NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary framework developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology to help organizations understand, communicate, and manage cybersecurity risk. It provides a common language for cybersecurity activities and outcomes, enabling organizations to assess and improve their cyber posture regardless of size, sector, or maturity. The framework was updated to version 2.0 in 2024, adding a new Govern function and expanding its scope.
Key Components
Govern (GV)
Establishes cybersecurity strategy, risk management approach, roles, and policies. New in CSF 2.0, this function emphasizes that cyber risk is a governance issue — not just a technical one. It ensures cyber risk is managed at the board level and integrated with enterprise risk management.
Identify (ID)
Develop an organizational understanding of cybersecurity risks to systems, assets, data, and capabilities. Includes asset management, business environment, governance, risk assessment, and risk management strategy.
Protect (PR)
Develop and implement safeguards to ensure delivery of critical services. Includes access control, awareness training, data security, information protection, maintenance, and protective technology.
Detect (DE)
Develop and implement activities to identify cybersecurity events. Includes anomalies and events, continuous monitoring, and detection processes.
Respond (RS)
Develop and implement activities to take action regarding a detected cybersecurity incident. Includes response planning, communications, analysis, mitigation, and improvements.
Recover (RC)
Develop and implement activities to maintain plans for resilience and restore services impaired by a cybersecurity incident. Includes recovery planning, improvements, and communications.
Benefits
- Provides a common, standardized language for cybersecurity risk across the organization
- Enables risk-based prioritization of cybersecurity investments
- Supports regulatory compliance by mapping controls to multiple regulatory requirements
- Facilitates communication about cyber risk to boards, regulators, and stakeholders
- Scales from small organizations to large enterprises — flexible and adaptable
How MPG Helps
MPG's Cyber Governance module maps your controls to NIST CSF 2.0 functions and categories, conducts gap assessments, tracks remediation, and generates evidence for audits. The governance knowledge graph connects NIST controls to your risks, policies, compliance obligations, and third-party assessments — ensuring a unified view of cyber posture. Board-level dashboards communicate NIST CSF alignment and maturity in business terms.
Educational Content
This page provides educational information about NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). MPG does not provide legal or regulatory advice. Always consult qualified professionals and the official framework documentation for specific compliance requirements.