TNP Blog

How to Protect Your Device from Cybersecurity Threats Using NIST Functions and Tools

Written by sumana | Apr 17, 2019 4:13:28 PM

The number of cybersecurity threats and executed attacks is constantly growing and there’s not so much you can do to prevent your business or personal devices from becoming another target. However, it is possible to reduce the risk and exposure towards cybercrime by implementing the core NIST functions in both business and personal life. As we all know, the NIST cybersecurity framework consists of the following five functions:

  • Identify
  • Protect
  • Detect
  • Respond
  • Recover

The best way to keep your device protected, whether it is being used for corporate or personal purposes, is to rely on all five functions equally and to implement each of them to the same extent. To help you understand the core of the framework, here is a brief overview of each of the functions that you need to focus on.

1. IDENTIFY

The first NIST framework function can help you protect your device by learning and staying informed about topics such as common security threats and risks. Once you study the identification function, you will be able to spot security risks early on and prevent dangerous attacks from taking place by knowing where these threats and vulnerabilities might come from.

2. PROTECT

This is one of the most important security framework functions because it encourages users to establish an effective security plan and implement all safety measures needed to keep their devices protected. This core function also emphasizes the importance of training and education for security teams in businesses worldwide.

3. DETECT

The third core function of the framework has to do with detecting malicious activity on your device. In order to be able to protect your personal data, you have to be able to recognize any suspicious malware activity within the system, which is exactly what this core function teaches you to do. Most importantly, the NIST framework will allow you to detect suspicious activities on time, way before it is too late.

4. RESPOND

A great part of protecting your data and device is knowing how to respond to a security incident in case it ever happens. By studying this function of the NIST framework, you will be able to plan your response ahead and to analyze every step of the process in order to determine new measures of protection that will prevent the attack from happening again.

5. RECOVER

Last but not least, the “recover” function is meant to teach you how to reduce or even reverse the impact of an attack that already took place. It includes restoring data and implementing tasks that will get your device running again.

The only efficient way to protect your device from the current and the upcoming cybersecurity threats is to combine all five of the NIST framework functions in order to maximize the safety level. It is of great importance to learn more about each of the functions, as they are far more effective when combined with one another.