Comparison between ASD Essential 8 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

The ASD Essential 8 is a set of eight security strategies developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help organizations protect their systems from cyber threats. The Essential 8 strategies are designed to be implemented in a layered approach, with each layer providing additional security protection. The strategies focus on patching, application whitelisting, application control, privileged access management, user application hardening, multi-factor authentication, daily backups, and network segmentation. Each of these strategies is designed to be implemented in a way that is tailored to the specific needs of the organization. By implementing the ASD Essential 8, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and better protect their systems and data.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations manage and reduce their cyber risks. The framework provides a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risk that can be tailored to the needs of an organization. It is designed to help organizations identify, assess, and manage their cybersecurity risks, and provides guidance for improving their cybersecurity posture. The CSF is based on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These core functions are further broken down into categories and subcategories, which provide a comprehensive view of an organizations cybersecurity risk. The framework also provides a set of implementation guidance, tools, and resources to help organizations implement the framework and manage their cyber risks. The CSF can be used as a stand-alone framework or integrated with existing frameworks and standards.

1. Both emphasize the importance of risk management and risk assessment.

2. Both frameworks provide a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing cybersecurity risks.

3. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to develop and implement a cybersecurity program.

4. Both frameworks include a set of core security controls that organizations should implement.

5. Both frameworks emphasize the need for organizations to have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

6. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents.

7. Both frameworks emphasize the need for organizations to have a cybersecurity culture and training program.

8. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to develop and implement a cybersecurity governance structure.

1. ASD Essential 8 focuses on the prevention of cyber security threats, while NIST CSF focuses on a holistic approach to cyber security, including prevention, detection, response and recovery.

2. ASD Essential 8 is a set of eight security controls, while NIST CSF is a framework that includes five core functions and associated components.

3. ASD Essential 8 is tailored for Australian organizations, while NIST CSF is designed to be applicable to organizations of any size and industry.

4. ASD Essential 8 is focused on the implementation of security controls, while NIST CSF is focused on the implementation of a risk management process.

5. ASD Essential 8 is designed to be implemented in a short period of time, while NIST CSF is designed to be implemented over a longer period of time.