NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) - Definition

NIST CSF stands for “National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework” and is a comprehensive guide for information security and cybersecurity risk management. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it is based on industry standards and offers a structured method for strengthening cybersecurity through its adaptability to existing security processes.

It is divided into functions, categories and subcategories that provide concrete action plans for organizations. The framework's five main functions - identify, protect, detect, respond and recover - address all aspects of risk management. Originally developed for critical infrastructure, the NIST CSF has gained international recognition as a guide for cybersecurity. The known versions 1.0 (2014) and 1.1 (2018) will be supplemented by a planned version 2.0 in 2024.

The different implementation levels are Level 1 - Partial, Level 2 - Informed about risks, Level 3 - Repeatable and Level 4 - Adaptive.

• Level 1: NIST CSF familiarity, reactive cybersecurity activities, limited risk awareness, lack of information security processes and resources.
• Level 2: higher cybersecurity risk awareness, information sharing and lack of repeatable organization-wide risk management process.
• Level 3: Cybersecurity risk awareness, repeatable organization-wide risk management plan, cybersecurity team with action plan for monitoring and responding to cyberattacks.
• Level 4: Resilience to cyberattacks, continuous improvement of cybersecurity technologies, adaptation to changing threats and integration of risk management into budget and organizational culture.

These levels of implementation help organizations assess their progress and overall promote a proactive, repeatable and adaptable approach to enterprise cybersecurity.