Ever wondered how to navigate the maze of cybersecurity frameworks without losing your mind? Enter the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 – a comprehensive guide for managing cyber risks. External Attack Surface Management (EASM) tools, like DarkInvader, fit seamlessly into this framework, making compliance not only achievable but a strategic advantage.

What’s New in NIST 2.0?

The NIST CSF 2.0, published in February 2024, builds on its predecessor with several key enhancements. It expands the core functions from five to six by introducing GOVERN, which emphasizes aligning cybersecurity with enterprise risk management. Additionally, NIST 2.0 places greater focus on supply chain security and provides more practical implementation resources, such as Quick-Start Guides and real-world examples.

NIST 1.0 vs. NIST 2.0 – Key Differences

• New Function: NIST 2.0 adds GOVERN, focusing on aligning cybersecurity strategies with enterprise goals.

• Supply Chain Security: Stronger emphasis on managing third-party risks.

• Practical Guidance: Additional resources such as Quick-Start Guides and Community Profiles for easier implementation.

• Broader Scope: Applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors, expanding beyond critical infrastructure.

What is EASM?

External Attack Surface Management (EASM) is a cybersecurity practice that identifies and monitors an organisation's digital assets exposed to the internet. It includes discovering shadow IT, detecting vulnerabilities, and providing continuous monitoring to reduce the risk of external attacks. EASM helps businesses understand their public-facing attack surface and manage security gaps proactively.

How EASM Strengthens NIST 2.0 Compliance

Identify: EASM maps digital assets and detects shadow IT, aligning with NIST’s asset management requirements to "maintain inventories of hardware, software, and services."

Protect: EASM highlights exposed vulnerabilities, supporting NIST’s goal to "safeguard data confidentiality, integrity, and availability."

Detect: Through continuous monitoring, EASM offers real-time alerts, consistent with NIST’s guidance to monitor networks for potential threats.

‍Respond: Integrated threat intelligence in EASM boosts incident response, helping meet NIST’s requirements for effective response planning.

‍Recover: EASM supports "incident recovery planning" with post-incident analysis, helping organisations improve future resilience.

Why NIST 2.0 Compliance Matters

NIST 2.0 compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about demonstrating security leadership. According to NIST, Organizational Profiles help assess current and target cybersecurity postures, while Tiers—from Partial to Adaptive—measure risk management maturity. EASM provides the insights needed to bridge gaps and progress through these tiers.

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