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NIST develops cybersecurity and privacy standards, guidelines, best practices, and resources to meet the needs of U.S. industry, federal agencies, and the broader public. Our activities range from producing specific information that organizations can put into practice immediately to longer-term research that anticipates future challenges and technological advancements.
Our cybersecurity and privacy work is driven by the needs of U.S. industry and the broader public — and is sometimes defined by federal statutes, executive orders, and policies. NIST also advances the understanding and improves the management of privacy risks — some of which relate directly to cybersecurity.
We engage vigorously with stakeholders to set priorities and ensure that our resources address key issues that they face. Priority areas to which NIST contributes include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cryptography
- Education and workforce
- Emerging technologies
- Human-centered cybersecurity
- Identity and access management
- Privacy
- Risk management
- Trusted networks and platforms
The President’s Executive Order (EO) on Sustaining Select Efforts to Strengthen the Nation’s Cybersecurity and Amending Executive Order 13694 and Executive Order 14144 issued on June 6, 2025, charges multiple agencies – including NIST – to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity by focusing on critical protections against foreign cyber threats and enhancing secure technology practices. Learn more about NIST responsibilities outlined in the EO.
News and Updates
NIST Revises Security and Privacy Control Catalog to Improve Software Update and Patch Releases
Empowering Future Innovators: NIST CTL Connects Cybersecurity Students with Real-World Research
NIST Guidelines Can Help Organizations Detect Face Photo Morphs, Deter Identity Fraud
Explainers
How Do I Create a Good Password?
What Is Quantum Cryptography?
What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Videos
Protecting Your Small Business: Ransomware
Protecting Your Small Business: Phishing
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0
Blog Posts
7 Tips to Keep Your Smart Home Safer and More Private, From a NIST Cybersecurity Researcher
Cybersecurity Careers Go Beyond Coding
