Staying ahead of threats is a challenge for organisations of all sizes. Reported global security incidents grew by 69.8% between February and March 2024. Using a structured approach to cybersecurity is crucial to protect your organisation.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) to provide an industry-agnostic approach to security. It’s designed to help companies manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. The framework was recently updated in 2024 to NIST CSF 2.0.
CSF 2.0 is a comprehensive update that builds upon the success of its predecessor. It offers a more streamlined and flexible approach to cybersecurity, aiming to simplify the framework and make it more accessible to both small and large businesses alike.
Understanding the Core of NIST CSF 2.0
At the heart of CSF 2.0 is the Core. The Core consists of five concurrent and continuous Functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These Functions provide a high-level strategic view of cybersecurity risk and an organisation’s management of that risk. This allows for a dynamic approach to addressing threats.
Here are the five Core Functions of NIST CSF 2.0:
1. Identify
This function involves identifying and understanding the organisation’s assets, cyber risks, and vulnerabilities. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you need to protect before you can install safeguards.
2. Protect
The protect function focuses on implementing safeguards to deter, detect, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption.
3. Detect
Early detection of cybersecurity incidents is critical for minimising damage. The detect function emphasises the importance of detection and having mechanisms to identify and report suspicious activity.
4. Respond
The respond function outlines the steps to take in the event of a cybersecurity incident. This includes activities such as containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.
5. Recover
The recover function focuses on restoring normal operations after a cybersecurity incident. This includes activities such as data restoration, system recovery, and business continuity planning.
Profiles and Tiers: Tailoring the Framework
The updated framework introduces the concepts of Profiles and Tiers to help organisations tailor their cybersecurity practices to their specific needs, risk tolerances, and resources.
Profiles
Profiles are the alignment of the Functions, Categories, and Subcategories with the business requirements, risk tolerance, and resources of the organisation.
Tiers
Tiers provide context on how an organisation views cybersecurity risk and the processes in place to manage that risk. They range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4).
Benefits of Using NIST CSF 2.0
There are many benefits to using NIST CSF 2.0, including:
- Improved Cybersecurity Posture: By following the guidance in NIST CSF 2.0, organisations can develop a more comprehensive and effective cybersecurity program.
- Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks: The framework helps organisations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks.
- Enhanced Compliance: NIST aligned CSF 2.0 with many industry standards and regulations, helping organisations meet compliance requirements.
- Improved Communication: The framework provides a common language for communicating about cybersecurity risks, improving communication between different parts of an organisation.
- Cost Savings: NIST CSF 2.0 can help organisations save money by preventing cyberattacks and reducing the impact of incidents.
Getting Started with NIST CSF 2.0
If you are interested in getting started with NIST CSF 2.0, here are a few steps you can take:
- Familiarise yourself with the framework: Take some time to read through the NIST CSF 2.0 publication and familiarise yourself with the Core Functions and categories.
- Assess your current cybersecurity posture: Conduct an assessment of your current cybersecurity posture to identify any gaps or weaknesses.
- Develop a cybersecurity plan: Based on your assessment, develop a cybersecurity plan outlining how you will implement the NIST CSF 2.0 framework in your organisation.
- Seek professional help: Need help getting started with NIST CSF 2.0? Seek out a managed IT services partner for guidance and support.
By following these steps, you can begin to deploy NIST CSF 2.0 in your organisation and improve your cybersecurity posture.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Assessment Today
The NIST CSF 2.0 is a valuable tool that can help organisations of all sizes manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. Following the guidance in the framework will help you develop a more comprehensive and effective cybersecurity program.
Are you looking to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity posture? NIST CSF 2.0 is a great place to start. Here at CRYPTON, we can help you get started with a cybersecurity assessment. We’ll identify assets that need protecting and security risks in your network, then work with you on a budget-friendly plan.
Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment.