In the context of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), ISO 27001 (International Organization for Standardization), and other Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) or cybersecurity standards, a "standard" typically refers to a set of guidelines, rules, and best practices that organizations should follow to establish and maintain effective security controls and processes. These standards are developed to enhance the security of information systems, protect sensitive data, and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Here's a brief overview of what a standard is in the context of NIST, ISO 27001, and other ISMS or cybersecurity standards:
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology):
NIST is a U.S. government agency that produces and promotes standards and guidelines for various fields, including cybersecurity.
NIST Special Publication 800-53, for example, is a widely recognized standard that provides a catalog of security controls for federal information systems and organizations. It outlines security controls, baselines, and guidance for federal agencies.
ISO 27001 (International Organization for Standardization):
ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS).
It sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS within the context of the organization's overall business risks.
ISO 27001 provides a structured framework that helps organizations identify and address security risks, define security policies, and implement security controls.
Other ISMS and cybersecurity standards:
Apart from NIST and ISO 27001, various organizations and standards bodies have developed their own standards and guidelines for information security and cybersecurity. These include, but are not limited to, CIS (Center for Internet Security), COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies), and industry-specific standards like HIPAA for healthcare and PCI DSS for payment card industry security.
In general, these standards offer a common and recognized set of practices that organizations can use to protect their systems, networks, and data from threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Compliance with such standards can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to information security and improve their overall cybersecurity posture. It's important for organizations to select and implement the standards that are most relevant to their specific industry, regulatory requirements, and risk profile.
How to write a STANDARD
Writing a standard, especially in the context of cybersecurity or information security, is a complex and highly technical process that involves careful planning, research, and collaboration with experts in the field. Below are the key steps to help you write a standard:
Identify the Scope:
Define the scope of your standard. What specific aspect of cybersecurity or information security does it address? Understand the purpose and objectives of the standard.
Research and Review:
Conduct thorough research to understand the current best practices, industry standards, regulations, and guidelines related to the topic. Review existing standards, such as NIST, ISO 27001, and others, to gather insights.
Form a Working Group:
Assemble a working group of subject matter experts (SMEs) in the field. Include individuals with diverse expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, legal compliance, and relevant technical areas.
Develop an Outline:
Create a detailed outline of the standard. Break it down into sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the standard. Consider the order of topics and how they flow logically.
Define Requirements:
For each section, define specific requirements and recommendations. These should be clear, concise, and actionable. Ensure that they align with the standard's objectives and purpose.
Provide Explanatory Text:
Include explanatory text for each requirement or recommendation. Offer context, rationale, and examples to help readers understand why and how they should implement the requirements.
Use Clear Language:
Write in clear, unambiguous language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be easily understood by the target audience. Use plain language wherever possible.
Incorporate References:
Cite relevant sources, standards, and regulations in your standard. Provide citations and references to support the requirements and recommendations.
Review and Feedback:
Subject the draft standard to rigorous review by the working group and potentially external experts. Collect feedback and make necessary revisions. Ensure that the standard is technically accurate and applicable.
Pilot Testing:
If possible, consider conducting a pilot test of the standard within a select group or organization to assess its practicality and effectiveness in a real-world environment.
Finalize the Standard:
Based on the feedback and results of any pilot testing, make final revisions and adjustments to the standard. Ensure that it is well-structured and ready for publication.
Publication:
Determine the appropriate platform for publishing the standard. This could be on an organization's website, in industry publications, or through a standards organization like ISO or NIST.
Periodic Updates:
Recognize that the field of cybersecurity and information security is dynamic. Standards should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to account for changes in technology, threats, and regulations.
Promote Adoption:
Actively promote and encourage the adoption of your standard within the target audience or industry. Provide guidance on implementation and compliance.
Compliance and Certification:
Consider mechanisms for organizations to demonstrate compliance with the standard, such as certification processes or audits.
Writing a standard is a rigorous and collaborative process that requires input from experts, a commitment to clarity, and adaptability to evolving threats and technologies. It's important to keep the standard up-to-date and relevant to the changing landscape of cybersecurity and information security.
Example
Let's create a simplified example of writing a standard related to password security within an organization. This example is for illustrative purposes and is not an exhaustive standard. A real-world standard would be far more detailed and comprehensive.
Title: Password Security Standard
Scope: This standard outlines the requirements and best practices for creating and managing passwords within the organization to enhance information security.
1. Purpose and Objectives:
Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data.
Mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
Promote strong and secure password practices.
2. Definitions:
Password: A secret character or word used to access the organization's systems and data.
3. Password Creation:
Passwords must be at least 12 characters long.
Passwords should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Passwords must not be easily guessable or based on publicly available information.
4. Password Management:
Employees are required to change their passwords every 90 days.
Passwords cannot be reused within a 12-month period.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is mandatory for accessing sensitive systems and data.
5. Password Storage:
Passwords must be stored securely using industry-standard encryption methods.
Never store plaintext passwords.
Implement secure password hashing algorithms.
6. Password Sharing:
Passwords must not be shared with colleagues or any third parties.
Use a secure password manager for sharing and storing passwords within the organization.
7. Reporting Incidents:
Employees must report any suspected or actual security incidents involving their passwords promptly to the IT department.
8. Auditing and Compliance:
Regularly audit password security compliance.
Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.
9. Training and Awareness:
Provide mandatory training to employees on creating and managing secure passwords.
Promote awareness of the importance of strong password practices.
10. Revision and Updates:
This standard will be reviewed annually to align with the latest cybersecurity best practices.
11. References:
ISO 27001: Information Security Management Systems.
NIST Special Publication 800-63-3: Digital Identity Guidelines.
12. Publication and Implementation:
This standard will be published on the organization's intranet and communicated to all employees.
Implementation will begin on [insert start date].
Please note that this is a simplified example. In a real-world scenario, the standard would be more detailed, accompanied by guidelines, and may include specific technical requirements for password management systems, auditing procedures, and more. Additionally, organizations may choose to adopt existing industry standards, like NIST or ISO 27001, rather than creating their own from scratch.