Introduction

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a widely adopted standard for managing and reducing cybersecurity risk. It provides a structured approach to cybersecurity, outlining five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. As organizations implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, it’s essential to understand the job responsibilities involved in each function. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key job responsibilities associated with each function, providing insights for organizations to better manage their cybersecurity workforce.

According to a study by the Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cybersecurity workforce shortage is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2025, with 75% of organizations reporting a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. (1) To address this shortage, organizations must clearly define job responsibilities and ensure that each role contributes to the overall cybersecurity strategy.

Identify: Understanding the Organization’s Cybersecurity Landscape

The Identify function involves understanding the organization’s cybersecurity landscape, including its assets, data, and systems. Key job responsibilities in this function include:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.
  • Compliance Officer: Ensuring that the organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures align with relevant regulations and standards.
  • IT Project Manager: Overseeing the implementation of new systems and technologies, ensuring that they meet cybersecurity requirements.

To effectively execute the Identify function, organizations should ensure that their cybersecurity team has a deep understanding of the organization’s assets, data, and systems. This requires regular risk assessments and compliance checks, as well as collaboration between IT and cybersecurity teams.

Protect: Implementing Safeguards to Prevent Cyber Threats

The Protect function involves implementing safeguards to prevent cyber threats, including access controls, encryption, and firewalls. Key job responsibilities in this function include:

  • Security Engineer: Designing and implementing secure systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies.
  • Network Administrator: Configuring and maintaining network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
  • Help Desk Technician: Providing technical support to employees, ensuring that they use secure systems and follow cybersecurity best practices.

To effectively execute the Protect function, organizations should ensure that their cybersecurity team has the technical expertise to implement and maintain various security technologies. This requires ongoing training and professional development, as well as collaboration between security and IT teams.

Detect: Identifying and Responding to Cyber Threats in Real-Time

The Detect function involves identifying and responding to cyber threats in real-time, using tools such as threat intelligence platforms and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Key job responsibilities in this function include:

  • Incident Responder: Responding to cyber incidents, including containment, eradication, and recovery.
  • Threat Intelligence Analyst: Analyzing threat intelligence data to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
  • SIEM Administrator: Configuring and maintaining SIEM systems, ensuring that they provide accurate and actionable security alerts.

To effectively execute the Detect function, organizations should ensure that their cybersecurity team has the skills and tools to identify and respond to cyber threats in real-time. This requires ongoing threat intelligence analysis, as well as collaboration between incident response and SIEM teams.

Respond: Responding to Cyber Incidents

The Respond function involves responding to cyber incidents, including containment, eradication, and recovery. Key job responsibilities in this function include:

  • Incident Response Manager: Overseeing the incident response process, ensuring that it aligns with the organization’s incident response plan.
  • Cybersecurity Specialist: Providing technical expertise to contains and eradicate cyber threats.
  • Communication Officer: Communicating incident response information to stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the media.

To effectively execute the Respond function, organizations should ensure that their cybersecurity team has the skills and expertise to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. This requires ongoing incident response training, as well as collaboration between incident response and communication teams.

Conclusion

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structured approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risk. By understanding the job responsibilities involved in each function, organizations can better manage their cybersecurity workforce and ensure that they have the skills and expertise to protect their assets, data, and systems. As the global cybersecurity workforce shortage continues to grow, it’s essential that organizations prioritize job responsibilities and build a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and job responsibilities? Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation.

References:

(1) Cybersecurity Ventures. (2022). Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage to Reach 3.5 Million by 2025.