Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture Using The NIST Framework

As we get deeper into the 21st century, cybersecurity has become more critical, resulting in organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) establishing cybersecurity frameworks. The NIST cybersecurity framework is a voluntary framework that consists of a set of guidelines, standards, and best practices issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is collaborative with several public and private sectors.

With all that in mind, implementing the NIST cybersecurity framework can be challenging. Here are the seven steps you should follow to implement the framework in your company correctly.

1.      Prioritize and Scope

The first step to implement the NIST framework in your organization is to identify your organizational objectives and priorities. Then specify the IT systems and assets that are relevant to these objectives. Prioritize protecting these assets above all else. They should be looked at as the core of your cybersecurity focus.

2.      Orient

Identify assets and systems that are adjacent to the core of your cybersecurity framework. Look for vulnerabilities in these systems and threats that they could face.

3.      Create a Current Profile

Your current profile should be developed to indicate which control outcomes of the framework core are currently being implemented. You should also note which articles are being partially achieved so that you can make notes on which subsequent steps should be taken. The current profile should integrate every control indicated in the NIST CSF to determine which outcomes are being achieved and which ones are possible.

4.      Conduct a Risk Assessment

Risk assessment can be guided by previous risk assessment activities or your organization’s overall risk management process. Determine the likelihood of specific cybersecurity events and the impact they could have so that you can adequately plan for their outcome. Risk assessment should include looking at areas that are performing well too.

5.      Create a Target Profile

Create a target profile that indicates where you want your company to be in terms of cybersecurity. Establish a target maturity score that incorporates the NIST framework’s categories and subcategories. It is best to take a cautious and rational approach when establishing this profile.

6.      Determine, Analyze, and Prioritize Gaps

Aim to close the gaps between the current profile and the target profile. Create an action plan to take steps to get closer to the target, including budgeting, risks, and tasks to address current cybersecurity gaps.

7.      Implement the Action Plan

Put the action plan into effect, closing the gaps that you noticed in your framework. Make adjustments to your cybersecurity practices so that you are less likely to have a security breach.

By Alex O’Reilly