Understanding NIST Security Assessments: A Framework for Cybersecurity

There is a range of cybersecurity frameworks that you can leverage to assess cybersecurity practices. The one you use will ultimately depend on your organization’s needs, such as industry vertical, contractual/compliance requirements, framework approach, and available reference resources.  

What is a NIST CSF Assessment? 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a government organization that provides solutions for quality assurance, measurement traceability, and documentation standards. This involves criteria, practices, and guidelines related to its cybersecurity framework (CSF). The NIST cybersecurity framework is a comprehensive guide developed by NIST to help organizations manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks. 

To better understand the current level of security, NIST CSF assesses and compares your environment against the framework, so organizations can make well-informed decisions. It also enables and supports a process for ongoing cybersecurity risk monitoring and corresponding mitigation efforts. 

The Six Core Functions of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 

The NIST framework outlines six core principles to emphasize the importance governance plays in managing security risks. A strong security posture in all the core functions below can instill an environment of compliance and cybersecurity throughout an organization: 

• Govern
• Identify
• Protect
• Detect
• Respond
• Recover 

These core principles can be adapted so that they suit the systems your organization uses and any relevant industry requirements. Implementation is measured using a four-tiered system in conjunction with an organizational profile to represent your cybersecurity risk management maturity. These tiers help assess current cybersecurity posture and establish a path for improvement. 

• Partial
• Risk-informed
• Repeatable
• Adaptive 

After assessing your infrastructure and cybersecurity operations against the core principles, you can define the breadth and depth of cybersecurity within your organization and align those findings with the tiers. All aspects are expected to be continually improved, with response and recovery ready to go when needed. 

Preparing for a Successful NIST Audit: Key Steps to Follow 

Identify how NIST standards apply to your industry 

The NIST CSF framework is very flexible, so it can be used by different organizations across a range of industries. Before performing an NIST assessment, examine the needs and goals of your organization to see if this framework is right for you.  

Develop an action plan to address compliance gaps 

NIST CSF is the culmination of experience from IT security professionals around the world. The resulting framework is one of the most comprehensive and detailed sets of controls of any security assessment, making it an ideal basis for best practices. To utilize this framework, you’ll start by evaluating and monitoring current safeguards to identify security gaps.  

Integrate NIST CFS into existing security measures 

The NIST CSF can easily map to other frameworks due to behavioral elements. As such, you can determine whether your organization meets all compliance requirements while strengthening the overall level of cybersecurity.  

Rooted in governance, NIST CFS’s risk-based approach makes it very compatible with stakeholder priorities. This helps align the risk management needed for proper cybersecurity with organizational goals, resulting in clear communication with stakeholders and better-informed decision-making. 

Communication is vital when implementing the NIST CSF, allowing all stakeholders to understand their roles, promote alignment on cybersecurity goals, and facilitate collaboration across departments. Effective communication helps raise awareness of risks, encourages a culture of security, and supports ongoing training and adaptation to evolving threats. 

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement in NIST Assessment 

The NIST CSF is non-prescriptive-it doesn't come with a specific, detailed checklist of recommended security activities. 

This means that your organization must look to other, compatible standards to create specific organizational security controls that adhere to the framework. If your organization isn't familiar with the standards that the framework refers to, it can be difficult to carry out the actions needed. 

Navigating the Complexities of NIST Assessments 

The framework's comprehensive nature can overwhelm teams, particularly if they lack experience with cybersecurity practices. The implementation process may require significant time, personnel, and financial resources, which can strain smaller organizations. Experienced outsourced IT advisors can help alleviate this strain and leverage the benefits of the NIST CSF for your organization. 

Contact us below to learn how we can help your organization explore security frameworks and strengthen cybersecurity posture now and in the future.