What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework?
A widely adopted framework that organizes cyber-risk management into a handful of clear functions.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: definition
The NIST CSF is a flexible, widely adopted way to structure a security program. Its core organizes activities into functions - originally Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, with Govern added in CSF 2.0 - each broken into categories and subcategories. It is not certifiable like ISO 27001, but it is a common reference for organizing controls and communicating security posture to leadership and partners.
- Govern: establish and monitor the security risk strategy (CSF 2.0)
- Identify: understand assets, risks, and context
- Protect: safeguards to limit or contain impact
- Detect, Respond, Recover: find, handle, and bounce back from incidents
How Fintra handles it
Fintra maps its controls and evidence to the NIST CSF functions alongside SOC 2 and ISO 27001, so you can express your posture in the framework a partner or regulator expects. The same continuously collected evidence supports whichever framework a given stakeholder uses, avoiding duplicate work.
Worked example
Frequently asked questions
What are the functions of the NIST CSF?
The core functions are Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, with Govern added in CSF 2.0 to emphasize security governance and strategy. Each function contains categories and subcategories that organize specific security activities.
Is the NIST CSF a certification?
No. Unlike ISO 27001, the NIST CSF is a voluntary framework for organizing and communicating cyber-risk management, not a certifiable standard with a pass/fail audit. Organizations use it to structure their programs and describe their posture.
How does NIST CSF relate to SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
They overlap heavily. The CSF organizes security activities into functions; SOC 2 and ISO 27001 assess and certify controls. Many controls satisfy all three, which is why Fintra maps one evidence set across them.
Does Fintra map to the NIST CSF?
Yes. Fintra tags controls and evidence to the CSF functions alongside SOC 2 and ISO 27001, so you can present your posture in whichever framework a stakeholder expects using evidence already collected.
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