NIST Special Publication 800-37

NIST Special Publication 800-37 describes the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and provides guidelines for applying the RMF to information systems and organizations. The RMF provides a disciplined, structured, and flexible process for managing security and privacy risk that includes information security categorization; control selection, implementation, and assessment; system and common control authorizations; and continuous monitoring. The RMF includes activities to prepare organizations to execute the framework at appropriate risk management levels. The RMF also promotes near real-time risk management and ongoing information system and common control authorization through the implementation of continuous monitoring processes; provides senior leaders and executives with the necessary information to make efficient, cost-effective, risk management decisions about the systems supporting their missions and business functions; and incorporates security and privacy into the system development life cycle. Executing the RMF tasks links essential risk management processes at the system level to risk management processes at the organization level. In addition, it establishes responsibility and accountability for the controls implemented within an organization’s information systems and inherited by those systems.

Modules include:

NIST Special Publication 800-37 - Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations

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NIST 800-37 Revisions

NIST 800-37 is a National Institute publication that provides a systematic approach to managing security and privacy risks with information systems. Revision 1 applies to using this approach with federal information systems. It includes certain security processes like control selection and security categorization.

Revision 2 builds on Revision 1 with more robust, comprehensive security controls that incorporate privacy risk management processes among other practices.

Overall, NIST 800-37 is meant to apply the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) throughout the lifecycle of the information system.

Manage & Automate NIST Compliance

NIST 800-37 revisions are part of an overall 7-step process to methodically work through and apply the steps needed to assess and harden the security around an organization’s IT systems, primarily in federal organizations. It’s a phased approach to assess potential threats and vulnerabilities, prioritize and implement fixes, and continually monitor security measures. This framework allows the organization to utilize automation tools to better handle tasks like assessing and monitoring security controls.

Managing cybersecurity risks can be done more efficiently by combining NIST 800-37 and automation tools to stay in compliance.

FAQ

How does NIST 800-30 ensure comprehensive risk management?

This publication outlines the steps for assessing current risk management practices and implementing better strategies. It has the benefit of using common language to describe and prioritize risks and remediation. It also helps in automating essential processes so that systems have all the appropriate security controls.

How does NIST 800-30 help with business continuity?

Having a robust cybersecurity posture is a proactive approach to maintaining business continuity. Being able to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats, prioritize their impact, and address them beforehand, goes a long way to ensure that business is not interrupted. The steps of NIST 800-30 also help in faster recovery in case of a data breach.

How does NIST 800-30 help organizations develop a risk management culture?

NIST 800-30 makes the steps of a risk management program more concise and systematic. The goal is to embed a risk management mindset throughout a system life cycle. The steps touch every aspect of risk management: planning, processes, controls, access and responsibilities. Active understanding creates a culture around risk management.

What is the role of documentation in NIST 800-30 risk assessments?

Documentation is essential as a record of threats, mitigation efforts, and the thinking behind key decisions. These documents provide transparency and accountability. Moving forward, these records also help an organization track their progress and serve as a resource for future assessments in implementing security controls.

How can organizations implement the Risk Management Framework NIST 800-37?

There are seven steps to implementation:

Prepare: establish priorities
Categorize: classify systems and potential impacts on the organization
Select: security controls that are appropriate for the system and risk level
Implement: selected controls with appropriate documentation
Assess: ensure controls are functioning correctly
Authorize: approve the system for use
Monitor: continuously monitor to ensure controls are in compliance

What are risk acceptance and risk transfer in NIST 800-30

Risk Acceptance and Risk Transfer are two common response strategies. Risk Acceptance means acknowledging the risk but deciding that it’s within an acceptable risk level. It doesn’t warrant the costs of any mitigation measures.

Risk Transfer acknowledges a risk and assigns the responsibility for handling it to a third party, such as an insurer. You’ll find this in certain industries like construction or finance.

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