New Cybersecurity Guidelines Released by White House, Part 1

New Cybersecurity Guidelines Released by White House, Part 1

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Feb 12, 2014

To assist businesses in managing the growing risk of web-based attacks, the National Institute for Standards and Technology has assembled a 41-page cybersecurity framework as a guide for cybersecurity. Broken into 4 different tiers of protection according to varying risks and resources and introduced by the White House earlier today, President Obama signed the official order for this framework earlier this month.

“We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the fact of real threats to our security and our economy,” said Obama.

Below is the Framework Core, comprised of 4 elements that present key cybersecurity outcomes identified by specific industries. For the security industry, I think it would be beneficial to complete this core for as many verticals as possible, from education to oil and gas to fire and life safety to access control and beyond.

New Cybersecurity Guidelines Released by White House, Part 1

Functions Column – organizes basic cyber security activities; aids organizations in managing risk; addresses threats; and improves learning from previous activities.

Identify: manage cybersecurity risks by understanding business context, identifying resources used to support the business; creating risk management strategy.

Protect: implement safeguards to limit and/or contain the impact of unwanted cyber events.

Detect: implement activities to ensure a timely discover of unwanted cyber events.

Respond: take action quickly and effectively.

Recover: develop and implement a plan for resiliency and to restore business functions quickly.

Categories Column – groups of cybersecurity outcomes closely tied to particular activities.

Subcategories Column – specific outcomes of management activities.

Informative References Column – standards, guidelines and practices.

Once you have identified your company’s framework, it’s time to discover how your organization views cybersecurity risks and identify the processes in place to manage these risks by choosing the tier in which your business currently identifies with most.

Click here for Part 2 of this article where I introduce the tiers and give tips on how to select the correct tier for your company!

(Image from the official framework's PDF.)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.