April 16, 2018
Cybersecurity Framework
Version 1.1
Tier 3: Repeatable
Risk Management Process – The organization’s risk management practices are formally
approved and expressed as policy. Organizational cybersecurity practices are regularly
updated based on the application of risk management processes to changes in
business/mission requirements and a changing threat and technology landscape.
Integrated Risk Management Program – There is an organization-wide approach to
manage cybersecurity risk. Risk-informed policies, processes, and procedures are
defined, implemented as intended, and reviewed. Consistent methods are in place to
respond effectively to changes in risk. Personnel possess the knowledge and skills to
perform their appointed roles and responsibilities. The organization consistently and
accurately monitors cybersecurity risk of organizational assets. Senior cybersecurity and
non-cybersecurity executives communicate regularly regarding cybersecurity risk.
Senior executives ensure consideration of cybersecurity through all lines of operation in
the organization.
External Participation - The organization understands its role, dependencies, and
dependents in the larger ecosystem and may contribute to the community’s broader
understanding of risks. It collaborates with and receives information from other entities
regularly that complements internally generated information, and shares information
with other entities. The organization is aware of the cyber supply chain risks associated
with the products and services it provides and that it uses. Additionally, it usually acts
formally upon those risks, including mechanisms such as written agreements to
communicate baseline requirements, governance structures (e.g., risk councils), and
policy implementation and monitoring.
Tier 4: Adaptive
Risk Management Process – The organization adapts its cybersecurity practices based on
previous and current cybersecurity activities, including lessons learned and predictive
indicators. Through a process of continuous improvement incorporating advanced
cybersecurity technologies and practices, the organization actively adapts to a changing
threat and technology landscape and responds in a timely and effective manner to
evolving, sophisticated threats.
Integrated Risk Management Program – There is an organization-wide approach to
managing cybersecurity risk that uses risk-informed policies, processes, and procedures
to address potential cybersecurity events. The relationship between cybersecurity risk and
organizational objectives is clearly understood and considered when making decisions.
Senior executives monitor cybersecurity risk in the same context as financial risk and
other organizational risks. The organizational budget is based on an understanding of the
current and predicted risk environment and risk tolerance. Business units implement
executive vision and analyze system-level risks in the context of the organizational risk
tolerances. Cybersecurity risk management is part of the organizational culture and
evolves from an awareness of previous activities and continuous awareness of activities
on their systems and networks. The organization can quickly and efficiently account for
changes to business/mission objectives in how risk is approached and communicated.
This publication is available free of charge from: https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.CSWP.04162018
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