NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is one of the most widely adopted cyber security frameworks globally and is increasingly referenced by Australian organisations alongside the Australian Government’s Essential Eight and the Information Security Manual (ISM). Originally developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States, the framework provides a structured, flexible approach to managing cyber security risk that is applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors.
The Five Core Functions
The NIST CSF is organised around five core functions that represent the full lifecycle of cyber security risk management. Identify involves understanding the organisation’s assets, business environment, governance, and risk management strategy. Protect covers the safeguards needed to limit the impact of a potential cyber event, including access controls, awareness training, data security, and protective technology. Detect addresses the capabilities needed to identify the occurrence of a cyber event in a timely manner, including continuous monitoring and detection processes. Respond covers the actions taken when a cyber event is detected, including response planning, communications, analysis, mitigation, and improvements. Recover focuses on restoring capabilities and services that were impaired by a cyber event, including recovery planning, improvements, and communications.
Relevance to Australian Organisations
While the NIST CSF originated in the United States, its principles are universally applicable and are widely used by Australian organisations, particularly those operating in regulated sectors or with international operations. The framework complements the Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential Eight mitigation strategies and the Information Security Manual, and many organisations use NIST CSF as an overarching risk management framework while implementing the Essential Eight as a practical baseline for technical controls.
APRA-regulated entities, including banks, insurers, and superannuation funds, frequently reference the NIST CSF in their information security management frameworks as part of meeting their obligations under CPS 234. Government agencies and critical infrastructure operators also find the framework valuable for structuring their approach to cyber security governance and risk management.
NIST CSF 2.0
In February 2024, NIST released version 2.0 of the Cybersecurity Framework, introducing a sixth core function, Govern, which elevates cyber security governance, risk management strategy, and supply chain risk management to a core function alongside the original five. This update reflects the growing recognition that effective cyber security requires executive-level engagement, clear accountability structures, and integration with broader enterprise risk management.
How AICS Can Help
AICS training courses, including the Cyber Security Accreditation Course, incorporate the NIST CSF alongside Australian frameworks in their curriculum. Our accredited members are equipped to advise organisations on the adoption, implementation, and continuous improvement of cyber security frameworks including NIST CSF, the Essential Eight, and ISO/IEC 27001. For guidance on framework adoption or to engage a qualified professional, contact help@cybersecurity.com.au.