NIST's new guide offers a roadmap for measuring cybersecurity effectiveness, inviting public input to refine strategies by Mar 18, 2024.
With cyber threats evolving at a breakneck pace, staying ahead in this game is more crucial than ever. NIST, our trusty guide in the digital wilderness, has rolled out a draft update to its Special Publication (SP) 800-55 Revision 2: Measurement Guide for Information Security. And guess what? They're inviting us all to pitch in with our thoughts by March 18, 2024!
Imagine you're steering the cybersecurity ship at your company. You've got a robust team, defenses are up, but the big question remains: How do you track your success and showcase it with hard-hitting, numerical data? That's where NIST's newly revised draft guidance sweeps in to save the day.
This two-volume document isn't just a set of instructions; it's a beacon in the murky waters of cybersecurity management. It offers a flexible yet effective approach to developing information security measures tailored to your organization's performance goals. Whether you're an infosec guru or a top executive, these volumes have something for everyone.
Volume one is your go-to guide for selecting and evaluating specific measures to gauge your existing security. Volume two, targeting the C-suite, walks you through developing and implementing an information security measurement program. This isn't just about measuring for the sake of measuring; it's about communicating with clarity and precision, using data to make informed decisions and improve your cybersecurity stance.
NIST's Katherine Schroeder, a key author of this publication, emphasizes the shift from vague, qualitative risk descriptions to concrete, quantitative data. Say goodbye to those ambiguous "high, medium, low" risk levels and hello to clear statements like "98% of authorized system user accounts belong to current employees."
This draft guidance isn't just plucked from thin air. It's a response to public requests and feedback, signaling a growing need for clarity in cybersecurity measurement. The goal? To help organizations of all shapes and sizes create and refine an information security measurement program that's just right for them. It's about figuring out what matters, measuring it, and then making sense of it all to enhance your cybersecurity game.
But here's the kicker – it's not just about throwing numbers around. It's about using these metrics to bridge communication gaps within an organization, leading to better security and smarter resource allocation. Metrics become a common language, transforming the way technical teams and management collaborate.
And there's more. NIST proposes the establishment of a Community of Interest (CoI) for those passionate about information security measurement. This community will be a melting pot of expertise, resources, and ideas, driving growth and improvement in the field.
So, what's the bottom line? NIST's latest guidance offers a practical, flexible roadmap for measurable cybersecurity success. It's an invitation to join a collective journey towards stronger, more effective digital defenses. Whether you're crunching numbers or leading a team, this guide is your ally in the quest for cybersecurity excellence.
Remember, the deadline for public comments is March 18, 2024. Let's join forces, share our expertise, and collectively elevate our cybersecurity game. Stay safe, stay informed, and let's make the digital world a more secure place, one data point at a time!
Individuals and organizations interested in joining the Information Security Measurement CoI or submitting comments on the two-volume draft should email cyber-measures@list.nist.gov
