What Is NIST?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a nonregulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce. NIST is responsible for developing and promoting measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST conducts research in diverse fields, including information technology, cybersecurity, and physical sciences.
In terms of cybersecurity, NIST is known for its development of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which provides guidelines and best practices for organizations to manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. NIST also publishes a wide range of documents, such as the NIST Special Publication (SP) series, that offer in-depth guidance on aspects of information security, privacy, and risk management.
NIST Explained
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a nonregulatory agency and laboratory, operating as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which oversees its activities and budget. As a part of the Department of Commerce, NIST contributes to the department's mission by promoting economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement through its research, development, and dissemination of standards, measurement techniques, and best practices. Its mandate is to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness.
NIST's scope of activities is broad, encompassing nanoscale science, information technology, neutron research, and measurement (physical and material), among others. NIST is also responsible for promoting cybersecurity and providing guidance on managing and reducing cybersecurity risks through the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).
Voluntary Adoption of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
As a nonregulatory agency, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary, recommended baseline for cybersecurity widely used by governments and industries around the world. The CSF consists of five main areas: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, each of which comes with detailed recommendations for how organizations can implement the relevant security measures.
In the U.S., the CSF has been adopted by approximately 30% of organizations and usage is expected to grow. Since 2016, federal agencies in the U.S. have been required to implement the CSF under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the Cybersecurity Executive Order. In addition to the CSF, NIST also provides guidelines protecting U.S. federal information systems through the security controls detailed in NIST 800-53.
The NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF)
The NIST SSDF is a comprehensive set of guidelines created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations develop and maintain secure software. The framework aims to reduce the number of vulnerabilities in software products by integrating security best practices and principles throughout the software development lifecycle.
SSDF embodies four key components:
- Prepare: Foster a security-conscious culture within the organization, defining roles and responsibilities to support secure software development.
- Protect: Implement security controls, secure coding practices, and threat modeling to protect software from potential risks and vulnerabilities.
- Produce: Integrate security principles and practices throughout the software development lifecycle to create well-secured software.
- Respond: Establish efficient processes for handling vulnerability reports, enabling the organization to respond effectively and mitigate potential risks.
What Do Nist Guidelines Cover?
NIST guidelines cover a range of cybersecurity and information security topics. Areas include:
Risk Management
Risk management, as addressed by NIST guidelines, is a systematic and proactive process for identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with information systems and organizational operations. The foundation of risk management in NIST guidance is the Risk Management Framework (RMF), which is detailed in NIST Special Publication 800-37.
The RMF outlines a six-step process for integrating risk management into the lifecycle of information systems:
Step 1: Categorize
Classify information systems and data based on their sensitivity, criticality, and potential impact in the event of a security breach. This step ensures that appropriate security controls are applied according to the level of risk.
Step 2: Select
Choose relevant security controls from NIST SP 800-53, tailored to the specific needs of the organization and the categorized information systems. This step may also involve the implementation of supplementary security measures to address unique risks.
Step 3: Implement
Apply the selected security controls to the information systems, ensuring proper configuration, documentation, and integration with the existing infrastructure.
Step 4: Assess
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented security controls in addressing the identified risks. This step involves testing, reviewing, and analyzing the controls to ensure they’re functioning as intended and meeting the organization's risk management objectives.
Step 5: Authorize
Based on the assessment results, senior management decides whether to authorize the information system for operation, considering the residual risks and the organization's risk tolerance. The authorization decision may require additional risk mitigation measures or the acceptance of residual risk.
Step 6: Monitor
Continuously monitor the security controls and the evolving risk landscape, updating the risk management process as needed. This step involves tracking changes to the information systems, the environment, and the threat landscape, adjusting security controls and risk management strategies accordingly.
NIST guidelines emphasize the importance of adopting a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, which allows organizations to prioritize resources and efforts based on the potential impact and likelihood of threats. By integrating risk management into the entire lifecycle of information systems, NIST guidance helps organizations build a robust cybersecurity posture that continuously adapts to evolving risks and supports their overall mission and objectives.
Access Control
Access control, as addressed by NIST guidelines, is a fundamental security principle focused on regulating who or what can view, interact with, or modify resources within an information system. NIST Special Publication 800-53, "Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations," provides comprehensive guidance on access control measures that organizations should implement to protect their information systems.
The access control guidance in NIST SP 800-53 is divided into several families of controls, which include:
Access Control Policies and Procedures
Establish, document, and maintain formal access control policies and procedures that define roles, responsibilities, and requirements for managing access to information systems and resources.
Account Management
Create, maintain, and manage user accounts and associated access privileges based on the principle of least privilege. This includes periodic review and updates to account permissions, as well as timely deactivation of accounts when no longer needed.
Access Enforcement
Implement mechanisms to enforce access control policies, ensuring that users and processes can access only the resources they’re authorized to use. This includes role-based access control (RBAC) and attribute-based access control (ABAC) models.
Information Flow Control
Regulate the flow of information between systems and within the organization to prevent unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction of data.
Separation of Duties
Divide critical functions and responsibilities among multiple individuals or systems to reduce the risk of fraud, errors, or unauthorized actions.
Least Privilege
Grant users and processes the minimum level of access necessary to perform their roles and tasks, limiting the potential impact of security breaches.
Unsuccessful Login Attempts
Monitor and limit the number of unsuccessful login attempts to prevent unauthorized access and potential brute-force attacks.
System Use Notification
Notify users upon login of their responsibilities and expected behavior when accessing the information system, reinforcing security awareness and compliance.
Session Control
Implement mechanisms to control and manage active user sessions, including session timeouts, lockouts, and concurrent session limits.
Remote Access
Control, monitor, and protect remote access to the information system, ensuring that remote connections are secure and authorized.
Encryption
By following NIST guidelines on access control, organizations can protect the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted and stored within the information system. Doing so will allow them to effectively manage and restrict access to their information systems, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized actions, data breaches, and other security incidents.
Incident Response
Incident response, as addressed by NIST guidelines, is a structured process for detecting, managing, and recovering from security incidents that impact information systems and organizational operations. NIST Special Publication 800-61, "Computer Security Incident Handling Guide," provides comprehensive guidance on establishing and maintaining an effective incident response capability within an organization.
The incident response process outlined in NIST SP 800-61 consists of four main phases:
Phase 1: Preparation
Develop and maintain an incident response policy and plan, outlining roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and procedures for handling security incidents. This phase also includes establishing an Incident Response Team (IRT), providing training, and conducting regular exercises to test and refine the organization's incident response capabilities.
Phase 2: Detection and Analysis
Monitor and analyze information systems and network traffic to identify potential security incidents. This phase involves deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) tools, and other monitoring solutions to detect anomalies, unauthorized activities, and potential threats. Upon detecting an incident, the IRT should gather relevant data, preserve evidence, and assess the scope and impact of the incident.
Phase 3: Containment, Eradication, and Recovery
Implement measures to contain and mitigate the impact of the security incident, preventing further damage or unauthorized access. This phase includes isolating affected systems, removing malware or threat actors, and restoring systems to a secure state. Recovery efforts should prioritize restoring business operations, ensuring the integrity and availability of critical systems and data.
Phase 4: Post-Incident Activity
Conduct a thorough review and analysis of the incident, identifying lessons learned, and implementing improvements to the organization's security posture and incident response processes. This phase involves documenting the incident, evaluating the effectiveness of the response, and updating policies, procedures, and security controls as needed to prevent recurrence and enhance overall resilience.
Adhering to NIST guidelines on incident response enables organizations to quickly detect, contain, and recover from security incidents, minimizing potential damage and reducing the likelihood of future incidents. Implementing an effective incident response process is a vital component of maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture and protecting an organization's information systems, data, and reputation.
Security Awareness and Training
NIST provides recommendations for developing and implementing security awareness and training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity threats, best practices, and their individual responsibilities in maintaining a secure environment. NIST Special Publication 800-50, "Building an Information Technology Security Awareness and Training Program," provides comprehensive guidance on developing and implementing an effective security education program within an organization.
Key elements of security awareness and training addressed by NIST guidelines include:
Program Development
Establish a formal security awareness and training program that aligns with the organization's mission, objectives, and risk management strategy. This involves identifying program goals, target audiences, and resources needed to deliver the training effectively.
Role-Based Training
Provide tailored training content to different audiences based on their specific roles and responsibilities within the organization. This ensures that employees understand the security risks and requirements associated with their job functions, enabling them to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
Continuous Learning
Implement ongoing training and reinforcement activities, keeping employees up to date with the evolving threat landscape, emerging technologies, and changes in organizational policies and procedures. This includes periodic training sessions, refresher courses, and regular security updates.
Awareness Campaigns
Complement formal training with awareness campaigns that reinforce key security messages and promote a security-conscious culture. This may include posters, newsletters, intranet content, or events designed to engage employees and maintain their attention on security matters.
Evaluation and Improvement
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the security awareness and training program, using metrics such as participation rates, knowledge retention, and reductions in security incidents. Continuously refine the program based on feedback and lessons learned, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in addressing the organization's security needs.
Encryption and Cryptography
Organizations can protect their information systems, data, and communications against unauthorized access, tampering, and eavesdropping by incorporating strong encryption and cryptography practices designed to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.
NIST plays a crucial role in the development and standardization of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, ensuring their security and interoperability. NIST Special Publications (SP) and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) publications provide comprehensive guidance on various aspects of encryption and cryptography.
Key areas of encryption and cryptography addressed by NIST guidelines include:
Cryptographic Algorithms
NIST develops, approves, and maintains cryptographic algorithms for various purposes, such as encryption, hashing, and digital signatures. Examples include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), and Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). These algorithms are specified in FIPS publications like FIPS 197, FIPS 180, and FIPS 186.
Cryptographic Key Management
NIST SP 800-57 provides guidance on managing cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle, including key generation, distribution, storage, and retirement. Proper key management is essential for maintaining the security and effectiveness of cryptographic systems.
Random Number Generation
Secure random number generation is vital for cryptographic operations such as key generation and encryption initialization. NIST SP 800-90A, B, and C provide guidelines on the design and implementation of random number generators for cryptographic applications.
Cryptographic Module Validation
The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), jointly managed by NIST and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, validates cryptographic modules against the FIPS 140 standard. This program ensures that cryptographic implementations meet security requirements and can be trusted for protecting sensitive data.
Cryptographic Protocols
NIST guidelines also address cryptographic protocols, such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), which provide secure communication channels over potentially insecure networks. NIST SP 800-52, SP 800-77, and SP 800-175B offer guidance on the selection, configuration, and usage of these protocols.
Configuration Management
NIST guidelines address the secure configuration of information systems as a systematic process for maintaining, controlling, and documenting the settings and components of information systems. To help organizations effectively manage risks associated with changes, NIST Special Publication 800-128, "Guide for Security-Focused Configuration Management of Information Systems," provides comprehensive guidance on effective configuration management practices.
Key aspects of configuration management addressed by NIST guidelines include:
Baseline Configuration
Establish a secure baseline configuration for information systems, incorporating security settings, hardware and software components, and network architecture. This baseline serves as a reference point for assessing and maintaining system security throughout its lifecycle.
Change Control
Implement a formal change control process to manage and document modifications to the information system, ensuring that changes are authorized, tested, and don’t introduce unintended security risks. This includes evaluating the potential impact of changes on the system's security posture and obtaining approval from appropriate stakeholders.
Configuration Monitoring
Continuously monitor the information system's configuration to detect and remediate unauthorized or insecure changes. This involves using tools such as configuration management databases (CMDBs), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and automated compliance checks to track and validate configuration settings.
Vulnerability Management
Integrate vulnerability management practices into the configuration management process to identify, prioritize, and address potential weaknesses in the system. This includes monitoring vulnerability databases, applying security patches, and updating configurations to mitigate emerging threats.
Configuration Auditing
Periodically audit the information system's configuration to verify compliance with established security policies, standards, and baseline settings. Auditing helps identify deviations from the baseline, assess the effectiveness of security controls, and ensure that the system remains secure and resilient.
Security Assessment and Testing
NIST provides guidance on conducting security assessments and testing of information systems to identify areas for improvement. Guidelines outline a structured process for evaluating both security controls and vulnerabilities in information systems. NIST Special Publication 800-53A, "Assessing Security and Privacy Controls in Federal Information Systems and Organizations," provides comprehensive guidance on conducting security assessments and testing to support risk management and compliance with federal regulations. Key aspects include:
Assessment Planning
Develop a security assessment plan that defines the objectives, scope, methodology, and schedule for evaluating the information system's security controls. This plan should align with the organization's risk management strategy and consider factors such as system complexity, dependencies, and regulatory requirements.
Control Selection
Identify the security controls to be assessed, including those specified in NIST SP 800-53, based on the information system's categorization and risk profile. This may include a combination of management, operational, and technical controls that address various aspects of security, such as access control, configuration management, and incident response.
Assessment Methods
Use a range of assessment methods to evaluate the security controls, including interviews, documentation reviews, observations, and technical testing. This combination of methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the controls' effectiveness and enables the identification of potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
Assessment Results
Document and analyze the results of the security assessment, identifying any deviations from expected performance, noncompliance with policy, or vulnerabilities that require remediation. This includes comparing the actual implementation of security controls to the established baseline and assessing their effectiveness in addressing identified risks.
Remediation and Continuous Monitoring
Use the assessment results to prioritize and implement remediation actions, such as updating configurations, applying patches, or enhancing security controls. Integrate the security assessment process into the organization's continuous monitoring program to maintain an ongoing understanding of the information system's security posture and support informed risk management decisions.
Privacy
Privacy involves the protection of individuals' personal information and ensuring the responsible collection, processing, storage, and sharing of such data. NIST has developed a Privacy Framework to help organizations manage privacy risks and comply with privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The framework covers areas such as:
Identify
Understand the organization's privacy landscape by inventorying personal data, establishing privacy policies, and identifying applicable legal and regulatory requirements. This includes determining data collection, processing, and sharing practices, as well as assessing privacy risks.
Govern
Develop and implement a governance structure that supports privacy objectives, assigns privacy roles and responsibilities, and establishes oversight mechanisms. This involves creating privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with the organization's mission, values, and risk appetite.
Control
Implement privacy controls to mitigate identified privacy risks and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes data minimization, access control, encryption, and secure data disposal practices, as well as privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs).
Communicate
Foster transparency and trust by clearly communicating privacy practices and policies to individuals, stakeholders, and regulators. This includes providing privacy notices, obtaining consent for data collection and processing, and establishing channels for individuals to exercise their privacy rights, such as access, rectification, and deletion requests.
Protect
Integrate privacy considerations into the organization's overall cybersecurity strategy, ensuring that personal data is protected against unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, and destruction. This involves applying security controls from NIST SP 800-53 and incorporating privacy-by-design principles in the development of information systems.
Assess and Monitor
Regularly assess and monitor the effectiveness of privacy controls and governance structures, refining policies and practices based on lessons learned, changes in the privacy landscape, and emerging risks. This includes conducting privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and integrating privacy management into the organization's continuous monitoring program.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Planning, preparation, and execution of strategies must be executed to ensure the resilience of an organization's critical operations and information systems. NIST Special Publication 800-34, "Contingency Planning Guide for Federal Information Systems," provides comprehensive guidance on developing and implementing effective business continuity and disaster recovery plans to support organizational objectives and minimize potential impacts.
Risk Assessment
Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts on the organization's mission, critical functions, and information systems. This involves evaluating the likelihood and consequences of disruptions, informing the development of contingency strategies and priorities.
Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
Analyze the organization's critical business processes and functions, determining their maximum tolerable downtime (MTD) and recovery time objectives (RTO). The BIA helps identify the resources and systems essential for maintaining or rapidly restoring operations after a disruption.
Contingency Planning
Develop contingency plans that outline strategies, procedures, and resources for maintaining or restoring critical functions and information systems during disruptions. This includes specifying incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery processes, as well as defining roles and responsibilities.
Alternate Sites and Resources
Identify and maintain alternate sites, equipment, and resources to support the continuity of critical functions and information systems during a disruption. This may include redundant systems, off-site backups, and alternative communication channels, ensuring the availability and integrity of essential data and services.
Testing and Maintenance
Regularly test and maintain the organization's business continuity and disaster recovery plans, ensuring their effectiveness and updating them based on lessons learned, changes in the environment, and emerging risks. This includes conducting exercises, simulations, and reviews to validate the plans and identify areas for improvement.
Training and Awareness
Provide training and awareness programs to ensure that personnel understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disruption and are prepared to execute the organization's contingency plans effectively.
Cloud Computing
NIST guidelines cover security and privacy considerations for organizations adopting cloud services, including recommendations for selecting and implementing secure cloud solutions. NIST Special Publication 800-146, "Cloud Computing Synopsis and Recommendations," and NIST SP 800-34 provide guidance on managing recovery processes in cloud computing, ensuring the resilience and continuity of operations in the face of potential threats.
Service Models
Understand the implications of various cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS) on recovery responsibilities, as each model allocates different recovery tasks between the organization and the cloud service provider (CSP).
Recovery Objectives in the Cloud
Define the organization's recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO) for cloud-based systems, ensuring that recovery strategies align with business requirements and risk tolerance.
SLAs and Contracts
Establish clear service level agreements (SLAs) and contracts with cloud service providers (CSPs) that specify recovery responsibilities, performance expectations, and communication protocols during disruptions. This ensures both parties understand their roles and can collaborate effectively during recovery processes.
Data Redundancy
Implement data redundancy mechanisms, such as replication, snapshots, and backups, to protect critical data and facilitate recovery in the event of data loss or corruption. This may involve leveraging cloud-based storage services or utilizing hybrid strategies with on-premises backups.
Failover and Load Balancing
Employ failover and load-balancing techniques to ensure the continuous availability of cloud-based applications and services during disruptions. This may include utilizing multiple availability zones, regions, or even multicloud strategies to distribute risk and minimize potential downtime.
Testing and Validation
Regularly test and validate the organization's cloud recovery plans, ensuring their effectiveness and updating them based on lessons learned, changes in the cloud environment, and emerging risks. This includes conducting recovery exercises and simulations to verify the ability to restore cloud-based systems and services.
Related Article: What Is Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity?
CSF Vs. SSDF
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and the NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) are distinct guidelines developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to address different aspects of cybersecurity.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary set of guidelines designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks across all industries. CSF provides a structured approach to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from cyberthreats. It’s built on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. The framework is intended to be flexible, risk-based, and adaptable to an organization's unique needs, allowing for continuous improvement and alignment with evolving threats and technologies.
Conversely, the NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) specifically focuses on the process of developing secure software. SSDF offers a set of best practices and recommendations for creating and maintaining secure software throughout its lifecycle. It addresses aspects such as secure design, coding, testing, and maintenance, as well as supply chain security. The framework comprises four primary components: Prepare the Organization, Protect the Software, Produce Well-Secured Software, and Respond to Vulnerability Reports. The SSDF aims to ensure that software is built securely from the ground up, minimizing vulnerabilities and risks associated with software-based systems.
| Aspect | NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) | NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Enhances the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure through a comprehensive set of guidelines. | Focuses on integrating security practices into the software development lifecycle to mitigate vulnerabilities. |
| Focus Areas | Identifies, Protects, Detects, Responds, and Recovers from cybersecurity incidents. | Secure software development practices, including design, development, and deployment. |
| Target Audience | Organizations managing critical infrastructure, though widely applicable across various sectors. | Software developers, development organizations, and security professionals involved in the software development process. |
| Key Components | Framework Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles. | Practices and tasks across four groups: Prepare the Organization (PO), Protect the Software (PS), Produce Well-Secured Software (PW), and Respond to Vulnerabilities (RV). |
| Implementation | Flexible, allowing organizations to adapt and implement based on their specific needs, risks, and resources. | Provides a set of practices for secure software development, encouraging adoption as part of an organization's existing development process. |
| Outcome | A strategic approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risk at a broad organizational level. | A tactical, process-oriented approach aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in software products through secure development practices. |
| Applicability | Flexible and adaptable for organizations of various sizes and sectors | Tailored for software development teams, organizations, and stakeholders involved in the software development process |
| Risk Management Approach | Risk-based approach, allowing organizations to prioritize and manage risks according to their specific needs and context | Focuses on reducing risks and vulnerabilities within the software development process |
| Adaptability | Designed to evolve with changing technologies and threats, promoting continuous improvement | Provides guidance on secure software practices that can be updated as technologies and threats evolve |
| Industry Focus | Broadly applicable across different industries | Primarily geared toward the software development industry |
NIST FAQs
The NIST Special Publication (SP) series is a collection of documents that offer in-depth guidance on aspects of information security, privacy, and risk management. These publications, authored by NIST experts and collaborators, cover a range of topics, including cybersecurity best practices, standards, and recommendations for various industries and technologies.
The SP series serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and implement robust security measures.
FIPS publications are a set of standards issued by the U.S. government for use by non-military agencies and their contractors. Developed by NIST, FIPS publications address aspects of information technology and cybersecurity, including cryptography, encryption, and secure communication protocols. These standards are designed to ensure the security, interoperability, and performance of information systems and technology used by federal agencies, promoting a unified approach to information security across the government.
Compliance with FIPS publications is mandatory for federal agencies, and many private organizations also follow these standards as a best practice for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.
