What It Is

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 is a voluntary, risk-based guideline developed by NIST for managing cybersecurity risks. It offers a flexible, outcomes-focused approach applicable to organizations of all sizes, sectors, and maturity levels, emphasizing strategic alignment over prescriptive controls.

Key Components

• **Six Core FunctionsGovern (new), Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover—covering the full cybersecurity lifecycle.
• **Categories and Subcategories22 categories and 112 subcategories with informative references to standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53.
• **Implementation TiersPartial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4) for evaluating risk management sophistication.
• **Framework ProfilesCurrent and Target profiles for gap analysis. No formal certification; relies on self-attestation.

Why Organizations Use It

• Provides common language for internal/external risk communication.
• Supports compliance, due care demonstration, and supply chain management.
• Drives prioritization, reduces risks cost-effectively, builds stakeholder trust.
• Mandatory for U.S. federal agencies; voluntary elsewhere with widespread adoption.

Implementation Overview

• Create Profiles, assess Tiers, prioritize via Core outcomes.
• Leverage Quick Start Guides, mappings, and tooling.
• Suited globally across industries; scalable from SMEs to enterprises.

What It Is

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a U.S. federal regulation enacted in 1999. It establishes privacy and security standards for financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI). GLBA employs a risk-based approach through its Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule, focusing on transparency, consumer choice, and data protection.

Key Components

• **Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313)Requires initial/annual notices and opt-out rights for nonaffiliated third-party sharing.
• **Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314)Mandates a comprehensive information security program with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; includes ~9-16 elements like risk assessments, Qualified Individual, and vendor oversight.
• **Pretexting ProvisionsProhibits obtaining information under false pretenses. Built on consumer protection principles; enforced via FTC for non-banks, with no formal certification but audits/enforcement.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory compliance for covered entities to avoid penalties up to $100,000 per violation.
• Enhances risk management, customer trust, and operational resilience.
• Provides competitive edge through demonstrated privacy/security practices.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: scoping, risk assessment, policy development, technical controls (encryption, MFA), training, testing, and ongoing monitoring. Applies to broad financial activities (banks, fintech, tax firms); suits all sizes, U.S.-focused, with board reporting and breach notification (30 days for 500+ consumers).