STANDARD COMPLIANCE

NIST Cyber Security Framework 2.0

Overview: NIST Cyber Security Framework 2.0

The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cybersecurity Framework is a voluntary set of standards, guidelines, and best practices designed to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks effectively. Established in response to Executive Order 13636 in 2013, which highlighted the importance of securing critical infrastructure for national and economic stability, the framework was developed in collaboration with leading information security experts, including BSI representatives.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, released in 2024, offers a comprehensive, adaptable, and cost-effective approach for organizations of all sizes and sectors. It helps integrate cybersecurity with enterprise risk management and governance while enhancing protection, resilience, and continuous improvement.

Our Clients

Core Functions

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 empowers organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture through six interconnected core functions:

Govern (GV):

Establish and oversee cybersecurity governance and risk management.

Identify (ID):

Understand your organization’s context, assets, and associated risks.

Protect (PR):

Implement safeguards to ensure the continuity of critical services.

Detect (DE):

Quickly identify cybersecurity events and anomalies.

Respond (RS):

Contain, mitigate, and manage the impact of security incidents.

Recover (RC):

Restore affected capabilities and services to maintain resilience.

Our Approach

Initiation

Introducing NIST CSF 2.0 structure, principles, and business benefits to key stakeholders.
Identifying core roles and responsibilities across security, IT, and compliance functions.
Understanding current business operations, technology stack, and control environment.
Defining objectives and expected outcomes for CSF 2.0 alignment.

Scope Definition

Consolidating systems, applications, and processes within the assessment boundary.
Identifying critical assets, IT systems, and business units in scope.
Mapping third-party dependencies, cloud services, and external interfaces.
Finalizing governance boundaries for CSF implementation and monitoring.

Business Understanding

Linking information and technology assets to core business processes.
Identifying applicable regulatory, legal, and contractual cybersecurity requirements.
Reviewing existing security policies, risk registers, and incident histories.
Assessing overall readiness for CSF 2.0 integration and maturity advancement.

Implementation Planning

Mapping current controls to NIST CSF 2.0 categories and subcategories.
Defining target maturity levels (Implementation Tiers).
Prioritizing improvements based on risk, impact, and resource availability.
Developing a structured implementation roadmap with owners and timelines.

Risk Assessment

Identifying and evaluating threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts.
Assessing inherent and residual risks for critical assets.
Evaluating the effectiveness of existing safeguards.
Updating risk registers to align with “Identify” and “Govern” functions.

Documentation

Updating or formalizing key documents such as Cybersecurity Governance Policy, Risk Management & Incident Response Procedures, Asset Management & Access Control Policies, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans.
Ensuring traceability and evidence for audits and regulatory reviews.

Implementation of Controls

Deploying technical and procedural safeguards across all CSF functions: 1. Protect: access management, encryption, patching. 2. Detect: continuous monitoring and anomaly detection. 3. Respond & Recover: tested incident response and recovery workflows.
Integrating NIST CSF metrics and reporting into the organization’s ISMS or risk platform.
Aligning controls with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 for industry-standard consistency.

Awareness & Training

Conducting targeted cybersecurity and incident-response training.
Reinforcing user accountability and promoting a culture of security.
Linking employee behavior and awareness to organizational security objectives.

Audit & Validation

Performing a detailed audit against NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 principles and controls.
Reviewing documentary evidence across all functions and categories.
Validating adherence to policies and test control effectiveness.
Evaluating overall maturity tier from Partial to Adaptive.

Reporting

Delivering a comprehensive assessment report covering current maturity levels and risk posture, gaps and areas for improvement, recommendations for Tier advancement, management summary of strategic risks, and future roadmap.

Why do organizations need it?

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 offers numerous advantages to organizations. Security breaches and cyber threats can significantly impact finances and reputation. This framework not only aids in preventing, resolving, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents but also reveals potential positive opportunities. Organizations need NIST CSF for several key reasons:

Enhance current IT risk management strategies.

Incorporate guidelines for preventing and addressing cybersecurity events.

Prepare to restore normal operations following significant cybersecurity breaches.

Develop a cyber risk management approach.

Promote a systematic approach to cybersecurity.

Why Choose Us?

Your trust is our foundation! Recognized among India’s top 10 cybersecurity solution providers, Kratikal stands out for its client-first approach and commitment to implementing global best practices. Backed by certified cybersecurity compliance experts, we bring hands-on experience across diverse industries. Our implementers and auditors are well-versed in international IT frameworks, ensuring every solution is optimized, tailored, and aligned with your organization’s unique compliance and security goals.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Benefits

Enhanced Governance

Scalable Framework

Improved Supply Chain Security

Outcome-Based Approach

Alignment with Global Standards

FAQs

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0?

NIST CSF 2.0 is a voluntary framework of standards, guidelines, and best practices designed to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks, improve resilience, and integrate security with enterprise risk management.

What are the core functions of NIST CSF 2.0?

It consists of six core functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, guiding organizations to manage risks and enhance cybersecurity posture systematically.

Why should businesses adopt NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0?

Adopting NIST CSF 2.0 strengthens security, improves IT risk management, ensures regulatory alignment, enhances supply chain security, and supports a systematic, outcome-based cybersecurity approach.

How does NIST CSF 2.0 improve business operations?

By linking cybersecurity to business processes, it enhances governance, reduces operational disruptions, prioritizes risk-based improvements, and supports informed decision-making.

Who should be involved in implementing NIST CSF 2.0?

Security, IT, and compliance teams are key stakeholders, with responsibilities spanning risk assessment, control implementation, training, auditing, and continuous monitoring.