Introduction to the Cybersecurity Framework

Critical infrastructure systems in the United States have become increasingly complex and interconnected, bringing both opportunities and risks. While improved connectivity enables greater efficiency and innovation, it also exposes systems to new cybersecurity threats that could undermine national and economic security. To address this evolving risk environment, the federal government has worked with industry to develop a common framework for managing cybersecurity. This resulted in the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, commonly known as the Cybersecurity Framework.

The Cybersecurity Framework was initially developed under Executive Order 13636 in 2013 and later codified by the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014. This established the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the lead agency tasked with facilitating the development of frameworks to identify and assess cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure. Specifically, NIST was directed to create an approach that is "prioritized, flexible, repeatable, performance-based, and cost-effective" to help critical infrastructure owners and operators manage their cyber risks.

The goal of the Cybersecurity Framework is to strengthen the security and resilience of national critical infrastructure. It provides a common structure and language for organizations across sectors to assess and manage their cybersecurity risk. Rather than establishing mandatory standards or regulations, the Framework promotes a voluntary, risk and business-driven approach. It gives organizations the flexibility to customize practices that make the most sense based on their unique business needs, risk tolerances, and resources. By following a common structure, the Framework also enables stronger coordination and information sharing among public and private partners.

Components of the Cybersecurity Framework

The Cybersecurity Framework consists of three main components that work together to support an organization's cybersecurity risk management processes:

Framework Core: The Framework Core provides a set of cybersecurity activities and desired outcomes along with references to example practices. It presents the activities at a high level within five concurrent and continuous functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover. Under each function are categories and subcategories that further break down the desired outcomes.

Framework Implementation Tiers: The Tiers describe an organization's processes in terms of their maturity, from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4). This helps organizations gauge their current risk management practices and set improvement targets.

Framework Profiles: Profiles allow organizations to align their cybersecurity programs with the Core based on their unique risk profiles and business needs. A current profile identifies the "as-is" state, while a target profile shows where the organization wants to be. Comparing the two helps prioritize actions.

Using the Cybersecurity Framework

There are many ways an organization can use the Cybersecurity Framework to strengthen its cyber defenses and risk management activities:

• Communicate priorities and requirements to internal teams and external partners like suppliers. Having a common language helps coordination.

• Conduct risk assessments and identify opportunities for enhancing existing practices based on Framework categories and subcategories.

• Establish targets and measure progress by developing current and target implementation tier profiles.

• Integrate the Framework with other organizational risk management processes like compliance programs to demonstrate a comprehensive approach.

• Guide policy and investment decisions to ensure controls are appropriately prioritized and cost-effective.

• Use profiles to communicate maturity levels both internally and externally for benchmarking purposes.

• Customize based on unique circumstances but retain a common taxonomy for information sharing with partners.

The Framework is also adaptable, technology-neutral and performance-based. It relies on existing standards and best practices to ensure practices evolve with new threats and innovations. Organizations have flexibility in how the Framework is applied, whether as a comprehensive methodology or to focus on priority risk areas. Regular updates to the Framework also incorporate lessons learned to further improve its utility over time.

In summary, the Cybersecurity Framework is a valuable tool that all organizations can leverage to enhance their risk management. However, limited security expertise and resources can present challenges for applying the Framework effectively. This is where a partnership with ThunderSecurity could help.

As an emerging cybersecurity consultancy, ThunderSecurity is looking to collaborate with other organizations. While newly formed, our team brings diverse experience helping past clients assess risks and strengthen defenses. By partnering with ThunderSecurity, your organization gains a skilled advisor focused on your unique needs and priorities.

We can get started with an initial Framework assessment and gap analysis at a low cost. From there, ThunderSecurity will work with you to develop an affordable implementation roadmap. By teaming up, both parties benefit - you gain expert guidance tailored to your environment, while helping ThunderSecurity continue to grow our services portfolio. Please contact us to explore how a partnership could help your organization maximize the Framework's potential for managing cybersecurity risk.