The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 provides guidance to industry, government agencies, and organizations of all sizes and sectors to manage cybersecurity risks effectively. It offers a taxonomy of high-level cybersecurity outcomes that can be tailored to address unique risks, technologies, and mission objectives. The CSF Core, consisting of Functions, Categories, and Subcategories, helps organizations understand, assess, prioritize, and communicate their cybersecurity efforts to a broad audience.
The CSF does not prescribe specific methods to achieve outcomes but links to online resources like Informative References, Implementation Examples, and Quick Start Guides for additional guidance. Informative References map relationships between the Core and various standards, guidelines, and regulations, aiding organizations in achieving desired outcomes. Implementation Examples provide actionable steps to improve cybersecurity posture, while Quick Start Guides offer concise, tailored information for specific CSF-related topics.
Organizations can create Organizational Profiles to describe their current and target cybersecurity postures, aligning with the CSF Core components. These profiles help organizations compare their current state with desired cybersecurity outcomes and consider anticipated changes in their cybersecurity posture. The CSF 2.0 is a flexible framework that, when integrated with other risk management programs, enhances overall cybersecurity risk management and informs the management of information and communication technology (ICT) risks at an enterprise level.
