NIST CSF 2.0
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 provides guidance to industry, government agencies, and other organizations to manage cybersecurity risks. It offers a taxonomy of high-level cybersecurity outcomes that can be used by any organization — regardless of its size, sector, or maturity — to better understand, assess, prioritize, and communicate its cybersecurity efforts. The CSF does not prescribe how outcomes should be achieved. Rather, it links to online resources that provide additional guidance on practices and controls that could be used to achieve those outcomes. This document describes CSF 2.0, its components, and some of the many ways that it can be used.
What is NIST CSF 2.0?
NIST CSF 2.0 extends its guidance to organizations of all sizes, whereas the original framework mainly targeted critical infrastructure companies, such as energy companies, banks, and hospitals. The updated framework aims to help industries, government agencies, and other organizations better manage cybersecurity risks, providing broader and more inclusive protection across diverse sectors.
Main Components In Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 includes three main components: CSF Core, CSF Organization Profiles, and CSF Implementation Tiers.
01
CSF Core
The CSF Core elements include a hierarchical structure of functions, categories, and subcategories that define each outcome in detail.
02
CSF Organizational Profiles
Outline an organization’s current and/or targeted cybersecurity posture, referring to the results outlined in the Core.
03
CSF Implementation Tiers
The Tiers are a way of progressing from informal and reactive responses to more agile, risk-informed approaches that can be continuously evolving and improving.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Core is organized in a hierarchical structure consisting of functions, categories, and sub-categories detailing specific cybersecurity outcomes. The framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable so that all organizations, regardless of size or sector, can apply it to their particular risks and technologies.
Govern
The organization’s cybersecurity risk management strategy, expectations, and policy are established, communicated, and monitored
Identify
The organization’s current cybersecurity risks are understood
Protect
Safeguards to manage the organization’s cybersecurity risks are used
Detect
Possible cybersecurity attacks and compromises are found and analyzed
Respond
Actions regarding a detected cybersecurity incident are taken
Recover
Assets and operations affected by a cybersecurity incident are restore
The implementation tiers are divided into four levels based on the strength of the security posture:
Partial
The processes are informal, with reactive responses.
Risk-Informed
Guide processes, but some inconsistencies remain.
Repeatable
Policies are defined and followed consistently.
Adaptive
Proactive measures are taken in conjunction with real-time threat intelligence.
A CSF organizational profile talks about the organization’s current and/or target cybersecurity posture in terms of the Core’s outcomes. The steps followed to go from a current profile to target profile are as below:
Scope the organizational profile
Gather needed information
Create organizational profile
Analyse gaps and create an action plan
Implement action plan and update the profile
What is New in NIST CSF 2.0?
Title Update in CSF 2.0- The title has been updated from "Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity" in CSF 1.1 to "Cybersecurity Framework" in CSF 2.0 to represent a more inclusive and wide-ranging approach to cybersecurity across industries.
Introduction of the "Govern" Function- An additional function, "Govern," has been introduced alongside the existing five functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. The "Govern" function is designed to align cybersecurity initiatives with organizational objectives and enhance risk management.
Revised Category Structure- The framework now offers a more thorough and organized approach to cybersecurity with 22 categories and 106 subcategories after being expanded with new categories and modifications to preexisting ones.
Focus on Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks- CSF 2.0 focuses more on managing supply chain and third-party risks while tackling issues like software vulnerabilities and geopolitical challenges to enhance protection against external threats.
Who Needs To Be Compliant With NIST 2.0?
NIST CSF is mandatory for US government agencies, but it is built to be flexible and adaptable for businesses worldwide.
Regardless of size, industry, or location, any organization can leverage the NIST CSF 2.0 framework to improve their cybersecurity.

What are the key differences between NIST CSF V1.1 VS. NIST CSF 2.0?
Keeping up with the latest standards updates is crucial in the rapidly changing cybersecurity field. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a pivotal role in ensuring these standards stay relevant and current, with its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) serving as a valuable resource for businesses seeking to enhance their security posture. This document highlights the key differences and enhancements between NIST CSF v1.1 and its most recent version, NIST CSF v2.0.
Key Differences between
NIST CSF v1.1 vs. NIST CSF v2.0
Key Differences between NIST CSF v1.1 vs. NIST CSF v2.0
Keeping up with the latest standards is crucial in the rapidly changing cybersecurity fiels. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a pivotal role in ensuring these standards stay relevant and current, with its cybersecurity Framework (CSF) serving as a valuable resource for businesses seeking to enhance their security posture. Here are the key differences and enhancements between NIST CSF v1.1 and its updated version, NIST CSF v2.0:
Summary of Change
01
Enhanced Security Posture
NIST CSF v2.0 takes the help of advanced intelligence and best practices for addressing the problems in identifying cyber threats to mitigate the risks involved.
02
Alignment with Emerging Threats
NIST CSF v2.0 aligns with the new generation of threats that give rise to more advanced persistent threats (APTs), necessitating a more sophisticated approach to cybersecurity.
03
Alignment with Other Standards
Addresses some of the requirements for GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001, streamlining compliance efforts and simplifying adoption.
04
Increased Flexibility
This standard envisions implementation within various organizational sizes across multiple industries.
05
Better Incident response
Outlines new intervention recommendations that aim for improvement in the prevention and recovery from the incidents of cybersecurity.
06
Focus on Supply Chain Security
Enhances the safety of supply chain processes related to third parties and vendor risk management.