST Special Publication 800-207 | NIST SP 800-207 provides guidelines for implementing a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust in any entity, inside or outside the network perimeter, and focuses on continuous verification. |
Reduces risk by limiting access and assuming that threats may already exist inside the network.
Enhances security posture through continuous monitoring and verification.
Aligns with modern IT environments, including cloud and remote work.
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NIST Special Publication 800-128 | NIST SP 800-128 provides guidelines for security-focused configuration management (SecCM) of information systems. It aims to ensure that systems are configured securely from the start and remain secure throughout their lifecycle. |
Ensures consistent application of security controls through configuration.
Reduces the risk of vulnerabilities due to improper configuration.
Supports ongoing compliance and risk management.
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The Gap Assessment is your starting point, we analyse the client’s current cybersecurity posture with the NIST CSF's "Identify" function. This involves understanding the client’s business environment, identifying critical assets, understanding the existing cybersecurity policies, and comparing these against NIST CSF guidelines.
In the Risk Assessment phase, we delve deeper into the risks associated with the identified gaps. This aligns with the "Identify" and "Protect" functions of the NIST CSF. we assess the likelihood and potential impact of various cybersecurity threats to prioritize risks. This process helps in understanding which areas are most critical and need immediate attention, guiding the development of a robust risk management strategy.
The Strategic Risk Mitigation Framework is where we plan and document your response to the identified risks. This aligns primarily with the "Protect" and "Respond" functions of the NIST CSF. Here, Briskinfosec develops and implements appropriate safeguards and response strategies to ensure the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.
During the Tailored Implementation, we execute the risk mitigation strategies by deploying specific security measures. This step aligns with both the "Protect" and "Detect" functions of the NIST CSF. It involves the deployment of customized security controls, technologies, and practices that are tailored to the client’s unique environment. Additionally, detection mechanisms are put in place to identify potential security events promptly.
The Internal Audit step serves as an internal check to ensure that the implemented controls are functioning correctly and that the organization is prepared to respond to cybersecurity events. This aligns with the "Detect" and "Respond" functions of the NIST CSF. To verifies that detection measures are in place, and ensures that response plans are actionable and effective.
An External Assessment provides an independent validation of the organization’s cybersecurity posture. This aligns with the "Respond" and "Recover" functions of the NIST CSF. External parties assess the effectiveness of the implemented controls and the organization’s preparedness to respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents. The assessment helps ensure that the security measures meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
The Post Audit Continual Improvement and Support phase is about maintaining and enhancing the cybersecurity posture over time, in line with the "Recover" and "Identify" functions of the NIST CSF. This ongoing process includes continuous monitoring, periodic reviews, updates to policies and controls, and support during security incidents.
A mid-sized financial services firm specializing in wealth management and investment banking faced increasing cybersecurity threats due to the sensitive nature of their client data and transactions. With approximately 500 employees, this firm needed robust security measures to protect their operations and customer trust.
The firm was increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber threats, including phishing attacks and attempted data breaches. They faced pressure to comply with stringent regulatory requirements like NIST CSF. Their existing cybersecurity measures were outdated and fragmented, leading to vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in their security posture.
The firm collaborated with us to enhance its cybersecurity strategy following a detailed NIST CSF-aligned assessment. They implemented infrastructure upgrades, improved access controls, and established a robust incident response framework. Continuous employee training, monitoring, and regular audits ensured compliance and adaptation to evolving threats. This holistic approach significantly bolstered the firm's cybersecurity defenses, boosting client and stakeholder confidence in their security measures.
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