These are well-known cybersecurity frameworks used to help organizations secure their systems, networks, and data in a structured way.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
What NIST Is
A guideline-based framework that helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.
How NIST Works (Simple Steps)
- Identify – Know what you must protect
- Protect – Put safeguards in place
- Detect – Find security incidents quickly
- Respond – Take action during an attack
- Recover – Restore systems and improve security
Example
A company uses NIST to:
- Identify critical servers
- Protect them with access controls
- Detect attacks using monitoring tools
In One Sentence
NIST provides a flexible way to manage cybersecurity risks.
ISO/IEC 27001 (International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission)
What ISO/IEC 27001 Is
An international security standard that focuses on managing information security using policies and processes.
How ISO/IEC 27001 Works
- Establishes security policies
- Requires risk assessment
- Uses documented controls
- Requires regular audits
Example
A company becomes ISO 27001 certified to prove it protects customer data.
In One Sentence
ISO/IEC 27001 focuses on managing information security through formal processes.
CIS Controls (Center for Internet Security Controls)
What CIS Is
A prioritized list of practical security actions that organizations should implement first.
How CIS Controls Work
- Focuses on real-world attacks
- Starts with basic security controls
- Builds up to advanced protection
Example
An organization uses CIS to:
- Secure admin accounts
- Patch systems
- Monitor network activity
In One Sentence
CIS Controls provide clear, actionable security steps.
Simple Comparison
| Framework | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NIST | Risk management | Flexible security programs |
| ISO/IEC 27001 | Policy and compliance | Certification and audits |
| CIS | Practical controls | Hands-on security implementation |
In One Sentence (Summary)
NIST guides risk management, ISO ensures formal security processes, and CIS focuses on practical security actions.
