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NIST Cybersecurity Framework

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) in response to Executive Order 13636, which called for the development of a risk-based cyber security framework “to reduce cyber risks to critical infrastructure.”

The CSF provides a set of voluntary guidelines for organizations to use to assess and improve their cyber security posture. The cyber security services framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor their approach based on their unique needs and capabilities.

NIST CSF technologies can be used by organizations of all sizes and across all industries. Organizations adopting the NIST CSF can improve their cyber security posture and better protect themselves against cyber threats.

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework is an important cybersecurity risk management system that was developed to help organizations reduce cybersecurity risks. It provides a platform for organizations to create a cybersecurity program tailored to their specific needs by creating a set of actions to be taken in order to manage cybersecurity. The NIST cybersecurity framework helps provide guidance on how organizations can secure their systems and assets and protect any data stored on them from cyber threats. It also outlines possible indicators of potential vulnerabilities as well as best practices for managing cybersecurity risk within an organization. All these measures ensure the safety and security of any sensitive organizational data.

NIST Vulnerability Assessment

NIST Vulnerability Assessment is one of the main components of the framework. It provides a structured approach to assessing any existing cybersecurity risks and identifying potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and networks. The NIST Vulnerability Assessment also helps organizations understand their own security posture, such as uncovering any weak or missing points of defense that may be present in their information systems. Furthermore, the NIST Vulnerability Assessment provides guidance on how to reduce existing threats by implementing and maintaining effective mitigation measures.

NIST Vulnerability Management

NIST Vulnerability Management is an integral part of the NIST cybersecurity framework. It includes the assessment and management of security vulnerabilities to ensure that threats are identified, managed, and mitigated in a timely manner. This helps organizations identify any potential risks before they become actual breaches or attacks on their systems. Furthermore, it helps create situational awareness about current threats and their sources, as well as provides guidance on how to respond to them.

Overall, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides organizations with a comprehensive approach to risk management and cybersecurity. It helps organizations identify existing risks, create plans for preventing potential breaches, and ensure that any vulnerabilities are detected and mitigated quickly.

NIST Data Loss Prevention

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is one example of NIST CSF technology. DLP helps organizations protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access and use by ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or access the data. Additionally, it provides organizations with real-time notifications when data is transmitted outside of their networks, allowing them to take immediate action if necessary.

Framework for cybersecurity

The NIST CSF provides organizations with a comprehensive framework for implementing and maintaining cybersecurity procedures. The framework is composed of five core functions: Identity, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Each function consists of different categories and subcategories that help organizations address specific cybersecurity threats.

NIST Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Tool

Organizations can use the NIST CSF to assess their current cyber security posture and determine areas where additional measures may be needed. The NIST Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Tool (CSAT) is a web-based questionnaire that helps organizations identify potential vulnerabilities, gaps in their cybersecurity processes, and opportunities for improvement.

NIST CSF Technologies

nist csf technologies include a range of tools and services designed to help organizations improve their cyber security posture. These technologies include:

* Access control systems

* Intrusion detection and prevention systems

* Encryption and tokenization systems

* Security information and event management (SIEM) solutions

* Firewall configurations

* Endpoint protection solutions

* Network segmentation solutions

* Software and hardware asset management systems

* Identity and access management (IAM) solutions

* Mobile device management (MDM) solutions

* Data loss prevention (DLP) solutions

* Backup, replication, and disaster recovery services.

How a Cyber Security Maturity Model Protects Your Business

NIST Cybersecurity Checklist

Organizations can use the NIST CSF to create a tailored cybersecurity checklist specific to their organization. This checklist should include steps such as creating security policies and procedures, establishing user access control measures, regularly patching systems and applications, monitoring networks for malicious activity, implementing antivirus solutions, and performing regular security audits.

NIST CSF Implementation

Organizations should ensure that their NIST CSF implementation is comprehensive and up-to-date. This includes regularly reviewing the framework, updating policies and procedures to reflect changes in technology or threats, training staff on cyber security best practices, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Additionally, organizations need to continuously monitor their systems for potential vulnerabilities and malicious activity and take swift action whenever needed.

NIST CSF Compliance

Organizations should ensure they are up to date with their NIST CSF compliance requirements. This includes completing the self-assessment questionnaire, implementing all necessary security controls, documenting security processes and procedures, regularly testing for vulnerabilities, and reporting any incidents to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, organizations should create a cyber security incident response plan and regularly review and update it to ensure that they can respond quickly and effectively to any potential threats or incidents.

By following the NIST CSF framework and implementing the necessary technologies, organizations can protect their networks from cyber security threats while also meeting their compliance requirements. The NIST CSF is an essential resource for any organization looking to improve its cyber security posture.

NIST Cybersecurity Checklist

Organizations should use the NIST CSF to create a tailored cybersecurity checklist. This checklist should include steps such as:

* Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures

* Establishing user access control measures

* Regularly patching systems and applications

* Monitoring networks for malicious activity

* Implementing antivirus solutions

* Performing regular security audits

* Ensuring that all systems, applications, and services are up to date with the latest security patches

* Encrypting data both at rest and in transit

* Backing up data regularly to ensure business continuity.

Organizations should also create a cyber security incident response plan and regularly review and update it to ensure they can respond quickly and effectively in case of a security incident.

By following the steps outlined in the NIST CSF and implementing the needed technologies, organizations can improve their cyber security posture while meeting their compliance requirements. The NIST CSF is an invaluable resource for any organization looking to safeguard their networks from potential cyber security threats.

Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity with NIST

Critical infrastructure refers to the systems and assets essential for the functioning of a society or enterprise. This includes everything from energy and transportation to communication and healthcare. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency that develops standards and guidelines for information security management.

NIST 800-53 is a publication that provides guidance on security controls for information systems. This publication can be used by organizations to assess and manage cybersecurity risk. Organizations can improve their cybersecurity posture by implementing the recommended security controls and better protecting their critical infrastructure.

Organizations of all sizes need a solid security framework based on standards and best practices – a foundation to help you manage your cybersecurity-related risk.  These standards should address interoperability, usability, and privacy based on the needs of your business.

To help address current and future computer and information security challenges, Cybriant highly recommends that our customers adopt the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. NIST’s cybersecurity programs seek to enable greater development and application of practical, innovative security technologies and methodologies.

Protect Your Business with Cybriant’s IT Security Best Practices Checklist

 

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Guide to Cyber Security Management

Guide to Cyber Security Management

Webinar | June 14 | 1 PM EDT

Webinar: Guide to Cyber Security Management

If you are researching Cyber Security Management, trying to figure out how to manage your SIEM, or have any questions about how a Managed Services Model works, please join this webinar.

Our experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Event Details

Guide to Cyber Security Management
Thursday, June 14
1 PM EDT

If you can’t make it at this time, go ahead and register and we’ll send you the replay link.

During the webinar, we’ll discuss:

  • Security Event Monitoring with a SIEM
  • The benefits of Managed Services Model
  • How to make Managed SIEM work for you

It’s a full-time job just determining what is relevant and what is noise. We’ll show you how our security analysts validate alerts, sandbox threats found in order to confirm identity and inform you with a prioritized alert status and remediation path.

Cyber resilience should be on the top of your priority list. How proactive and capable are your cyber defenses? We’ll discuss why many companies are moving to real-time security management, threat detection, and incident response from Cybriant.

Register Today!

Webinar

Guide to Cyber Security Management
Thursday, June 14
1 PM EDT

Are Credit Unions Prepared for Cybersecurity?

Are Credit Unions Prepared for Cybersecurity?

Members are the highest priority for credit unions, but are credit unions ready to do their part to protect their members from cybercriminals?

Credit unions traditionally staff small IT teams with a focus on keeping systems and applications running. In this modern age of cybercrime, it’s necessary to have a fully evolved security operations center and threat intelligence teams that can sift through security alerts on an ongoing basis.

Many small businesses like credit unions think they are too small to be targeted. Ransomware hits are growing faster in small businesses than at large enterprises. Small businesses in the US are losing $75 billion per year because of ransomware. It’s time to consider the cost of a data breach and how credit unions can plan security as a preventative measure.


Find out more about Cybriant’s state of the art cybersecurity operations center.
With our monitoring services, you’ll have the industry’s top threat intelligence experts at your service for a fraction of the cost
https://www.cybriant.com/adaptive/siem/

For credit unions, the cost of the data breach can vary greatly. The direct costs can be anywhere from $3 per record all the way to over $20k per record. Keep in mind, that cost is per record and most credit unions maintain several records per member – including credit cards, SSN#, driver’s licenses, or other PII data.

Credit Unions and Cybersecurity: Where to Start

To mitigate cybersecurity risks, credit unions must not only implement up-to-date security solutions, but also ensure resources are in place to conduct ongoing monitoring efforts.

Cybriant recommends the following steps for a well-rounded cybersecurity practice:

  1. Cybersecurity Standards The NIST Cybersecurity Framework was introduced by the US Department of Commerce. This framework is merely a foundation that businesses can use to apply the principles and best practices of risk management to improve the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. NIST is helpful for CISOs to apply standards, guidelines, and best practices to their organization. It may be helpful to outsource a NIST expert to help understand how the NIST cybersecurity framework can be implemented in your organization.
  2. Security Assessment
    A security or risk assessment is typically done by a third-party organization to evaluate the key indicators of your cybersecurity program. A vulnerability scan maybe considered to help you understand where known threats are present and vulnerable in your systems and network. You will receive a detailed prioritization of specific actions you can take to fortify your program. Find out more about Cybriant’s Security Assessment.
  3. Training
    Your users are your first line of defense and often the most overlooked piece of the puzzle. According to this survey, nearly one-third of small businesses do not offer cybersecurity training for their employees according to this survey. Attackers can enter your organization in myriad ways, be sure you are constantly educating and testing your users.
  4. Ongoing Security Monitoring
    Many companies purchase a Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) software package thinking that their current IT staff will be able to monitor the alerts and deal with them as they come in. It isn’t always that simple. For a comprehensive solution that includes threat detection, incident response, and compliance management, check out our Managed SIEM. Cybriant can help you monitor security logs and alerts in real time to identify and thwart malicious activity.

Schedule a Managed SIEM Demo Today