The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a collection of guidelines for reducing cybersecurity risks, which is published by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.<\/p>\n
For businesses that have to be compliant, the best way to do so is the use of a proven technology stack of hardware and software tools<\/a>. Before an organization can get to that point, though, they need to understand the Framework, why it\u2019s used, and how to generally be compliant.<\/p>\n Below is an explanation of NIST compliance and its implications.<\/p>\n NIST compliance broadly refers to complying with one, or more than one, of the NIST publications. NIST is the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a division of the Department of Commerce. The goal of the NIST is to set technology-related standards and, in particular, controls for cybersecurity.<\/p>\n The standards are meant as a way to ensure uniform cybersecurity protocols<\/a> and efforts across all government agencies and also businesses that work with the federal government.<\/p>\n What\u2019s meant by compliance differs based on the particular NIST publication.<\/p>\n Any company that works with the federal supply chain must be NIST compliant. This includes prime contractors, subcontractors, and subcontractors who are working for another subcontractor.<\/p>\n Some companies opt to comply with the standards even when they\u2019re outside the federal supply chain<\/a> because it puts in place best practices for protecting their business data.<\/p>\n When an organization is NIST compliant, they have a framework to protect data and information, keeping it secure and safe while also protecting critical infrastructure from internal and external threats. The guidelines apply to all data from businesses that provide services to the federal government.<\/p>\n If an organization works with the federal government<\/a> and they\u2019re not compliant, it could lose its ability to do business with these agencies.<\/p>\n When compliant with NIST, an organization is also better able to be compliant with other regulations in their industry or governmental regulations.<\/p>\nAlso read:<\/span> Seamless AI Review: Features, Pricing, & Getting Started (2024 Guide)<\/a><\/span>\n Although it\u2019s often associated exclusively with federal agencies and manufacturers, small and medium-sized businesses also benefit from NIST compliance.<\/p>\n According to the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity<\/a> Act, the NIST is required to publish resources that can help small businesses voluntarily identify, assess and manage their cybersecurity risks.<\/p>\n The resources have to be technology-neutral and as much as possible based on international standards. They also have to be able to vary depending on the size and industry of the small business and how sensitive collected data is. They should be consistent with national cybersecurity programs under the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014.<\/p>\n Due to this Act, NIST created the Small Business Cybersecurity Corner with resources, including a guide to the fundamentals based on the Cybersecurity Framework<\/a>.The Basics<\/h2>\n
Small Business NIST Compliance<\/h2>\n
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