Top Principles of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

It’s tough to read the news anywhere and not see a story or two about cybersecurity, safeguarding personal information, or network vulnerabilities being exploited by enterprising hackers. Threats are ever-increasing and not showing any sign of slowing down, a sign that constant action is not only smart, but necessary.

In 2013, President Obama directed the NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology) to come up with a more effective, although voluntary, framework for cybersecurity. The new framework was intended to provide help in managing cybersecurity risks in organizations handling critical infrastructure in the U.S. However, even with new security measures in place, and an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, breaches in sensitive networks still occur with frightening regularity. For this reason and many others, a future in cybersecurity has been an excellent option for many, especially those who enjoy solving problems and working with new technology.

Providing a Common Language

When NIST released “the Framework” in 2014 (called the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity), it contained a common language that allowed a company’s IT professionals to communicate more effectively with administrators and other company personnel. Instead of using complicated terminology, the Framework provided a common sense approach for identifying and improving cybersecurity processes. It gave industry leaders a way to assess risks and improve responses to cybersecurity threats.

Understanding the NIST Framework Components

The Framework contains three separate components that combine to create comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. These components are the Implementation Tiers, Core, and Framework Profiles. Each covers a specific aspect of cybersecurity. The Core’s fundamental functions, for example, are:

• Identifying cybersecurity threats
• Protecting the system
• Detecting threats in a timely manner
• Responding to detected threats
• Recovering from them should a breach occur

Framework Tiers are like steps on a ladder; Tier 1 (the lowest) represents an organization that has not yet implemented cybersecurity management techniques. Tier 4 (the highest), on the other hand, denotes an organization that uses adaptable cybersecurity practices to defend against sophisticated cybersecurity threats in real time. The Framework Tiers help organizations identify how prepared they are to deal with specific threats and breaches.

Framework Profiles offer organizations the tools they need to safely store their cybersecurity-related information. They also allow cybersecurity goals to be clearly thought out and articulated. Profiles are always changing and evolving as the organization updates their cybersecurity protocols and processes. They can also be used comparatively, allowing the identification of security gaps during successive cybersecurity protocol evolutions.

Voluntary Standards vs. Federal Regulation

While the current NIST Framework is voluntary, there has already been talk about implementing it as a baseline of best cybersecurity practices for critical infrastructure organizations and companies. Organizations who are currently implementing the NIST Framework have much greater flexibility than organizations that wait until it becomes mandatory. This expected transition to mandatory implementation means that a firm grasp of the NIST Framework could be a very valuable asset in the cybersecurity field, even more so than currently.

NIST Framework Benefits

The NIST Framework offers a lot of benefits to companies that choose to implement it, including:

• Common language to address cybersecurity concerns
• Improved collaboration between organizations, and easier sharing of new cybersecurity fixes and best practices
• Easier regulatory compliance with various regulatory agencies
• Improved use of security budgets
• Avoidance of unnecessary or redundant cybersecurity measures
• Demonstration of “due care”, which may reduce claims of negligence or inattention following a breach
• Better understanding the cybersecurity risks present in supply chains

These are only some of the impressive benefits provided by using the NIST Framework for cybersecurity concerns. By learning about how to implement and maintain this type of system, you could be part of an exciting field that changes constantly.

Choosing Cybersecurity 

In today's world, everything is connected. Those connections need to be secure, not only to protect critical information, but also to ensure that the information infrastructure required for a connected way of life stays safe, and out of the wrong hands. Cybercrime is a growing threat on many fronts, from government to private businesses, military installations, and private citizens, and beyond. Anyone who uses the web is dependent on safe connections and infrastructure, and that’s where cybersecurity specialists come into the picture.

Get started with a Cyber Security Master’s Degree!

With a wealth of knowledge and specialized skills, cybersecurity specialists have the opportunity to work on exciting, fast-paced projects in fields where a quick mind and outside-the-box solutions are the norm. If you’re interested in a degree in cybersecurity, contact ECPI University today about the Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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