Background: Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Recognizing the national and economic security of the United States depends on the reliable function of critical infrastructure, the President issued Executive Order (EO) 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, in February 2013. The Order directed NIST to work with stakeholders to develop a voluntary framework – based on existing standards, guidelines, and practices - for reducing cyber risks to critical infrastructure. The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 reinforced NIST’s EO 13636 role.

Created through collaboration between industry and government, the voluntary Framework consists of standards, guidelines, and practices to promote the protection of critical infrastructure. The prioritized, flexible, repeatable, and cost-effective approach of the Framework helps owners and operators of critical infrastructure to manage cybersecurity-related risk.

The Framework Core and Informative Requirements are available as separate downloads in three formats: spreadsheet (Excel) , alternate view (PDF) , and database (FileMaker Pro).   A companion Roadmap discusses future steps and identifies key areas of cybersecurity development, alignment, and collaboration.

The Department of Homeland Security's Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C³ Voluntary Program helps critical infrastructure owners and operators align with existing resources to assist them in using the Cybersecurity Framework and managing their cyber risks.

NIST continues to welcome informal feedback about the Framework and Roadmap. Organizations and individuals may contribute observations, suggestions, and examples of use and lessons learned to cyberframework [at] nist.gov (cyberframework[at]nist[dot]gov).