NIST CSF Gets an Upgrade: What’s New in 2023?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a widely used framework for organizations of all sizes to manage cybersecurity risk. NIST CSF is designed to help organizations identify, assess, and manage their cybersecurity risks and implement appropriate security controls.

In 2023, NIST released a proposal for a significant update to the CSF. The updated CSF includes a number of new features and improvements designed to help organizations better manage cybersecurity risk in the ever-evolving threat landscape.

What’s new in NIST CSF 2.0?

The 2023 proposed update to the NIST CSF includes a number of new features and improvements:

• Focus on supply chain risk management. The updated NIST CSF includes new guidance on how organizations can identify and manage cybersecurity risks in their supply chains. 
• Emphasis on measurement and assessment. The enhanced CSF now provides organizations with comprehensive guidance on effectively measuring and evaluating their cybersecurity posture.
• Focus on resilience. NIST CSF now provides organizations with fresh insights on incorporating resilience into their cybersecurity programs, equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively navigate and withstand cyber threats.
• Emphasis on cybersecurity governance. With NIST CSF 2.0 there will be greater emphasis placed on business operations to understand what cybersecurity risks are out there and ensure that every employee plays an active role in mitigating cyber risks. This forces an alignment between business goals and cybersecurity strategy.
• Focus on performance improvement. Finally, NIST now provides organizations with fresh insights and innovative strategies to continuously enhance their cybersecurity programs and stay ahead of evolving threats.

“We want to make sure that [NIST CSF] 2.0 makes it even easier for users to leverage and reference different work documents that NIST has in order to manage their risk” – Amy Mahn, International Policy Specialist, NIST

How can NIST CSF 2.0 help you improve your cybersecurity posture?

The NIST CSF 2.0 can help you improve your cybersecurity posture in a number of ways, including:

• Identify and assess your cybersecurity risks. The framework can assist you in pinpointing and evaluating the cybersecurity risks your organization encounters, enabling you to prioritize and enhance your security endeavors. This isn’t new but it’s definitely improved!
• Implement appropriate security controls. NIST CSF provides assistance in identifying and deploying suitable security measures to effectively address the risks that your organization encounters. This gives you a base for how much security you should have in place to be considered to have “good” cyber hygiene. This will vary based on industry, size, and data held – but having the CSF baseline will give you steps to success in what to implement.
• Measure and assess your cybersecurity posture. The CSF can help you measure and assess your cybersecurity posture so you can track your progress and identify areas where you need to improve. Having a framework to compare your organization against helps to show where you are in terms of good posture and what you still need to be secure.
• Build resilience in your cybersecurity program. The new CSF can more aptly help you build resilience into your cybersecurity program so you can better withstand and recover from cyberattacks. This includes having solutions in place that not only counter the effects of an attack but also back up and enable recovery of your data in the event of an incident. Always be proactive about recovery!
• Continuously improve your cybersecurity program. The CSF 2.0 provides a framework for organizations to regularly assess their security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and implement necessary upgrades to effectively mitigate risks. By staying vigilant and proactive, organizations can ensure that their cybersecurity program remains robust and resilient, enabling them to effectively protect their valuable assets and sensitive information from ever-evolving threats. With continuous improvement fostered by the CSF, organizations can confidently navigate the complex and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, staying one step ahead of potential attackers.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 update to the NIST CSF is a significant improvement over the previous version. The updated CSF includes a number of new features and improvements that can help organizations better manage cybersecurity risk in the ever-evolving threat landscape. NIST CSF is a valuable tool that can help you improve your cybersecurity posture and protect your organization from cyberattacks.

Following the issuance of a Request for Information in 2022, NIST has been overwhelmed with over 130 responses, which prompted them to release a groundbreaking “core” draft of the highly anticipated CSF 2.0 in April. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, NIST will diligently refine and polish the drafts of this cybersecurity framework in the upcoming year, aiming for an early 2024 release that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the cybersecurity landscape.

If you’re looking for assistance in implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to your organization, Aileron IT is here to help! Book a meeting with Isaac today to discuss this further.