NIST CSF | Truvantis, Inc.

What is NIST CSF?

You may have heard about the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, but what exactly is it?

...And does it apply to you?

NIST is the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST is the body that offers guidelines on technology-related matters, like how to adequately protect data. They offer standards on what security measures should be in place to make sure data is safe. By having NIST outlined standards, there is a level of uniformity when it comes to cybersecurity.

Why NIST CSF Matters to Your Organization

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework helps businesses of all sizes better understand, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risk and protect their networks and data. The Framework is voluntary. It gives your business an outline of best practices to help you decide where to focus your time and money for cybersecurity protection.

What You Need to Know About Becoming NIST CSF Compliant

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a powerful asset for cybersecurity practitioners. Given its flexibility and adaptability, it is a cost-effective way for organizations to approach cybersecurity and foster an enterprise-wide conversation around cyber risk and compliance.

You can put the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to work in your business in these five areas: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Identify

Make a list of all equipment, software, and data you use, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and point-of-sale devices.

Create and share a company cybersecurity policy that covers:

Roles and responsibilities for employees, vendors, and anyone else with access to sensitive data.
Steps to take to protect against an attack and limit the damage if one occurs.

Protect

Control who logs on to your network and uses your computers and other devices.
Use security software to protect data.
Encrypt sensitive data, at rest and in transit.
Conduct regular backups of data.
Update security software regularly, automating those updates if possible.
Have formal policies for safely disposing of electronic files and old devices.
Train everyone who uses your computers, devices, and network about cybersecurity. You can help employees understand their personal risk in addition to their crucial role in the workplace.

Detect

Monitor your computers for unauthorized personnel access, devices (like USB drives), and software.
Investigate any unusual activities on your network or by your staff.
Check your network for unauthorized users or connections.

Respond

Have a plan for:

Notifying customers, employees, and others whose data may be at risk.
Keeping business operations up and running.
Reporting the attack to law enforcement and other authorities.
Investigating and containing an attack.
Updating your cybersecurity policy and plan with lessons learned.
Preparing for inadvertent events (like weather emergencies) that may put data at risk.

Test your plan regularly.

Recover

After an attack:

Repair and restore the equipment and parts of your network that were affected.
Keep employees and customers informed of your response and recovery activities.

Truvantis is here to work with you

Truvantis will work with your team to customize the implementation process addressing your specific needs and goals.

We allow time to collaborate and plan with you, taking into consideration current workflows, preparation, and timing for future key project activities, and most importantly, obtaining the right scope from your organization. From developing your Policies, Procedures, and Standards to advise on strategies to implement them, Truvantis’ certified practitioners will be with you every step of the way.