A cyber security framework involves a systematic method of handling cyber attacks with the help of layered protection. This layered integration works towards five principals when offering protection and neutralizing attacks. These five principals are presented in the Components of the Framework module. They serve as critical functions of a cybersecurity program. The five functions are:

• Identify
• Protect
• Detect
• Respond
• Recover

Knowing about these five functions of a security framework is important because most small businesses do not focus on risk planning. On top of that, the technology industry is constantly evolving simultaneously with the cybersecurity threats. You need to realize the world is entering into a stage where technologies will constantly cause industries to change.

As industries embrace technology, more companies will begin to rely on local and private servers in the cloud. Not to mention, many business are now running on multiple devices that connect to each other due to remote work requirements.

All of this can be critical considerations when it comes to risk management and people need to plan according to the rapidly changing environment. Therefore, people who are not experts at cybersecurity management can use the above-mentioned five functions to make better decisions for a Cybersecurity Program.

Identify

The “Identify” function marks the beginning of the security journey.  Once you establish a security strategy that addresses constantly evolving threats, you must set up business categories that serve the “Identify” function. Asset management is an important category that falls under this function.

If you are not aware of the presence and existence of a threat, there is no possible way to protect it. Businesses need to have clear visibility as well. This refers to having sound knowledge over all components inside your business. This involves workers, applications, devices, services, connections and more. Overall, this function serves as a fundamental in Cybersecurity program.

Protect

The protect function involves the conventional security methods and technology. These include anti-virus softwares, firewalls, and other security appliances. The “protect” function also comprises of different components.

These components include access control, awareness and training, data security, and other protection-oriented operations. Not to mention, security maintenance is also a big part of this function.  The protect stage also features data security, which is important for classification, encryption, and labeling.

Detect

The “Detect” function of the cybersecurity framework require you develop, implement, and maintain appropriate activities which help determine the presence of a cyber security breach or event. Detecting malicious cyber security attempts to perpetrate a system is essential if you want to deter it from happening.

Detection increases the chances of organizations to protect against evolving threats. There are also categories that fall under the detect function. These include monitoring, detecting anomalies, and event detection. After establishing solid protect and identify procedures, moving on to the detect mechanism helps integrate sophisticated cybersecurity framework to your business.

Respond

If the detection components allow businesses to inspect and point out an incident, the “respond” function components allow you to take action against that threat. This can be as simple as a user finding out about a malware attack. For this function to come into fruition, you need to have a planned process in place so that people can know who they are talking to, and what their support is like.

Moreover, you also have to find out about the incident response team and who you are reporting the issue to.   Respond function also involves carrying out communication for the stakeholders, externally and internally. Overall, it pertains to the instant proactive actions that professionals need to take right after an incident has occurred.

Recover

Recovery is all about a business’s restoring capabilities. Having recovery and planning process in place does not only imply to ransonware and cybersecurity threats, but also natural hazards such as fires and floods.

It involves implementing data recovery techniques so that you can recover valuable data and save some of the losses. Initiating this function may require you to set up a complete disaster recovery plan that completely supports business continuity.

Cover all Five Functions

Prescient solution offers cloud integration, server management services, support options and highly sophisticated disaster recovery planning. All of these services help set up a cybersecurity program that follows the NIST functions. Visit their website, or fill in their online form if you want to get started on the cloud.