NIST Compliance Software & Management
What is NIST Compliance?
NIST’s Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) is a leading authority on cybersecurity. Its primary function is to develop and disseminate standards and best practices to enhance cybersecurity across sectors. We support CSF 2.0, 800-53, and 800-171.
Key NIST Publications:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): A voluntary framework guiding organizations in managing and reducing cybersecurity risks.
- Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS): Mandatory standards for U.S. federal agencies, often adopted by private sectors as benchmarks.
- NIST Special Publications: Detailed technical guidelines on various cybersecurity topics, such as NIST 800-171 for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
NIST compliance is essential for organizations seeking to fortify their cybersecurity posture
By adhering to NIST frameworks, businesses can effectively manage risks, meet regulatory demands, and bolster customer trust. Given the escalating frequency and severity of data breaches, NIST provides a proven blueprint for safeguarding sensitive information. Check out our complete guide to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
NIST Requirements at a Glance
NIST SP 800-53 provides a variety of security controls that support the development of federal information systems. These controls offer a multi-tiered approach to risk management and a security control baseline to prevent the most common threats against information systems.
NIST SP 800-53 controls can be broken down into three classes based on severity: low, moderate, and high. They are then split into 20 families.
- Access Control
- Awareness & Training
- Audit & Accountability
- Assessment, Authorization, and Monitoring
- Configuration Management
- Contingency Planning
- Identification & Authentication
- Incident Response
- Maintenance
- Media Protection
- Physical & Environmental Protection
- Planning
- Program Management
- Personnel Security
- PII Processing & Transparency
- Risk Assessment
- System & Services Acquisition
- System & Communications Protection
- System & Information Integrity
- Supply Chain Risk Management
NIST Compliance Checklist
- Identify all of your sensitive data.
- Map the sensitive data to your processes.
- Perform a risk assessment to understand your data’s cyber threats.
- Reconsider your access controls. Limit access to sensitive data and enforce strong password and two-factor authentication policies for users.
- Create a System Security Plan (SSP) to protect sensitive data and meet NIST security requirements.
- Monitor all sensitive data continuously to protect it from security risks.
Learn how to prepare for a NIST Audit in our Step-by-Step Guide
The Future of NIST
The following is a summary of the latest updates from the NIST.gov site:
- The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 will be released along with its supplementary resources by the end of February 2024.
- NIST SP 800-223, regarding High-Performance Computing Security, was published in early February 2024.
- The NIST published an initial draft of “Guidelines for Evaluating Differential Privacy Guarantees”, focusing on the new threats of AI in Data privacy.
NIST Compliance Made Easy with ZenGRC
Pre-Built Templates, Automated Audits, and Real-Time Monitoring to Ensure Compliance with NIST
Our platform streamlines the process, minimizes resource allocation, and offers real-time visibility into your compliance posture. Beyond NIST, ZenGRC supports other frameworks like HIPAA and CMMC, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your compliance needs. With features like pre-built evidence templates, universal control mapping, and risk management, ZenGRC empowers organizations to efficiently manage their compliance journey and mitigate risks effectively.
ZenGRC NIST Capabilities
ZenGRC is an efficient solution for continuous compliance. Businesses don’t have to worry about their compliance stance because ZenGRC monitors it over the entire lifecycle and keeps up with the latest data protection regulations and requirements.
- User-friendly dashboard with real-time metrics on prioritized risks
- Pre-built evidence request templates that can help streamline your compliance audits
- Universal Control Mapping to streamline multiple requirements with a single control
- Interconnectivity between threats, vulnerabilities, risks, and controls for greater insight and monitoring
- Tracking functionality for outstanding requirements
- Risk management functionality for providers and their related services
FAQs for NIST Compliance
Is NIST compliance mandatory?
NIST compliance is currently only mandatory for federal agencies and their contractors. Private-sector businesses are encouraged to use NIST standards but are not legally required.
What is the difference between NIST 800-53 and 800-171?
NIST SP 800-171 is a NIST Special Publication that provides requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and is part of achieving CMMC compliance to bid on defense contracts. NIST 800-53 provides a framework for security controls that support the development of federal information systems. The two standards overlap in numerous places, but they serve different purposes.
What is the difference between NIST and ISO 27001?
NIST 800-53 is more security control-driven, focusing strongly on federal information systems. ISO requirements are less technical, risk-focused, and appropriate for organizations of all shapes and sizes.
How much does it cost to get NIST certified?
NIST compliance varies depending on the complexity of your infrastructure and the level of compliance being sought. As an estimate, most organizations pay $5,000 to $15,000 for a NIST assessment. Beyond that, costs for remediation range from $35,000 to $115,000.
How do I ensure my software is NIST-compliant?
Here are a few questions that might help you determine whether your organization should be concerned about compliance:
- Is your software’s access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) controlled and adequately isolated?
- Is the CUI controlled? The physical location of the CUI, the internet network, authentication factors, and infrastructure all ensure that the CUI is only available to authorized persons.
- Does your system employ extensive information technology practices?
- Are backups maintained?
What are the key components of NIST compliance software?
Yes, G Suite is GDPR compliant — but not out of the box. To achieve GDPR compliance in G Suite, customers must sign the Data Processing Amendment and model contract clauses when purchasing a G Suite professional license.
What are the key components of NIST compliance software?
Here are some of the benefits of using NIST compliance software.
Automates compliance assessment: NIST software automates these operations, allowing faster, more precise compliance. This saves businesses considerable amounts of time and resources.
Monitoring compliance posture around the clock: NIST compliance software allows businesses to spot hazards, misses, or misconfigurations while delivering real-time notifications for speedier reaction times.
Gets you audit-ready: The software streamlines the NIST compliance strategy, ensuring you have completed all the critical stages required to become audit-ready. A NIST platform facilitates internal audits by collecting and presenting evidence so auditors can easily consume and accept it.
Streamlines personnel procedures: A NIST compliance tool can help you develop and implement awareness and training initiatives.