The NIST has officially released Version 2.0 of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), marking the first significant update since its inception.
According to Security Week, originally tailored for critical infrastructure organizations, the CSF has become a beacon of guidance for entities across the board, aiming to fortify their defenses against cyber threats. The newly unveiled CSF 2.0, according to NIST, is set to transcend its predecessor in helping organizations, irrespective of their sector, size, or cybersecurity proficiency, to mitigate risks more effectively.
In response to feedback gathered on the draft version, NIST has broadened the core guidance of the CSF 2.0 and supplemented it with additional resources to maximize its utility. One of the hallmark changes in this update is the introduction of the “Govern” function, expanding the framework’s focus areas to six: identify, protect, detect, respond, recover, and govern. This addition has been highlighted as a critical enhancement, providing a foundational element for robust risk management practices. Robert Booker, chief strategy officer at HITRUST and a contributor to the CSF 2.0, lauded this development, emphasizing its significance in bolstering critical risk management elements.
The framework now comes equipped with implementation examples and quick-start guides, designed to cater to the unique needs of different organizations. Furthermore, the CSF 2.0 introduces a searchable catalog of references, facilitating the alignment of its guidance with over 50 other pertinent cybersecurity documents. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio praised the CSF’s evolution, underscoring its role as not merely a document but a comprehensive suite of resources that adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Katherine Ledesma, head of public policy & government affairs at Dragos, also chimed in on the CSF 2.0’s implications, particularly for organizations operating within the industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) domains. She drew parallels between the CSF 2.0 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy, noting a shift in the narrative around cybersecurity investments. According to Ledesma, the framework’s evolution signifies a broader acknowledgment of cybersecurity’s role in supporting business operations, especially in sectors reliant on ICS and OT for safe, continuous operations.
As the dialogue around the CSF 2.0 and its application in IT and OT environments continues to mature, the focus is expected to sharpen on tailoring protective measures for the unique challenges posed by ICS/OT systems. This initiative aims to integrate these considerations into a wider array of planning and guidance documents, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity across the board.
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