NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) Policies, Standards & Procedures

We have several options to address your needs for NIST CSF-based policies, standards & procedures (please click on the product for more specific information). Each option has its own combination of products, which can support you if your needs are just policies and standards, if you also need procedures, or if you are looking for near-turnkey documentation. If you have any questions, please email us at support@complianceforge.com and we can help answer your product-related questions. 

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) - Good/Better/Great/Awesome Solutions

When you look at it from a sliding scale of good, better, great or awesome, we have a few options for you to meet your needs and budget to align your company with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). The product names you see in the various packages below map into the matrix shown above to show you how that maps into NIST CSF. 

Good (NIST CSF)	Better (NIST CSF)	Great (NIST CSF)	Awesome (NIST CSF)
CDPP - NIST CSF Policies & Standards	CDPP + CSOP - NIST CSF Policies, Standards & Procedures	CDPP Bundle 2: CDPP-CSOP-SCRM-RMP-CRA-VPMP-IIRP-COOP-SBC	DSP Bundle 3: DSP-CSOP-SCRM-RMP-CRA-VPMP-IIRP-COOP-SBC-IAP-SPBD

NIST Cybersecurity Framework - Editable Cybersecurity Policies & Standards

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the US Department of Commerce, drafted the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). The Cybersecurity Framework does not introduce new standards or concepts, but leverages and integrates industry-leading cybersecurity practices that have been developed by organizations like NIST and the International Standardization Organization (ISO). The CSF comprises a risk-based compilation of guidelines that can help organizations identify, implement, and improve cybersecurity practices, and creates a common language for internal and external communication of cybersecurity issues.

The Cybersecurity Framework is designed to evolve with changes in cybersecurity threats, processes, and technologies. In effect, the Cybersecurity Framework envisions effective cybersecurity as a dynamic, continuous loop of response to both threats and solutions. As a result, organizations that adopt the Cybersecurity Framework may be better positioned to comply with future cybersecurity and privacy regulations. At the least, businesses that operate in regulated industries should begin monitoring how regulators, examiners, and other sector-specific entities are changing their review processes in response to the Cybersecurity Framework.

What Problem Does ComplianceForge Solve?

• Lack of In House Security Experience - Writing security documentation is a skill that many good cybersecurity professionals simple are not proficient at and avoid the task at all cost. Tasking your security analysts and engineers to write comprehensive documentation means you are actively taking them away from protecting and defending your network, which is not a wise use of their time. ComplianceForge offers cybersecurity documentation solutions that can save your organization significant time and money!
• Compliance Requirements - It is increasingly common for companies to use the NIST CSF as the baseline for compliance expectations. Our products are designed with compliance in mind, since they focus on leading security frameworks to address reasonably-expected security requirements, such as the NIST CSF. Our Digital Security Program (DSP) and Cybersecurity & Data Protection Program (CDPP) map the NIST CSF and other leading compliance frameworks so you can clearly see what is required!
• Audit Failures - Security documentation does not age gracefully like a fine wine. Outdated documentation leads to gaps that expose organizations to audit failures and system compromises. Our documentation provides mapping to leading security frameworks to show you exactly what is required to both stay secure and compliant. Being editable documentation, you are able to easily maintain it as your needs or technologies change.  
• Vendor Requirements - It is very common for clients and partners to request evidence of a security program and this includes policies and standards. Our documentation solutions provide this evidence!

How Does ComplianceForge Solve It?

• Clear Documentation - ComplianceForge provides comprehensive documentation that can prove your security program exists. This equates to a time saving of hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars in staff and consultant expenses!
• Time Savings - Our cybersecurity documentation can provide your organization with a semi-customized solution that requires minimal resources to fine tune for your organization's specific needs. 
• Alignment With Leading Practices - Our documentation is mapped to the NIST CSF, as well as other leading security frameworks! 

 

NIST Cybersecurity Framework - Path To Showing Compliance

Due to a lack of other benchmarking frameworks, the Cybersecurity Framework is firmly establishing itself as a cybersecurity standard that will be used as a measure for future legal rulings. If, for instance, the security practices of an organization are questioned in a legal proceeding, the courts could identify the Cybersecurity Framework as a baseline for “reasonably expected” cybersecurity standards. Organizations that have not adopted the Cybersecurity Framework to a sufficient degree may be considered negligent and may be held liable for fines and other damages. Aligning to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, therefore, should be seen as an exercise of due care, and organizations should understand that their corporate officers and boards may have a fiduciary obligation to comply with the guidelines.

 

Using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework To Manage Service Providers

It is possible to use the Cybersecurity Framework as business requirement for third-party providers. The Cybersecurity Framework may become a business requirement for companies that provide services. For example, an organization that adopts the Cybersecurity Framework may require that its vendors and suppliers to achieve the same. Doing so will help the organization protect itself from a potential weak link in its supply chain. Service providers should be prepared for future requests for proposals (RFPs) and partnerships to require some level of implementation with the Cybersecurity Framework.

 

Cybersecurity Framework Core Functions

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework formally defines its Core as “a set of cybersecurity activities, desired outcomes, and applicable references across critical infrastructure sectors.” The Core consists of standard cybersecurity controls slotted into a taxonomy of five Functions, 22 Categories or subdivisions of the Functions, and 98 Subcategories. Core Functions form the “operational culture” that addresses cybersecurity risks. The Core Functions are:

Identify

Identify Functions are foundational. These controls help an organization understand how to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, assets, data, and capabilities. Relating these to a business context is critical for prioritizing efforts. 

Categories include: 

• Asset Management 
• Business Environment 
• Governance 
• Risk Assessment 
• Risk Management Strategy
• Supply Chain Risk Management

Protect

Protect Functions are the safeguards that ensure delivery of critical infrastructure services. In terms of ensuring resilience, these safeguards help to limit or contain the impact of a cybersecurity event. 

Categories include: 

• Identity Management & Access Control 
• Awareness and Training 
• Data Security 
• Information Protection Processes and Procedures 
• Maintenance 
• Protective Technology

Detect

Detect Functions identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event. 

Categories include: 

• Anomalies and Events 
• Security Continuous Monitoring 
• Detection Processes

Respond

Respond Functions allow an organization to take action on a detected cybersecurity event. The goal of Respond Functions is to contain the impact of a cybersecurity event and remediate vulnerabilities. 

Categories include: 

• Response Planning 
• Communications 
• Analysis 
• Mitigation 
• Improvements

Recover

Recover Functions are for resilience planning – particularly the restoration of capabilities or services impaired by a cybersecurity event. 

Categories include:

• Recovery Planning 
• Improvements 
• Communications

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