How the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Can Help Your Business

The need for strong cybersecurity measures is essential for any organization that uses computers to store, access, and communicate information. Protecting your customers, clients, employees and projects is what the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is all about.

What is NIST?

Simply put, NIST, The National Institute of Standards and Technology, sets the national standards for all types of technology and evolving technology. It sets up everything from electric power grids to atomic clocks, nanomaterials and even products and services like medicine. All of these technologies rely on the NIST standards to promote U.S. innovation. NIST advances sciences and technology in ways that will enhance security and improve our quality of life.

There are five major components to how NIST sets and regulates standards for all types of technology. These components set the NIST cybersecurity framework which was designed to provide security and solutions against cyber-attacks that affect organizations. NIST framework is divided into 5 functions: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

NIST framework is divided into 5 functions: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

The RMF Components

The first function of the NIST cybersecurity framework is to identify an organization’s critical functions and the largest weaknesses that could pose a risk to a cyberattack or a data breach. According to an article by aag-it.com, cyber-attacks occur every 39 seconds on average, and this affects one in three Americans every year. By identifying weaknesses in an organizations system beforehand, NIST can prevent these attacks from ever occurring.

The second function is to protect which simply means that as soon as risks are identified, action is taken to prioritize protection against them. This function reinforces the organization’s ability to minimize effects resulting from attacks.

The third function is to detect which means the organization must have measures in place to identify cyber risks. Detect basically entails to constant monitoring.

The fourth function is to respond. According to aag-it.com, 95% of cyber incidents are due to human error and this is almost never in the IT department. So attacks can still occur. However, In the event that a cyberattack occurs, this function ensures that immediate action is taken to mitigate the possible effects the attack could have on the organization.

The last function in the NIST framework is recovery. This includes a strategic plan to restore any abilities or services that were damaged in the event of an attack.

Risk Management Job Role Progression from Mile2 Cybersecurity Certifications

Why Cybersecurity Needs to be at the Top of Organizational Concerns

Data breaches are common and are a major cyber risk that can affect organizations in more ways than one. For example, cybersecurity violations can cause financial losses, damage reputations or cause issues that may permanently affect an organization. Having reliable cybersecurity solutions can help ensure that in the event of an attack, your organization is protected and already has a plan for recovery. According to an article by rsisecurity.com, 70% of organizations view the NIST framework as a best practice for protecting them from both internal and external infiltration.

The framework helps organizations understand, construct, manage, and prevent cybersecurity risks. In addition to mitigating attacks, it provides a common language that all members of many different organizations can utilize and understand. The digital age is still growing and will continue to grow for the years to come, adopting the NIST framework can help ensure the security and protection of your organization

Mile2 has developed a course and certification to help organizations understand and utilize the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Visit the Certified Risk Management Framework Analyst for more information.

How the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Can Help Your Business

What is NIST?

The RMF Components

Risk Management Job Role Progression from Mile2 Cybersecurity Certifications

Why Cybersecurity Needs to be at the Top of Organizational Concerns

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