NIST Special Publication 800-115, Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment aims at assisting the organization in discovering the system vulnerabilities through risk assessment and periodic penetration testing. This helps understand the effectiveness of security controls and the flaws that could be exploited by an attacker. This guide has been divided into some chapters…

NIST Special Publication 800-145, titled The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing, provides standardized terminology for cloud computing to ensure uniformity across organizations and industries. It outlines the key characteristics, deployment models, and service models associated with cloud computing to enhance understanding and cloud adoption. NIST 800-145 outlines five essential characteristics of cloud computing: on-demand self-service,…

NIST Special Publication 800-172 Enhanced Security Requirements for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations is an extension of the existing NIST SP 800-171. Current version specifically focus on sensitive but unclassified information dealt by organizations on behalf of the federal government and puts forward additional security requirements and practices pertaining to…

The Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) is designed in collaboration with private and public sectors. It is a practical guide to enable individuals and organizations to manage risks posed by generative AI in a way that aligns with their goals and objectives.  NIST AI RMF is a voluntary framework developed to help users…

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 is an update to NIST CSF  framework.  It expands principles of NIST CSF and adds more structured guidance on minimizing cybersecurity risks. It encompasses organizations of all sizes, irrespective of their security maturity. After the successful debut of the NIST CSF in 2014 and adoption by 50% of US-based organizations…

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) comprises five core functions – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions offer guidelines to industries, governments, agencies, and organizations of all sizes, sectors, and maturity to manage their cybersecurity risks effectively. These are further divided into five categories and subcategories. Lets understand each of these:  Identify (ID):…

Informative references in NIST CSF are the sources that help to achieve a particular requirement. These sources are mapped to other guidelines, frameworks, or practices that are common among all sectors.  For example, the Identify function in NIST CSF includes the subcategory that requires users to build an inventory for their physical devices and systems….

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of best practices that organizations can use to safeguard their data and enhance cyber security. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the framework helps organizations protect critical infrastructure, such as healthcare and manufacturers.  NIST CSF is flexible, adaptable and widely used to benchmark…

A NIST Framework Profile is an organization-specific configuration of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) based on its business requirements, goals, and appetite for risks.  Thus, it functions as an adaptation of how such an organization applies the five functional models of the framework – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. There are two ways a…

The NIST Identity and Access Management (IAM) Framework is intended to help organizations ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical resources, reducing unlawful access and data breaches into information systems. The framework guides organizations in developing and maintaining digital identities, as well as administering effective access controls. The NIST IAM Framework majorly deals…

The NIST Privacy Framework is a set of guidelines and recommendations that are useful for the organization in minimizing privacy risks while collecting or storing personal information. It integrates privacy into product or service design while assuring compliance with a relevant law and building customer trust. The framework was created due to the growing number…

NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a seven-step repeatable process to manage and mitigate risks related to information systems. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the framework was originally developed for federal agencies but has since been adopted by various industries to achieve compliance and manage cybersecurity risks. The framework integrates…

The NIST Secure Software Development Framework, or NIST SP 800-218, is a set of practices employed by NIST to be embedded in the development cycle of software. The framework promotes the concept of “security-by-design,” which supports developers in discovering and solving vulnerabilities at every stage of development. This approach reduces the chances that released software…

NIST SP 800-53 is a special publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology; titled–Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations. It provides a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls organized into control families that support the development of safe and secure information systems. Primarily developed for federal agencies, it can…