Security Framework
NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
By Clear Infosec · Last reviewed: August 2026
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 is a voluntary framework that organizes cybersecurity outcomes into six functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
What is NIST CSF?
CSF 2.0 provides a common language for managing and communicating cybersecurity risk. It is outcome-based and technology-neutral, so organizations map it to their own controls and maturity.
The 2.0 release (2024) added the Govern function, emphasizing cybersecurity governance and enterprise risk management alongside the original five functions.
Who does NIST CSF apply to?
Any organization of any size or sector that wants a structured, risk-based way to assess and improve its cybersecurity posture. It is widely used as a baseline and to align with regulators and customers.
Key security expectations
- Govern: cybersecurity strategy, roles, policy, and risk management aligned to the business.
- Identify: asset, risk, and supply-chain understanding.
- Protect: access control, awareness, data security, and platform hardening.
- Detect: continuous monitoring and detection of events.
- Respond and Recover: incident response, communications, and recovery planning.
How an assessment works
- 1 Define scope and current profile against the CSF functions and categories.
- 2 Assess maturity and identify gaps versus a target profile.
- 3 Prioritize improvements by risk and business impact.
- 4 Build a remediation roadmap and track progress.
Typical evidence
How Clear Infosec helps with NIST CSF
Related Clear Infosec services that support NIST CSF:
Risk Assessment & Compliance Readiness
Know your risk. Be audit-ready.
vCISO / CISO-as-a-Service
Senior security leadership, on demand.
Security Architecture Reviews
Secure by design, across network and application.
Managed Detection & Response
Detect and respond, around the clock.
SOC-as-a-Service
24/7 monitoring without building a SOC.
Frequently asked questions
Is NIST CSF mandatory?
The CSF itself is voluntary. However, some regulations and contracts reference it, and many organizations adopt it as their baseline risk-management framework.
What changed in NIST CSF 2.0?
CSF 2.0 added the Govern function, broadened applicability beyond critical infrastructure, and strengthened guidance on supply-chain risk and governance.
This page is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements are defined by the authoritative body linked above.
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