Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Its Evolution to Version 2.0

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary guide based on existing standards, guidelines, and practices designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. The CSF was initially developed in response to a presidential executive order aimed at improving the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure in the United States. However, its practical and flexible nature has led to its widespread adoption across various sectors, industries, and even internationally

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Javiertech

3/24/20243 min read

NIST CSF 2.0 introduces the Govern function as a foundational element of the framework
NIST CSF 2.0 introduces the Govern function as a foundational element of the framework

Framework Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles

The core of the CSF provides a set of desired cybersecurity activities and outcomes, organized into five primary functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions offer a high-level, strategic view of an organization's approach to managing cybersecurity risk.

  • Identify: Understand the organization's environment to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, assets, data, and capabilities.

  • Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical infrastructure services.

  • Detect: Identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event.

  • Respond: Take action regarding a detected cybersecurity incident.

  • Recover: Restore any capabilities or services impaired due to a cybersecurity incident.

Implementation Tiers provide context on how an organization views cybersecurity risk and its processes in place to manage that risk, ranging from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4). Profiles are customizations of the Framework Core and are used by organizations to establish a roadmap for improving their cybersecurity posture, based on their specific needs, risks, and objectives.

From CSF 1.0 to CSF 2.0: Key Changes and Enhancements

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 marks a significant update from its predecessor, 1.0, incorporating several new elements and expanding its scope to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape more effectively. Here are the key differences and enhancements introduced in version 2.0 compared to version 1.0:

  • Expanded Scope and Audience: Originally targeting critical infrastructure organizations, the CSF 2.0 now explicitly aims to assist all organizations across various sectors and sizes in managing and reducing cybersecurity risks. This broader target audience includes small schools and nonprofits, as well as large agencies and corporations, regardless of their cybersecurity sophistication.

  • Introduction of the "Govern" Function: One of the most notable changes is the addition of a new core function, "Govern," which complements the original five functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover). The “Govern” function focuses on guiding organizations in making informed decisions regarding cybersecurity strategy, emphasizing governance, strategy establishment, roles, responsibilities, and the oversight of cybersecurity efforts. This addition signifies a heightened emphasis on integrating cybersecurity governance into the overall organizational strategy​.

  • Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management: CSF 2.0 places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) within the new Govern function. It outlines practices such as creating a C-SCRM strategy, identifying critical technology suppliers, and establishing roles and requirements for supply chain security. This reflects the latest guidance from NIST and acknowledges the growing importance of securing the supply chain in today's interconnected digital ecosystem​.

  • Updated Reference Tool: The framework introduces a comprehensive online NIST CSF 2.0 Reference Tool that simplifies navigation using keywords and phrases, enabling quick access to subcategories and implementation example references. This tool is designed to educate users on organizational profiles and circumstances, highlighting elements such as mission statements and organizational contexts.

  • Addressing New Challenges: Version 2.0 emphasizes the integration of cybersecurity into organizational culture and decision-making processes to tackle new challenges. These include managing supply chain disruption and risks, addressing the growth of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and mitigating the impact of the lack of skilled cybersecurity staff. The framework provides more comprehensive guidance and flexibility to help organizations adapt to these evolving threats.

  • Enhanced Guidance and Flexibility: The CSF 2.0 offers expanded guidance on several fronts, including supply chain risk management and measuring cybersecurity outcomes. It introduces new templates for creating organizational profiles and aims for better integration with broader organizational risk management practices. The update also aligns with newer NIST publications on privacy, IoT, and cloud security, ensuring that the framework remains relevant in the face of rapidly advancing technologies​.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 represents a significant evolution of the original framework, addressing the changing cybersecurity landscape and offering organizations a more comprehensive and flexible tool for managing cybersecurity risks.