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NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Framework providing incident response playbooks and cybersecurity best practices.

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About

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework stands as one of the most widely adopted cybersecurity standards globally. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this voluntary framework provides organizations with a structured approach to identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents.

The framework organizes cybersecurity activities into five core functions that work together to create a comprehensive security posture. Identify helps organizations understand their systems, assets, and risks. Protect focuses on implementing safeguards to limit or contain potential cybersecurity events. Detect enables timely discovery of cybersecurity incidents.

Respond provides guidance for taking action when cybersecurity incidents occur, including detailed incident response playbooks. Recover outlines activities for restoring capabilities and services impaired by cybersecurity incidents. Each function contains categories and subcategories that break down into specific, actionable security controls.

What distinguishes the NIST Framework is its flexibility and risk-based approach. Organizations can tailor the framework to their specific industry, size, and risk tolerance. The framework references established standards and guidelines from organizations like ISO, COBIT, and SANS, creating a unified approach that builds on existing best practices.

The framework serves organizations across all sectors, from small businesses to large enterprises and government agencies. Critical infrastructure sectors particularly benefit from its comprehensive guidance. Many organizations use it as a foundation for security program development, risk assessment, and compliance reporting.

Implementation typically involves creating a current profile of existing cybersecurity practices, developing a target profile based on business requirements, and identifying gaps between current and desired states. The framework's three implementation tiers help organizations understand their risk management processes and external participation levels.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity governance. Its influence extends beyond individual organizations, shaping industry standards and regulatory expectations. Regular updates ensure the framework remains relevant as threats and technologies evolve, making it an essential reference for cybersecurity professionals worldwide.