NIST CSF to ISO 27001 Controls Mapping
Aspect |
NIST CSF |
ISO 27001 |
Purpose |
Framework for managing cybersecurity-related risks |
Standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) |
Scope |
A broader set of guidelines and best practices |
Focused on establishing and implementing an ISMS |
Risk Maturity |
Suitable for organizations starting to establish cybersecurity risk management |
Better for operationally mature enterprises seeking certification |
Certification |
Voluntary compliance and self-certification |
Requires formal certification |
Structure |
Highly segmented, easy to learn, customize, and implement |
Structured approach with specific security controls |
Flexibility |
More adaptable |
Less flexible, but comprehensive |
Focus |
Emphasizes identifying gaps in cybersecurity posture |
Covers a broad range of security controls |
Applicability |
Can be customized to unique requirements |
Tailored to specific organizational needs |
Complementary Use |
Can be used together for a comprehensive cybersecurity program |
Here's a sample crosswalk table between ISO 27001 and NIST CSF:
ISO 27001 Control |
NIST CSF Category |
NIST CSF Subcategory |
A.11.1.1 Physical Security Perimeter |
PR.AC - Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control |
PR.AC-2: Physical access to assets is managed and protected |
A.9.2.1 User Registration and De-registration |
PR.AC - Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control |
PR.AC-1: Identities and credentials are issued, managed, verified, revoked, and audited |
A.12.3.1 Backup Policy |
PR.IP - Information Protection Processes and Procedures |
PR.IP-4: Backups of information are conducted, maintained, and tested |
- Complementary Frameworks: ISO 27001 and NIST CSF are complementary and share similar cyber risk management processes.
- Overlap: An organization with ISO 27001 certification has already met about 83% of NIST CSF requirements, while NIST CSF compliance covers approximately 61% of ISO 27001 requirements.
- Differences: Despite similarities, there are notable differences:
- ISO 27001 is internationally recognized, while NIST CSF was initially developed for U.S. federal agencies.
- ISO 27001 has 93 controls in Annex A, while NIST CSF has five core functions with various control catalogs.
- ISO 27001 is less technical and focuses on mature organizations, while NIST CSF is more technical and suited for the initial stages of cybersecurity programs.
By using this crosswalk, organizations can leverage the strengths of both standards to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and streamline compliance efforts.
CyberSaint's CyberStrong platform uses NLP and AI to automate crosswalking between cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF, CMMC, and ISO 27001. This allows organizations to quickly map controls, maintain consistency, and gain real-time insights into their cybersecurity posture.
CyberStrong's capabilities include:
- Crosswalking templates to ensure consistency across multiple departments and risk assessments.
- Real-time updates on technical control scores through Continuous Control Automation (CCA).
- The ability to conduct one-to-one and one-to-many crosswalks efficiently.
- Support over 60 industry frameworks, with the flexibility to add custom frameworks.
By streamlining the crosswalking process, CyberSaint enables organizations to more effectively manage their cybersecurity posture across multiple frameworks, facilitate compliance efforts, and gain comprehensive insights into their risk landscape.
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