Why NIST-Inspired Policies Are Key to Organizational Success

In April 2013, NIST released its updated catalog of security and privacy controls in Special Publication 800-53 Revision 4. This massive document, often described as the “encyclopedia” for federal information security, details hundreds of requirements, categorized into 17 distinct families like access control, incident response, and physical security. 

For organizations going through FISMA compliance or simply aiming to build resilient information systems, the NIST guidelines serve as a vital blueprint, offering structured, actionable security practices. 

Whether federally mandated or you use it as a guiding framework, these policies emphasize the importance of documented procedures, periodic updates, and effective distribution across organizational roles to ensure security policies are truly implemented, not just written down.

Let’s deep dive into NIST policies…

What Are NIST Poilcies?

So, firstly, NIST doesn’t create or enforce policies directly. Hence, the term “NIST policies” does not mean there are specific policies that the NIST creates. 

However, NIST provides guidance and recommendations that organizations can use to develop their own cybersecurity policies, though it doesn’t enforce or directly suggest policies in a prescriptive manner. 

Now, With the recent NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 updates, these requirements are back on the table. Once the CMMC is updated to align with Revision 3, it will be essential for all of us. Ultimately, policies and procedures boil down to the decisions made by senior leadership and management.

In the NIST framework, going back to 1995 with Special Publication 8812, a policy is defined as the documentation of senior management’s security decisions. Essentially, policies represent your management team’s stance on the security of your environment.

The controls listed in NIST Special Publication 800-53 are designed to enforce management decisions. Therefore, selecting and tailoring controls must align with your policies and not operate in a vacuum.

Every control family in NIST 800-53 has a corresponding -1 control, focusing on policies and procedures. These are uniform across the board except for their respective family references. 

Interestingly, the numbering of these controls reflects when they were introduced. For instance, AC-53 is the 53rd access control added, while AU-4 is the fourth auditing control.

The Philosophy of NIST Controls and Policies

The first controls introduced into the NIST catalog were policy and procedure controls, highlighting the philosophy that NIST controls exist to enforce documented security protocols.

NIST policies and procedure controls are not perfect templates, but they clearly outline what a policy should include.

Most organizations will have to document decisions as policy sooner or later. So, if you’re looking for free or purchased templates, these guidelines from NIST can help ensure you’re not getting shortchanged. 

List of NIST-Inspired policies to integrate into your information system

Here’s a quick list of NIST policies and procedures you can integrate into your system to elevate compliance and security standards. 

Each policy aligns with proven controls and best practices from NIST certification.

1. Information Security Policy

Defines the overall approach to managing and protecting an organization’s information security.

It maps to Security Management Controls (CM, PM) from the NIST control family.

2. Access Control Policy

This policy focuses on establishing processes for maintaining, managing, and updating security measures.

Maps to: Access Control (AC)

3. Incident Response Policy

Outlines the procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents.

Maps to: Incident Response (IR)

4. Risk Management Framework Policy

Establishes a framework for identifying, assessing, and managing cybersecurity risks.

Maps to: Risk Assessment (RA)

5. System and Communications Protection Policy

Ensures secure system and communication protocols, defending against unauthorized access or leaks.

Maps to: System and Communications Protection (SC)

6. Configuration Management Policy

Governs changes and configurations across systems to avoid unauthorized alterations.

Maps to: Configuration Management (CM)

7. Contingency Planning Policy

Details measures for ensuring business continuity during disruptions or incidents.

Maps to: Contingency Planning (CP)

8. Data Encryption Policy

Establishes guidelines for encrypting sensitive data at rest and in transit.

Maps to: Access Control (AC), System and Communications Protection (SC)

9. Employee Training and Awareness Policy

Sets guidelines for training staff on security best practices and awareness.

Maps to: Awareness and Training (AT)

10. Mobile Device Management Policy

Controls the use, access, and management of mobile devices within the organization.

Maps to: Access Control (AC)

12. Third-Party Risk Management Policy

Focuses on managing risks associated with external vendors or partners.

Maps to: Supply Chain Risk Management (SR)

13. Acceptable Use Policy

Outlines proper and acceptable use of organizational resources and systems.

Maps to: Supply Chain Risk Management (SR)

14. Change Management Policy

Manages the process of making changes to systems and environments securely.

Maps to: Configuration Management (CM)

15. Audit and Accountability Policy

Establishes audit practices to monitor and record system activities.

Maps to: Audit and Accountability (AU)

16. Physical Security Policy

Defines measures for protecting physical spaces where sensitive information or assets are stored.

Maps to: Physical and Environmental Protection (PE)

17. Vulnerability Management Policy

Establishes procedures for identifying, assessing, and remediating vulnerabilities.

Maps to: Security Assessment and Authorization (CA), Risk Assessment (RA)

18. Data Retention and Disposal Policy

Outlines the retention, archival, and disposal processes for sensitive information.

Maps to: Media Protection (MP)

19. Security Assessment and Authorization Policy

Defines methods for conducting security assessments and obtaining authorization for systems.

Maps to: Security Assessment and Authorization (CA)

20. Cloud Security Policy

Sets guidelines for securing cloud environments and protecting data within cloud platforms.

Maps to: System and Communications Protection (SC)

21. Social Media and Online Communication Policy

Governs acceptable practices and security guidelines for social media and online communication.

Maps to: System and Communications Protection (SC)

How Do You Prove You’re Following Necessary NIST Policies?

NIST frameworks like SP 800-53 and 800-171 are designed to make sure every security policy and action is documented, regularly updated, and shared across your team. 

So, how do you show you’re doing it right?

Let’s break down what it takes to make NIST compliance stick and show it’s more than just a formality.

1. The role of documentation

Each policy and procedure should be documented and explicitly linked to the relevant NIST controls. 

For example, a detailed incident response policy should reference specific NIST SP 800-53 IR controls. 

This is more than a formality; it provides tangible evidence that your company has a reliable approach to managing compliance.

2. Designated officials

An effective compliance strategy necessitates designated officials who oversee policy management. This isn’t just about assigning titles; it’s about accountability. 

Having a Chief Compliance Officer actively involved in policy review and updates signifies a serious commitment to compliance. 

This role ensures that someone consistently monitors the effectiveness of policies and adapts them as necessary.

3. Governance structures

Next, you should have a clear governance structure and a thorough compliance framework. The effectiveness of a compliance committee comprising representatives from various departments, meeting regularly to evaluate and discuss policy updates. 

This collaborative approach streamlines compliance efforts and enhances cross-departmental communication, ensuring everyone is aligned with compliance goals.

4. Regular policy review

Policies can quickly become outdated. To combat this, establish a regular review schedule, perhaps annually or biannually. 

But it doesn’t stop there; be prepared to revisit policies following significant events like security breaches or regulatory changes. 

5. Understand control families

A deep understanding of NIST control families is another requirement. When examining the NIST SP 800-53 framework, familiarize yourself with how controls are categorized. 

As policies evolve, especially during transitions from SP 800-171 Revison 2 to Revison 3, it is vital to ensure that your documentation reflects these changes. 

This might include merging controls now consolidated under the revised framework, a detail that could impact your compliance posture.

6. Verification procedures

Regular control verification is akin to a health check for your compliance framework. Schedule internal audits to assess whether policies are actively implemented and adhered to. 

If discrepancies arise, such as an incident response policy not being practiced during drills, they signal a need for further investigation into training or policy clarity.

7. Consistency with regulations

The maze of applicable regulations can be daunting. To avoid potential pitfalls, ensure your policies are compliant with NIST and other relevant regulations. 

This could mean reconciling NIST requirements with GDPR or other regional laws for organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions. 

The stakes are high; inconsistencies can lead to serious legal consequences.

8. Training and awareness

Compliance is not solely the responsibility of the compliance team; it requires a culture of awareness throughout the organization. 

Regular training sessions should be held to emphasize the importance of policies and their implications for daily operations. 

When employees grasp the rationale behind compliance efforts, they become more invested in upholding these standards.

9. Dissemination of policy updates

Once policies are revised, how you share them can influence their effectiveness. Instead of a simple email blast, consider hosting interactive workshops to discuss changes. 

How can Sprinto help you Implement NIST policies

Complying with NIST standards can help your organization build a security foundation that grows with your business and earns the trust of clients and partners. 

NIST frameworks like SP 800-171 and 800-53 lay out the essentials: clear, well-documented policies that aren’t just set-and-forget. They require regular reviews, accountability, and a commitment to keeping everything up-to-date.

With each new version, like the shift from SP 800-171 Rev 2 to Rev 3, NIST raises the bar to make sure organizations keep pace with today’s security demands. 

That’s where Sprinto’s GRC software steps in to make things even smoother. Sprint empowers you to implement NIST CSF controls that reinforce cybersecurity across both tactical and technical assets.

With Sprinto, you can start by mapping and scoring security risks to identify the right set of controls. Then, you can rely on automation to keep up with NIST CSF’s compliance standards. 

Sprinto’s comprehensive toolkit covers everything from risk profiling to control testing, streamlining your journey toward compliance and keeping you consistently cyber-ready.

Sprinto simplifies NIST CSF compliance by translating framework guidelines into a practical, actionable set of controls tailored to your risk profile. These controls provide strong cyber-risk coverage and help ensure a stronger, more resilient security posture overall.

Get in touch with us to know more.

FAQs

What is NIST 800-53?

In simple terms, NIST 800-53 controls are designed to help federal information systems stay secure and resilient. 

How often should information security policies be updated?

According to NIST, policies should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any organizational or regulatory changes. Many organizations update their policies annually, but the frequency can be set based on specific organizational needs.

Why is a defined structure important for security policy documents?

NIST SP 800-53 recommends a standardized security policy format covering key areas like purpose, scope, roles, and responsibilities. This structure makes policies easier to update and ensures consistency with other corporate policies, which helps in effective policy management and compliance.