NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF)

All businesses within the public-private sectors concerned about security will find the NIST CSF indispensable for both national and economic security. Even if you are not seeking FISMA attestation or certifications, the NIST CSF is the best place to start securing your organization.

Modules include:

NIST CSF System Security Plan (SSP)
NIST CSF Security Assessment Report (SAR)
Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 Categorization
Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)

NIST Compliance and Risk Assessments Services

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have established specific guidelines around cybersecurity for contractors, organizations, and federal agencies who want to strengthen their security profile. The cybersecurity framework revolves around five core functions that will better protect sensitive systems and information, and reduce the instance or impact of cyber threats. These functions are: identify, protect, detect, respond, recover.

The NIST compliance services from Continuum GRC will assess how much of a cybersecurity risk your organization is currently facing and introduce ways to reduce it. Having your data security meet NIST compliance standards demonstrates a commitment to data security against potential legal issues or reputational damage.

How A Business Becomes NIST Compliant

To achieve NIST compliance, a business must use the specific security controls outlined in NIST guidelines for IT infrastructure, systems, and personnel. The use of these controls must be regularly documented to demonstrate their effectiveness, and show that they’re being adhered to, including any training.

This multi-step process begins with identifying gaps or potential threats in internet infrastructure, then applying proper security controls. Policies and procedures must be created to manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including data encryption and cybersecurity control.

Showing compliance comes from internal self-assessments or through a third-party audit such as Continuum GRC.

Industries We Serve

NIST compliance is required for federal agencies and their contractors. It’s also needed in certain regulated industries that handle sensitive data, like finance or healthcare. Other industries can benefit from following NIST security protocols; their cybersecurity is greatly strengthened which also has the benefit of boosting the confidence among clients and vendors. E-commerce, banking, energy, transportation, and even defense are industries that will benefit from applying NIST requirements to the ways that they handle their Controlled Unclassifed Information (CUI).

A NIST cybersecurity audit is smart element in risk management. Continuum GRC can walk you through this assessment in a streamlined, efficient way.

Our approach to the NIST CSF Assessment

We begin by having a look at your existing IT infrastructure and systems to assess security gaps and potential threats, against the NIST standards. We’ll help implement corrective measures. Once you achieve NIST status, documentation and regular testing is critical to maintain compliance. We walk you through the kinds of security measures that need to be implemented and maintained, and the testing, training, and ongoing documentation needed to satisfy NIST standards.

Navigating this checklist on your own can be daunting and time-consuming. As experienced third-party assessors, we have the services and insight to guide you through it efficiently.

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FAQ

What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

The framework is a set of guidelines (rather than rules) that help organizations better understand and assess their cybersecurity. It’s built around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Tiers of implementation are also used to help measure their system and identify areas for improvement in an organized way.

Who should use NIST CSF compliance audit services?

Any organization working with federal agencies must be NIST-compliant. Groups handling sensitive (yet unclassified) data – like banks, healthcare, transportation, and the like – can also benefit from a NIST cybersecurity audit. Knowing where you are in these carefully-crafted standards is helpful in strengthening your security posture and showing a commitment to data protection.

What are the five core functions of the NIST CSF?

NIST is structured around five core functions, allowing a clear way to organize best practices around cybersecurity.

Identify (potential riskss and vulnerabilities)
Protect (implement security measures)
Detect (establish security controls to monitor threats and vulnerabilities)
Respond (have a plan to respond to/mitigate security incidents)
Recover (plans and backups to restore systems)

Is NIST CSF compliance mandatory?

NIST compliance is only mandatory for federal agencies and their contractors. While it’s not legally required, many organizations handling sensitive information and date opt to maintain compliance with NIST standards as a way to demonstrate their commitment to security and prevent reputational damage or legal issues.

How do NIST CSF audits help improve cybersecurity?

A NIST CSF audit uncovers the security gaps in your organization’s systems and processes. Then it helps fix them, and establish readiness in case a cyberthreat comes around. You’ll understand the most effective ways to train staff, protect, document, and handle your cybersecurity in a more efficient and streamlined way.

What deliverables are typically provided in a NIST CSF audit?

The audit report will include an assessment of the organization’s risk management practices, vulnerabilities and recommendations, and review of all documentation (like access logs) to ensure that its up to date. Supporting documentation, an action plan, and suggested milestones for implementation are also among the deliverables.

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