What does the 'Identify' function mean in the NIST CSF?

TL;DR: The Identify function is the foundation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, focusing on understanding your environment, assets, risks, and governance—so you can manage cybersecurity strategically and proactively.

According to the 6clicks guide Cyber Resilience in 2025: Your Smart Guide to NIST CSF, the Identify function is where all effective cybersecurity programs begin. Without knowing what you’re protecting, who’s involved, and what’s at stake, it’s impossible to implement targeted and resilient security measures.

This function lays the groundwork for risk-informed decision-making by ensuring you understand your digital environment—its people, systems, data, processes, and dependencies.

Key outcomes of the Identify function

NIST CSF v2.0 breaks the Identify function into several key categories:

1. Asset Management (ID.AM)
   Inventory and categorize hardware, software, data, and third-party systems.

2. Risk Assessment (ID.RA)
   Analyze cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and potential business impacts.

3. Risk Management Strategy (ID.RM)
   Define risk appetite and treatment plans aligned with business priorities.

4. Supply Chain Risk Management (ID.SC)
   Identify risks from vendors, contractors, cloud platforms, and service providers.

5. Governance (ID.GV) (also reinforced in the new Govern function)
   Establish policies, roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms.

Why the Identify function is critical

• Sets the stage: It’s difficult to Protect, Detect, Respond, or Recover if you don’t know what assets you have or where your risks lie.

• Links cybersecurity to business: Helps align security priorities with mission-critical operations and risk tolerance.

• Prepares for audits: Provides documentation and inventories essential for frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and CPS 234.

• Enhances visibility and control: Supports asset tracking, shadow IT detection, and control ownership.

In 2025, where businesses depend on complex, hybrid digital ecosystems, having a clear picture of your environment is no longer optional—it’s strategic.

Need help identifying assets, risks, and controls in your environment?
Book a demo with 6clicks today to see how our platform automates asset inventories, risk assessments, governance workflows, and supply chain risk mapping—all aligned to the Identify function of NIST CSF.