The Cybersecurity Framework helps private firms identify detect protect respond recover cyber events.
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology published this in April 2018. Besides, the firms and industries adopted this framework. Further, this will help manage cybersecurity risks.
This gives cybersecurity results based on guides, standards, and practices. Then, firms can ensure and handle cybersecurity risk better.
The Five Functions of the Framework
The five functions included are:
- Identify
- Protect
- Detect
- Respond
- Recover
These are the foundations of the framework core. Also, they help firms and businesses enable risk management.
Identify
The identify function refers to understanding your organization. This understanding will help manage cybersecurity risks. Also, this will strengthen systems and assets. It also secures data and capabilities.
To obey this function, an organization should have full access to the following:
- digital and physical data
- communication and connection
- fixed roles and responsibilities
- current risks and weaknesses
- internal and external threats to resources
Protect
The protect function refers to the application of necessary actions. Thus, this is important to limit the damage of a possible cybersecurity event.
To obey this function, an organization should follow the following:
- cybersecurity training and awareness programs
- risk actions for private information
- support and handle information systems
- remote maintenance and activities
- secure the system’s strength by applying protective tools
- arranged policies, procedures, and agreements
Detect
The detect function refers to recognizing a cybersecurity event. This will help identify and put in place solutions for the said event.
To obey this function, an organization must perform the following:
- quick detection of abnormalities and events
- correct understanding of the possible damage
- executing protective measures to track events, which includes network and physical
- anticipating and threat hunting
- maintaining the above processes to give consciousness of the matter
Respond
The respond function refers to the response plans of an organization. Thus, this is important to limit the impact of a cybersecurity event.
To obey this function, an organization must do the following:
- ensure a planning process during and after an event
- explain communication lines between involved organizations
- handle information about the event
- apply all necessary steps to resolve the event
- educate employees about the response activities
Recover
The recover function refers to the successful activities of the organizations. Also, these will help restore any services and systems affected by a cybersecurity event.
Besides, this will make the operations resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
To obey this function, an organization must do the following:
- get a recovery plan
- organize with restoration teams and external parties
- educate and apply recovery actions
- preparing action points for a faster data recovery
Conclusion
Thus, the five functions of the Framework are beneficial for private organizations and businesses. So, non-profit organizations and government agencies can also use this for their networks.
Also, they can apply these functions to utilities and financial services. It will also be helpful for the agriculture and health-care sectors.
Besides, the framework is improving over time. So, updates will be available for the improvement of technology and innovations.
Hence, by applying these five functions, organizations identify detect protect respond recover cyber events and data.