Cybersecurity Framework

Recognizing that the national and economic security of the United States depends on the reliable functioning of critical infrastructure, the President under the Executive Order “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity” has directed NIST to work with stakeholders to develop a voluntary framework for reducing cyber risks to critical infrastructure. The Framework will consist of standards, guidelines, and best practices to promote the protection of critical infrastructure. The prioritized, flexible, repeatable, and cost-effective approach of the framework will help owners and operators of critical infrastructure to manage cybersecurity-related risk while protecting business confidentiality, individual privacy and civil liberties.

RFI - Framework for Reducing Cyber Risks to Critical Infrastructure

RFI Comments

Initial Analysis Cybersecurity Framework RFI Responses

Background - NIST Responsibilities

NIST will develop the Framework in a manner that is consistent with its mission to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness. The Framework will be developed by ongoing engagement with, and input from, stakeholders in government, industry, and academia, including an open public review and comment process, workshops and other means of engagement.

To develop the Framework, NIST will use a Request for Information (RFI) and ongoing stakeholder engagement to: (i) identify existing cybersecurity standards, guidelines, frameworks, and best practices that are applicable to increase the security of critical infrastructure sectors and other interested entities; (ii) specify high-priority gaps for which new or revised standards are needed; and (iii) collaboratively develop action plans by which these gaps can be addressed.

The Framework will seek to promote the wide adoption of practices to increase cybersecurity across all sectors and industry types. It will seek to provide owners and operators a flexible, repeatable and cost effective risk-based approach to implementing security practices while allowing organizations to express requirements to multiple authorities and regulators.

The below presentation shows the process by which NIST will work with stakeholders to develop the Initial Framework.

Cybersecurity Framework Development Overview

Events

Throughout the development of the Framework, NIST will host a series of events and workshops to gather additional input and develop the Framework. Look here for an updated schedule of events.

• 2nd Cybersecurity Framework Workshop - May 29-31, 2013
• Cybersecurity Framework Workshop - April 3, 2013

RFI

NIST has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register to gather initial information on the many interrelated considerations, challenges, and efforts needed to develop the Framework.

RFI

If you have any questions, please contact NIST at cyberframework@nist.gov.

NOI

The Department of Commerce has issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in the Federal Register to gather comments from the private sector on a broad set of incentives that could help to promote the adoption of proven efforts to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

If you have any questions, please email cyberincentives@ntia.doc.gov.

The Framework

As responses come in to the Request for Information, they will be publicly posted here to encourage wide review and public engagement.

Contact Us

For further information and/or questions about the Cybersecurity Framework, contact us at: cyberframework@nist.gov