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Comparison between NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and APRA CPS 234


Overview

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and APRA CPS 234 are two frameworks for cybersecurity risk management. Both frameworks provide guidance on how organizations should manage their cybersecurity risks and provide a common language for discussing cybersecurity. The CSF is a voluntary framework that provides a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, while APRA CPS 234 is a mandatory framework for financial services organizations in Australia. The CSF is more comprehensive, covering all aspects of cybersecurity, while APRA CPS 234 focuses on specific elements related to the financial services sector. Both frameworks have similar best practices and principles, but the CSF is more detailed and provides more guidance on how to implement the framework.



What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

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 cybersecurity risks. The CSF provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for organizations to follow to protect their networks and data from cyber threats. It provides a comprehensive set of cybersecurity activities, outcomes, and references to help organizations identify, assess, and manage their cybersecurity risks. The CSF is organized into five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Each of these functions contains a set of categories and subcategories that provide organizations with a comprehensive set of activities and best practices to help them manage their cybersecurity risks. The CSF also includes a set of implementation tiers that allow organizations to assess their current cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement. The CSF is designed to be flexible and scalable so that organizations of all sizes and industries can use it to protect their networks and data.


What is APRA CPS 234?

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) CPS 234 is a set of standards and requirements that must be met by all organizations that are regulated by APRA. It is designed to ensure that APRA-regulated entities have appropriate information security and risk management practices in place. The standard requires that organizations have a comprehensive information security and risk management program, which includes the implementation of effective security controls and procedures. Additionally, the standard sets out specific requirements for the protection of customer information, as well as the protection of the organizations information assets. Finally, the standard requires that organizations regularly review and update their security policies and procedures in order to ensure that they remain up-to-date.


A Comparison Between NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and APRA CPS 234

1. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to assess the cybersecurity risks of an organization.

2. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to implement controls to mitigate identified risks.

3. Both frameworks focus on the identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery of an organization's critical assets.

4. Both frameworks are based on a risk-based approach to cybersecurity.

5. Both frameworks emphasize the need for organizations to develop a culture of cybersecurity.

6. Both frameworks provide guidance on how to measure the effectiveness of an organization's cybersecurity program.

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

8. Both frameworks emphasize the need for organizations to have a clear understanding of their cybersecurity posture.


The Key Differences Between NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and APRA CPS 234

1. Purpose: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary framework developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to provide guidance to organizations for improving their cybersecurity posture. The APRA CPS 234 is an Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) mandated standard for cyber resilience for all APRA-regulated entities.

2. Scope: The NIST CSF is designed to be a comprehensive approach to cyber security, covering all aspects of cyber security from risk assessment to incident response. The APRA CPS 234 is specifically focused on cyber resilience and requires organizations to have a comprehensive set of controls in place to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.

3. Compliance: The NIST CSF is voluntary, meaning organizations are not required to comply with it. The APRA CPS 234 is a mandatory standard, meaning organizations must comply with it in order to be in compliance with APRA regulations.

4. Implementation: The NIST CSF is designed to be a flexible framework that can be tailored to the specific needs of an organization. The APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have specific controls in place to meet the standard.