What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

Understanding NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework has become the de facto standard for organizing cybersecurity programs across industries, offering a common language and systematic approach that works for organizations of all sizes. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology with extensive industry input, it organizes security activities into five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. What makes it particularly valuable is its flexibility—it doesn't prescribe specific technologies or approaches, but rather outlines outcomes that should be achieved, allowing organizations to implement controls appropriate to their specific risks and resources. It also provides implementation tiers that help organizations assess their security maturity and plan improvements over time. While originally voluntary, many regulatory requirements now map to the framework, and it's increasingly becoming an expectation in vendor security assessments. Organizations that align their security programs with the framework typically find it easier to communicate about security with executives, partners, and regulators.