NIST Security Audit: Definition, Importance and Frameworks

Updated: October 8th, 2024
6 mins read
nist security audit

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has developed a set of security guidelines called the cybersecurity framework (CSF), which helps companies identify and prevent potential digital risks.

NIST is a non-regulatory agency of the US Department of Commerce that aims to promote industrial innovation and competitiveness. By conducting a NIST security audit, you can be compliant with one of the leading industry regulations and

It has a long-standing tradition of working with industry leaders as part of a mutual commitment partnership striving to protect the public’s sensitive data. 

What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

The National Institute of Standards and Technologies Cyber Security Framework (NIST CSF) is a set of standards to help companies improve their overall cybersecurity posture. This framework helps identify cyber risks that could harm your company’s infrastructure and data. 

With these guidelines, companies can set up plans to more comprehensively identify, manage, and monitor their risks. The framework also helps identify different control mechanisms that can be implemented to mitigate these risks.

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Why is Astra Vulnerability Scanner the Best Scanner?

  • We’re the only company that combines automated & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.
  • Vetted scans ensure zero false positives.
  • Our intelligent vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior & evolves with every pentest.
  • Astra’s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI/CD.
  • Our platform helps you uncover, manage & fix vulnerabilities in one place.
  • Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.
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Importance of NIST Security Audit

NIST security audit is significant in protecting the USA’s critical information systems. The agency provides the security standards that government agencies, private companies, and other organizations rely on to protect their IT systems. 

The NIST has released the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which allows organizations to evaluate their cybersecurity capabilities. The CSF is the first step to improving security at the agency level, leading to enhanced cybersecurity nationwide.

Conducting a NIST security audit can help secure customer and company data, garner trust, make you eligible for government contracts, and prevent expensive data breaches.

Understanding the 3 NIST Frameworks

3 NIST Frameworks

1) NIST 800-53 Security and Control Framework

The NIST 800-53 security control framework includes information used to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls in protecting federal information systems’ confidentiality, integrity, and availability. 

This framework can be used as a template for implementing security controls, a checklist against which to measure security controls, a baseline for continuous monitoring activities, a set of required security controls, or a basis for tailoring.

2) NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework

The NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework is a step-by-step process for assessing risk and implementing countermeasures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. 

NIST 800-37 is a standard the federal government uses to ensure compliance with security standards. This process is an excellent way for any organization to manage the risk of its information system.

3) NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to help organizations prevent cyberattacks and mitigate risk. 

Organizations that use the framework can develop and implement an effective cybersecurity risk management program to protect their operations and assets, satisfy their missions and business functions, and manage cybersecurity risk effectively.

Astra Pentest is built by the team of experts that helped secure Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, and Buffer


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Role of Vulnerability Assessment in NIST Security Audit

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is one of the leading government agencies responsible for providing comprehensive information security standards. According to NIST, systems and devices must be regularly scanned for vulnerabilities to ensure their safety and security. 

Why Choose Vulnerability Assessment?

NIST considers vulnerability assessment a vital component of an Information Security Audit. Since information systems can be vulnerable to several threats, including viruses, intrusions, improper configurations, misuse, malicious software, or accidental data loss, vulnerability assessment is required.

How Often Should You Scan for Vulnerabilities?

Organizations are responsible for assessing the security of their IT systems regularly. They can use automated vulnerability scanners to run quick tests daily or weekly. This is important so organizations can identify weaknesses in their security proactively. 

5 Functions of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF)

NIST Cyber Security Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) was released in 2014 by the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

The framework describes the five core functions of an organization’s cybersecurity program. Each function consists of separate categories, further subdivided into twenty-three subcategories listing requirements and controls. 

1. Identify

The ‘identify’ function defines an organization’s property, processes, and risk-taking thresholds. It enables organizations to determine hazards and vulnerabilities, prioritize critical systems and information with risk exposure, and set the baseline for measuring cybersecurity performance.

2. Protect

The “protect” function is intended to apply measures to protect the organization’s assets. This includes technical measures such as firewalls, IDS, encryption, and administrative measures, such as managing access and training employees.

3. Detect

The primary function of “detect” is establishing mechanisms for recognizing cyber security events and irregularities. This can be done through monitoring, threat intelligence, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

4. Respond

The “respond” function describes what an organization should do to mitigate, prevent, and recover from a cybersecurity incident. This includes having an incident response plan, engaging the stakeholders, and then putting measures in place to restore normalcy.

5. Recover

The “recover” function is further planned to help with the recovery and the return of capabilities and functioning of the organization affected by a cybersecurity threat. This includes counter-fogging measures, data restoration, disaster recovery procedures, and work on disaster prevention and controls and prevention of future disasters.

Each of the above functions has its implementation tiers, which describe how to organize and report on the categories and subcategories. Profiles are tailored to specific sectors, organizations, or domains. 

The framework serves as a guideline for individuals or agencies new to cybersecurity, helping them better understand cybersecurity risks and potential solutions.

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Astra’s Compliance-Friendly Pentest for NIST

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Key Features:

  • Platform: SaaS
  • Pentest Capabilities: Continuous automated scans with 10,000+ tests and manual pentests 
  • Accuracy: Zero false positives (with vetted scans)
  • Compliance Scanning: OWASP, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO27001, and SOC2
  • Publicly Verifiable Pentest Certification: Yes
  • Workflow Integration: Slack, JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and more
  • Price: Starting at $1999/yr

Astra Security provides reliable pentest services that are compliant with all kinds of audits, including the NIST. Astra offers a comprehensive security audit based on the NIST frameworks.

Our automated scanner tests for over 10,000+ tests to keep your application safe. We at Astra combine manual testing with an automated scanner to ensure no security risk is left. Once your test is complete, you get easily accessible reports that you can interpret at a glance with the dashboard.

You also get detailed steps on bug fixing tailored to your issues within the report and know exactly how to reproduce vulnerabilities with video Proof of Concepts (PoCs).

Why Choose Astra for NIST Security Audit?

Final Thoughts

NIST, a leading government agency, provides valuable cybersecurity standards through its frameworks. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of guidelines that helps organizations assess and improve their cybersecurity posture.

By conducting regular vulnerability assessments, as suggested by NIST, organizations can identify and address weaknesses in their security, reducing the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats. This compliance will also enable organizations to be eligible for several government projects.

FAQs

1. What is an NIST audit?

NIST stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is a nonregulatory agency of the US Department of Commerce. NIST audit refers to a security audit that follows the compliance regulations formed by NIST.

2. What is the NIST CSF audit?

CSF stands for Cyber Security Framework created by NIST. A CSF audit helps businesses and agencies evaluate their cyber security capabilities.