What are the common challenges of implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

1 Aligning with business goals

One of the first steps in implementing the NIST CSF is to identify the business objectives and priorities that drive the cybersecurity strategy. This requires a clear understanding of the organization's mission, vision, values, and stakeholders, as well as the threats and opportunities in the external environment. However, aligning cybersecurity with business goals can be difficult, especially if there is a lack of communication, collaboration, or support from the senior management and other business units. To overcome this challenge, it is important to establish a cross-functional team that can articulate the value proposition and benefits of the NIST CSF, and to communicate regularly and effectively with the relevant stakeholders.

2 Assessing the current state

Another key step in implementing the NIST CSF is to assess the current state of the organization's cybersecurity maturity and capabilities, using the five functions of the framework: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover. This requires a comprehensive and objective evaluation of the existing policies, processes, controls, tools, and resources that are in place to manage cyber risks. However, assessing the current state can be challenging, especially if there is a lack of data, metrics, or benchmarks to measure the performance and effectiveness of the cybersecurity program. To overcome this challenge, it is important to use a consistent and standardized methodology and toolset that can capture and analyze the relevant information and provide actionable insights.

4 Executing the roadmap

Once the roadmap is developed, the final step in implementing the NIST CSF is to execute the roadmap and monitor the progress and results. This requires a disciplined and agile execution that can deliver the expected outcomes and benefits, while managing the risks and issues that may arise along the way. However, executing the roadmap can be challenging, especially if there is a lack of resources, skills, or support to implement the changes and sustain the improvements. To overcome this challenge, it is important to use a project management framework that can track and report on the performance and impact of the cybersecurity program, and to provide ongoing training, guidance, and feedback to the staff and stakeholders.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?