What is NIST CSF?

The NIST CSF (National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework) is a set of voluntary guidelines, standards, and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks in critical infrastructure organizations. It was developed by the NIST in response to Executive Order 13636, which called for the development of a framework to improve cybersecurity across the United States.

The NIST CSF is designed to help organizations of all sizes and sectors to manage and reduce cybersecurity risks using a common language and methodology. It consists of five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions provide a structured approach for organizations to manage cybersecurity risks throughout the entire lifecycle of their information systems and assets.

The NIST CSF is flexible and adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor their cybersecurity programs to their specific needs and risk profiles. It can be used as a standalone framework or in conjunction with other cybersecurity standards and guidelines, such as ISO 27001, COBIT, and ITIL.

The adoption of the NIST CSF is voluntary, but many organizations, particularly those in the critical infrastructure sectors, are using it as a foundation for their cybersecurity programs. The framework has gained widespread adoption and recognition both in the United States and internationally as a leading cybersecurity standard.