NIST CSF
Expertise with NIST Compliance and Risk Management
NIST CSF 2.0 is a major update to the original CSF, designed to enhance security and resilience regardless of the organization’s industry. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the framework offers a systematic, adaptable approach to managing cybersecurity risks. NIST CSF 2.0 builds on the original framework, introducing more streamlined processes and updated controls to address rapidly evolving threat landscapes.
The framework now includes six core functions that will facilitate enhancements in cybersecurity management:
We collaborate with you to define the scope of the SOC 2 audit based on your service commitments, risk tolerance, and relevant Trust Services Criteria:
Risk-Based Scoping
Identifying business processes, technology systems, and data flows that impact SOC 2 criteria.
Customized Plan
Crafting a tailored audit plan based on your unique organizational needs.
Audit Request List
Compiling a comprehensive request list of policies, control evidence, and procedural documentation.
We produce a detailed gap analysis report with recommendations for aligning with SOC 2 requirements. Key deliverables include:
SOC 2 Gap Analysis
Identifying gaps in control design or execution and recommending improvements.
Documentation Support
Assisting in developing policies, procedures, and evidence documentation.
Final SOC 2 Readiness Report
A comprehensive report outlining areas of compliance and steps to prepare for the audit.
Our team examines and tests controls for design and operational effectiveness:
Control Design
Assessing the adequacy of control design in meeting SOC 2 requirements.
Operational Testing
For Type 2 reports, we conduct sampling and testing over the specified period, confirming control effectiveness through interviews, evidence review, and system walkthroughs.
Gap Analysis and Improvement
Providing actionable insights into areas that require enhancement.
Our relationship doesn’t end with the SOC 2 audit. We provide continuous support to maintain compliance and enhance resilience:
Control Monitoring
Ongoing assessments to validate control effectiveness.
Policy Updates
Ensuring that security policies remain aligned with best practices and evolving risks.
Compliance Training
Regular staff training on SOC 2 requirements and control expectations.
The Respond function enables the ability to contain and minimize the impact of cybersecurity incidents.
It includes:
Response planning
Communications
Analysis
Mitigation
Improvements
This function involves implementing processes to maintain resilience and efficiently restore capabilities impaired by cybersecurity incidents.
It includes:
Recovery and resiliency planning
Continual improvements
Communications
This new function emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity governance. It focuses on establishing and maintaining governance structures to manage cybersecurity risks in alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key activities include:
Defining organizational context
Developing risk management strategies
Assigning roles and responsibilities
Creating policies
Managing cybersecurity supply chain risks
This function involves developing an organizational understanding of systems, assets, data, and capabilities to manage cybersecurity risks.
It includes:
Asset management
Business environment analysis
Risk assessment
Risk management strategy
The Protect function aims to develop and implement appropriate safeguards to ensure critical infrastructure services delivery and minimize potential impacts to the environment.
It includes:
Identity management and access control
Awareness and training
Data security
Information protection processes and procedures
Maintenance
Protective technology
This function focuses on developing and implementing activities to promptly recognize cybersecurity events and potential impacts.
It involves:
Anomalies and events detection
Security continuous monitoring
Detection processes
The Respond function enables the ability to contain and minimize the impact of cybersecurity incidents.
It includes:
Response planning
Communications
Analysis
Mitigation
Improvements
This function involves implementing processes to maintain resilience and efficiently restore capabilities impaired by cybersecurity incidents.
It includes:
Recovery and resiliency planning
Continual improvements
Communications
Key Enhancements in NIST CSF 2.0
NIST CSF 2.0 introduces new enhancements, aligning it with current cybersecurity needs and ensuring a flexible, scalable model suitable for organizations of any size. Major updates include:
Expanded Core Functions
NIST CSF 2.0 adds the Govern function to the previously existing five. The Govern function adds an additional element of governance maturity that not only helps in achieving the other NIST functions but other frameworks as well.
Revamped Respond and Recover
Additional attention has been added to expand the Respond and Recover functions to promote more impactful outcomes in incident management.
Expanded Applicability
NIST CSF 2.0 broadens its relevance to not only critical infrastructure but all organizations. This includes significant clarifications in guidelines to help compliance teams adhere to the more industry-agnostic framework.
Supply Chain Security
Recognizes the importance of securing supply chain partners to mitigate third-party risks.
Control Mapping
Enhanced alignment with other cybersecurity frameworks like ISO 27001, ensuring easier integration for organizations using multiple standards.
Outcome-Driven Security
Focus on outcomes and operational resilience rather than prescriptive controls.
NIST CSF 2.0 Tiers: Tailored Approaches Based on Risk Tolerance
The NIST CSF also features tiers that allow organizations to determine the right level of cybersecurity rigor based on their risk tolerance, resources, and regulatory requirements. These tiers range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4), providing a scalable approach to cybersecurity maturity.
How We Help
As a dedicated partner and guide in NIST CSF compliance, we guide organizations through every step of the framework’s implementation, ensuring we provide comprehensive solutions that meet your unique cybersecurity needs. Our approach to NIST CSF 2.0 focuses on the following core areas:
Proper Scoping and Asset Identification
We work with your team to define the scope of the framework’s application within your organization, starting on critical systems, assets, and supply chain or third-party dependencies. This step ensures you prioritize efforts in the right areas, maximizing the impact of your cybersecurity resources.
Controls Evaluation and Gap Analysis
Our team assesses your current cybersecurity measures against NIST CSF requirements, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. We deliver detailed insights into your security posture, highlighting actionable steps to achieve framework alignment.
Tailored Remediation and Risk Management Support
We can help design remediation plans to bridge identified gaps. Our experts help you strengthen your cybersecurity defenses, address vulnerabilities, and manage cybersecurity risks in a structured, effective manner.
Documentation Support
Clear and accurate documentation is essential for NIST CSF compliance. We assist in creating and organizing key documents, including risk assessments, cybersecurity policies, and incident response plans, ensuring they meet industry standards and provide a solid foundation for your cybersecurity strategy.
Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
NIST CSF compliance is an ongoing commitment. We offer continuous support to help your organization adapt to new threats, regulatory changes, and emerging best practices. Our advisory staff augmentation services help ensure your cybersecurity measures remain effective and aligned with NIST CSF guidelines over time.
Why Choose Us for NIST CSF Compliance?
Expertise
Our consultants possess in-depth knowledge of NIST CSF requirements and extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and many other compliance frameworks.
Customized Approach
We tailor our services to meet your organization’s unique needs, balancing compliance requirements with practical, effective security strategies and business objectives.
Efficiency
Our structured approach to compliance streamlines the readiness process, reducing time, complexity, and resource demands.
Ongoing Partnership
We don’t just help you achieve compliance; we support you in maintaining it. Our team provides regular updates, guidance, and resources to adapt to changes in the cybersecurity landscape in a repeating or continual relationship.
Ensure your organization meets the highest standards of cybersecurity resilience. Partner with us to navigate NIST CSF 2.0 and build a stronger, more secure future. Contact us today to start your journey toward enhanced cybersecurity with NIST CSF compliance.