NIST Framework Primer
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is the international reference for building organisational cyber security capability. To support Australian organisations, AICS provides this public-interest primer to help you understand its structure and apply it to your own security controls.
What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?
Originally developed in the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) has become a globally recognised and widely adopted model. It provides a common language and a structured, risk-based approach for managing cyber security for any organisation, regardless of its size, industry, or level of security maturity.
The framework is not a prescriptive set of rules or a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it offers a flexible structure that helps organisations understand their current security posture, set goals for a target posture, and identify areas for improvement. It organises cyber security activities into a series of core functions, which guide the entire lifecycle of risk management.
The Six Core Functions
The framework’s core provides a strategic view of an organisation’s cyber security management. It was recently updated from five to six functions to place greater emphasis on strategic decision-making. The functions are:
Govern
This new function highlights the importance of organisational governance. It covers how to establish and monitor the organisation’s cyber security strategy, risk management priorities, and roles and responsibilities.
Identify
To manage risk, you must first understand your environment. This function focuses on developing an organisational understanding of systems, assets, data, and capabilities that are at risk.
Protect
This involves implementing appropriate safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical services. It includes controls for access management, data security, and protective technology to limit the impact of a potential cyber security event.
Detect
This function focuses on implementing activities to identify the occurrence of a cyber security event in a timely manner. It includes monitoring for anomalies, security breaches, and other potential threats.
Respond
When a cyber security incident is detected, this function provides guidance on developing and implementing appropriate activities to take action. This includes response planning, communications, analysis, and mitigation.
Recover
This function focuses on resilience and the timely restoration of any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cyber security incident. It includes recovery planning, improvements, and communications.
AICS Resources and Professional Application
Understanding and implementing the NIST framework requires both clear guidance and professional expertise. The AICS-published primer and our comprehensive Glossary of Terms are valuable resources for any Australian organisation starting its journey.
For a more integrated approach, the AICS Cyber Governance Platform provides a structured environment for mapping controls and assessing maturity against frameworks like the NIST CSF. The successful application of these frameworks is driven by qualified professionals. AICS provides a pathway to professional recognition through our accredited courses and chartered designations, including GAICS, MAICS, and FAICS, which signify a commitment to the highest standards of cyber security practice.
Strengthen Your Organisation’s Cyber Governance
Move from theory to practice. Engage with AICS to conduct a formal cyber governance assessment based on established frameworks and identify your organisation’s path to greater resilience.