Comparative Analysis: NIST Vs. CIS in the Domain of Cybersecurity
NIST CSF and the CIS Controls solve different problems. NIST's Cybersecurity Framework is a risk-management structure — it tells you how to organise and govern a security programme across six functions. The CIS Controls are a prioritised list of specific technical actions in a defined order. Most mature programmes use both: NIST for the shape of the programme and its reporting, CIS for what to actually implement next.
Every day, businesses around the globe wrestle with the rapidly changing landscape of cybersecurity threats. Two well-known standards in the security industry, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for Internet Security (CIS), provide frameworks to help address these threats. However, these two benchmarks often lead to the question: NIST or CIS, which is the better option for my organization? In this post, we will conduct a comparative analysis of NIST and CIS within the realm of cybersecurity.
The NIST, a non-regulatory agency of the U.S Department of Commerce, provides a framework for improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity, known as the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, commonly referred to as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. This framework organizes cybersecurity around five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. It helps organizations understand and manage cybersecurity risk in relation to the business environment.
On the other hand, CIS is a non-profit entity that provides a set of 20 critical security controls. These controls are a recommended set of actions to mitigate the most pervasive attacks. They are designed to be implemented alongside other frameworks, such as NIST, and provide very tactical, technical, and actionable controls.
Detailed Comparison of NIST and CIS
Let's delve into the detailed comparison with respect to several key elements:
Scope
NIST's framework is designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk and focuses on three key areas: Cybersecurity, physical security, and personnel security. It's extensive and applies to all types of threats.
CIS, on the other hand, is more focused on known, specific cybersecurity threats and provides a set of controls to mitigate those threats. These controls are very tactical and technical in nature.
Applicability
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework can be used across sectors and organizations of any size and type. Its principles and best practices can be applied to any organization seeking to improve their cybersecurity posture.
The CIS controls, whilst still applicable across all sectors, tend to be more applicable to IT and security teams that manage systems and networks. The controls are particularly suitable for organizations with mature security programs.
Flexibility
NIST provides a framework that can be tailored to various industries and individual needs of an organization. It's flexible, and the implementation can be as comprehensive or as simple as needed.
CIS offers a more defined path with its list of controls, which means there's less room for customization. However, this also means it's easier to implement, perfect for organizations looking for a clear list of actionable steps.
Approach
NIST adheres to a risk-based approach, offering methods to identify potential problem areas and address them comprehensively.
CIS, by contrast, takes a threat-based approach, focusing on mitigating known threats and providing clear, actionable controls to prevent those threats.
Implementation Cost
NIST does not provide specific tools or solutions, hence the cost associated with implementation can vary based on the methods and solutions the organization opts for.
CIS, however, provides specific controls and sub-controls which can streamline the implementation process. Yet, achieving some controls could require significant investments.
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Book a consultationChoosing Between NIST and CIS
In deciding between NIST and CIS, one must first evaluate organizational needs, maturity of the security program, available resources, organization size, and level of cyber threats.
NIST is comprehensive and flexible and is particularly suitable for organizations seeking a holistic approach toward cybersecurity. If flexible risk management and comprehensive implementation are top priorities, NIST might be for you.
If your organization is looking for a more tactical approach with specific controls, CIS would be the better fit. The defined list of controls is easier to adopt, especially if the organization wants a checklist of tasks to improve cybersecurity efforts.
Importantly, these two frameworks are not mutually exclusive and can be used in conjunction with one another to maximize cybersecurity effectiveness.
In conclusion
In conclusion, both NIST and CIS offer valuable frameworks for enhancing cybersecurity. NIST's broader, risk-based approach vs CIS's more tactical, threat-based approach offers different benefits. The choice depends largely on your organizational needs, resources, and current security state. While each framework has its strength, they can also be used together, providing a comprehensive and powerful method to handle cybersecurity threats. Although the 'NIST vs CIS' debate persists, the end goal is the same: implementing a strategic approach to cybersecurity threats and protecting your organization's critical information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NIST and CIS?
NIST CSF is a risk-management framework describing what a security programme should cover across six functions. The CIS Controls are a prioritised, prescriptive list of 18 technical control groups describing what to implement and in what order. NIST describes the shape; CIS specifies the work.
Should I use NIST or CIS?
If you are building a programme and need to know what to do first, start with CIS. If you need to report posture to a board, regulator, insurer or enterprise customer, use NIST CSF. Organisations past the early stage typically run both, since CIS implementation evidence maps into NIST reporting.
Are the CIS Controls mapped to NIST CSF?
Yes. CIS publishes mappings from its controls to NIST CSF and to other frameworks, so a single implementation effort can be reported against multiple frameworks without duplicating the underlying work.
Is NIST CSF mandatory?
Not generally for private companies, but it is effectively required for US federal agencies and often flows down to contractors through contract terms. It has also become the default vocabulary for cyber insurance questionnaires and enterprise vendor reviews.
How many CIS Controls are there?
Eighteen control groups in CIS Controls v8, subdivided into safeguards and grouped into three Implementation Groups by organisation size and risk. IG1 is the basic set most small organisations should complete first.