What does the NIST Cybersecurity Framework primarily help organizations with?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework primarily assists organizations in managing cybersecurity risks. It provides a structured approach to identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. By establishing a comprehensive framework, organizations can systematically assess their current cybersecurity posture, identify gaps, and implement strategies to mitigate risks.

This framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various industries and organizational sizes. It emphasizes risk management, enabling organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts based on their specific risk environment and business objectives. By aligning their practices with the framework, organizations can improve their ability to manage and reduce cybersecurity threats effectively.

The focus of the NIST framework is not primarily on enhancing software development, improving employee training, or reducing operational costs. While these aspects may indirectly benefit from a strong cybersecurity management approach, the framework's core purpose is centered on understanding and managing the risks associated with cybersecurity.