What Is NIST Compliance?

One of the best ways for any size or type of organization to improve its security measures is to start working on its cybersecurity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released standards for cybersecurity that complying with can help your organization stay secure for the good of the economy and security. Here is everything you need to know about NIST standards and how to become compliant. 

What Are These Standards?

The NIST, a department within the Department of Commerce, released a set of standards geared towards improving cybersecurity to increase competition between businesses. These recommendations and guidelines put forth in the standards create a useful framework for government agencies and contractors or organizations that also deal with controlled unclassified information. Due to the ever-changing nature of cybersecurity, these standards are constantly being revised.  

That said, the goal of the standards is always going to be to help organizations increase their cybersecurity process' effectiveness. This means that the NIST standards are often the foundation for cybersecurity requirements set by federal agencies and their contractors. 

What Is One Example?

One of the most common standards that organizations have widely adopted is the Cybersecurity Framework. Despite regular revisions, this framework provides best practices, standards, and guidelines to help organizations reduce their risks and improve cybersecurity measures. It also serves as the foundation for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. In addition, it offers guidance for setting goals, choosing approaches, aligning activities, and assessing processes related to cybersecurity. 

The Cybersecurity Framework is not a generic remedy for protecting digital information. This is because each organization is unique and will need different measures to perfect its cybersecurity. Therefore, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines are designed to help organizations decide and adopt the best practices for their industry and protect their digital information. In fact, all of the guidelines and standards can be tailored to a specific organization. 

What Benefits Come From Compliance?

The biggest benefit of NIST compliance is its flexible program that allows you to choose the best practices for your organization's cybersecurity. This is crucial if you want to do contract work for the Department of Defense or another government organization. In fact, any contractors that handle information from the Department of Defense must meet the minimum security standards for the CMMC, a related cybersecurity model built from many of the requirements in the NIST 800-171 standard. Without this certification in the coming years, you cannot contract with the Department of Defense. 

Another benefit is that compliance applies to a variety of businesses in many industries. For instance, service providers, consulting companies, research institutions, universities, manufacturers, procurement companies, and government staffing firms can all be NIST compliant. As a result, these companies will all be able to secure their sensitive information. In addition, the NIST standards provide a list of what needs to be done to secure this data, and the organizations can tailor this to their specific needs. 

How Long Will The Compliance Process Take?

Some organizations don't like complying with NIST standards because it is a never-ending process that requires continuous monitoring, repeated assessments, and regular implementation of better practices. It also requires training any new staff to your processes when they are brought on or educating them in new procedures if you have to make changes. You must also ensure that steps are taken to enforce these measures. 

Adhering to NIST standards is the key to keeping digital data safe and improving other cybersecurity measures. Becoming NIST compliant may seem daunting at first, but organizations must protect their information. Fortunately, learning the basics about this program can help your company become compliant. Then, you will be able to reap the benefits of compliance amid the never-ending cycle of monitoring and remediation.