The first step in any cybersecurity framework is to identify your risks or vulnerabilities. That is why we recommend our clients start with a risk assessment, so they can make informed decisions on their cybersecurity strategy. Let's dive into the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework to see where your business stands in comparison:
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework was first released in 2014 and has since become widely adopted by organizations both in the U.S. and around the world. The framework is based on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
Identify: This function is all about understanding the risks that an organization faces. It involves identifying the assets that need protection, understanding the threats and vulnerabilities that exist, and assessing the potential impact of a cybersecurity incident.
Protect: Once an organization has identified its risks, it's time to take steps to protect its assets. This can include implementing access controls, using encryption to protect sensitive data, and developing policies and procedures to ensure that employees follow best practices.
Detect: Despite the best efforts to protect an organization's assets, there is always the possibility of a cybersecurity incident occurring. The Detect function involves setting up systems to detect when an incident has occurred or is about to occur. This can include using intrusion detection systems and security monitoring tools.
Respond: When an incident occurs, it's important to respond quickly and effectively to minimize the damage. The Respond function involves developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps that should be taken in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
Recover: Once the incident has been contained, it's time to recover. The Recover function involves restoring systems and data to their pre-incident state and learning from the incident to improve future cybersecurity posture.
Not sure where to start? Our team can help! Request a free security consultation today!