NIST CSF vs RMF: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Which NIST Standard Do You Need?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides guidelines and best practices to help organizations enhance cybersecurity risk management and information security. CSF can help companies prepare for government work by meeting the cybersecurity requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

On the other hand, the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a seven-step process for managing information security and privacy risks. This framework was originally developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in collaboration with other organizations for U.S. federal agencies to help ensure their information systems meet mandatory FISMA requirements.

When asked whether the two frameworks are mutually exclusive or not, IS Partners’ Senior Security Consultant shares her thoughts, 

Overview of Differences Between NIST RMF vs CSF

NIST CSF vs RMF: Key Differences 

The NIST CSF and the NIST RMF serve distinct purposes but complement each other. They are not mutually exclusive. 

So, a better question than choosing between them is whether your organization should incorporate both CSF and RMF. The answer depends on your organization’s goals, stakeholders, and industry, among other factors.

That said, below is a high-level differentiation of the two frameworks.

1. Scope
2. Application of Standard
3. Core Components 
4. Impact on Service Organizations
5. Documentation
6. Continuous Monitoring

Scope

NIST CSF

Originally, the NIST CSF aimed to protect critical infrastructure like energy companies, banks, and hospitals. However, with the release of NIST CSF 2.0, its scope has broadened to offer security control guidance to organizations of all sizes and industries.

The CSF focuses on cybersecurity outcomes and a methodology for assessing and managing cybersecurity risk. It is more flexible and can be adapted to various industries, allowing organizations to apply the NIST framework to suit their needs and risk tolerances.

In addition, NIST CSF is interoperable with other international standards, such as ISO 27001.

NIST RMF

The NIST RMF primarily targets federal agencies and organizations that manage government agencies’ information and systems. Its goal is to effectively help these entities manage their information security and privacy risks. 

The NIST RMF provides an extensive, start-to-finish methodology to identify, assess, and manage information security and privacy risks across an organization and throughout the life cycles of its systems. Its comprehensive scope spans technologies, security disciplines, risk management levels, and system life cycle phases.

Application of Standard

NIST CSF

The NIST CSF applies to organizations of all sizes and industries that want to manage risks effectively. However, initially, it was focused on critical infrastructure sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare. 

Now, with the launch of NIST CSF 2.0, its scope has since expanded to be useful for any organization seeking to improve its cybersecurity posture. CSF 2.0 is designed to be customizable to an organization’s unique needs, environment, and risk tolerances. It provides a flexible taxonomy of cybersecurity outcomes that can be tailored.

NIST RMF

The NIST RMF primarily applies to federal agencies and government organizations that handle government information and systems. It is also relevant for contractors and entities that provide services to the federal government so that they comply with specific security and privacy requirements.

Core Components 

NIST CSF

The CSF takes a risk-based approach, focusing on using business drivers to guide cybersecurity activities and considering cybersecurity risks as part of the organization’s risk management processes.

The framework core includes five essential functions:

• Protect. Helps organizations minimize the chances of attacks and lessen the impact if an attack occurs.
• Recover. Focuses on quickly restoring normal operations after an incident, with prepared plans and resources in place.
• Detect. Involves creating and using methods to recognize when a cybersecurity event happens.
• Identify. Helps organizations comprehend their environment to effectively manage cybersecurity risks across data, assets, and systems.
• Respond. Guides organizations in implementing actions to promptly address detected cybersecurity breaches.

These components are subdivided into 23 Categories and 108 Subcategories. Version 2.0 of the CSF introduced a 6th function called Govern.

NIST RMF

The core components of the NIST RMF consist of seven steps. Each step helps companies manage information security and privacy risks that help to prevent and respond to attacks in the best possible manner. Although initially created for federal agencies, businesses of any size can benefit from exploring the NIST RMF to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities. The 7 steps are:

• Prepare. Start by setting up your risk management policies and strategies—it’s the foundation for a secure system.
• Categorize. Organize your information systems by understanding their security impacts and potential risks they might face.
• Select. Pick the right security controls that fit your organization’s needs and are effective against identified risks.
• Implement. Bring those chosen security controls into play across your systems and daily operations to bolster your defenses.
• Assess. Check how well your security measures work by regularly testing and analyzing them.
• Authorize. Give the green light for your information systems to operate based on your assessments and risk management decisions.
• Monitor. The final step in NIST’s Risk Management Framework is to maintain awareness of security controls and threats.

IS Partners assists in breaking new ground with NIST CSF and RMF standards. With the help of a seasoned expert well-versed in NIST compliance, you will achieve certification faster and the much-needed support to simplify cybersecurity efforts.

Impact on Service Organizations

NIST CSF

The CSF’s flexibility enables organizations to shape their cybersecurity programs based on business needs. It promotes risk-based prioritization of cybersecurity activities. It helps establish a common language for internal and external communication about cybersecurity risk management.

NIST CSF offers several benefits for different organizations, such as:

• Asset management. Helps identify and manage data, devices, and people critical to the organization’s goals and risk strategies.
• Business environment. Prioritizes objectives, stakeholders, and activities to guide cybersecurity and risk management decisions.
• Governance. Maintains policies and procedures related to cybersecurity risks so that operational and strategic requirements are communicated.
• Risk assessment. Identifies, estimates, and prioritizes risks to corporate assets, resources, and operations.

NIST RMF

The RMF is a more prescriptive, detailed process primarily focused on managing risk for federal information systems. While it can be adapted to other organizations, it is less flexible than the CSF.

The NIST RMF starts by helping organizations prepare to implement their risk management framework. This involves identifying key stakeholders, understanding potential threats to your information systems, and conducting a full-blown risk assessment. 

Then, it focuses on determining acceptable levels of risk and establishing security requirements. This may include deploying software patches and upgrading hardware to enhance your overall cybersecurity posture.

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Documentation

NIST CSF

The CSF is a flexible framework that offers organizations a common set of security controls and a shared language for managing cybersecurity risks. It focuses on adopting industry-best cybersecurity practices and encourages ongoing improvement over time.

Moreover, the NIST CSF is detailed in a 41-page document titled “The Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure.”

NIST RMF

The RMF is a framework that includes several steps and documents like the Security Authorization Package (SAP) and System Security Plan (SSP). Government entities, such as the Department of Defense, play an important role in its implementation.

Also, the NIST RMF is outlined in a more extensive 102-page document, “The Guide for Applying the Risk Management Framework to Federal Information Systems,” which is also supported by numerous NIST Special Publications (SPs).

Continuous Monitoring

NIST CSF

The CSF stresses the need for ongoing vigilance in maintaining cybersecurity strength. It encourages organizations to establish and follow a continuous monitoring program. This involves regularly checking, evaluating, and reporting how well security measures work to keep systems safe and protected.

NIST RMF

Under NIST RMF, continuous monitoring is an active process that regularly checks security controls and identifies vulnerabilities and threats. This ongoing process keeps your defenses strong and ensures that your security measures adapt and remain effective.

Find the Right NIST Framework with IS Partners for Stronger Cybersecurity

Choosing between the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) depends on your organization’s goals and needs. The CSF offers flexibility for industries to enhance cybersecurity, while the RMF provides a detailed process for federal agencies and contractors to manage government-related risks. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the framework that aligns with your mission.

IS Partners simplifies compliance by tailoring solutions to your needs, whether implementing the adaptable CSF, the structured RMF, or achieving dual compliance. With our expert guidance, we streamline your compliance journey, ensuring you meet both industry and federal standards efficiently.

Strengthen your cybersecurity and compliance with IS Partners. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and achieve your goals with confidence.

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About The Author

Ian Terry

Ian Terry is a highly respected thought leader and subject matter expert in the field of cybersecurity.

As the Director of Cybersecurity Services for IS Partners, Ian leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients across various industries.

Ian has performed numerous risk assessments and audits related to NIST, HIPAA, HITRUST, FISMA, PCI, and CMSR. He is also an expert in third-party risk management having built a SaaS security platform for streamlining third-party risk assessments. Ian's cybersecurity writings have been published in Hackernoon, Security Boulevard and CISO Mag.

He holds a B.S. in Cybersecurity from a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity as recognized by the NSA and DHS and has CSM, HCISPP, and SSCP certifications.