The multifarious uses and benefits of the cybersecurity framework are the reasons why organizations across industries leverage it for reinforcing their cybersecurity posture. The framework offers a systematic methodology and a common language to enterprises for combating and managing cybersecurity risks. The core consists of activities that are to be included in a cybersecurity program, which can be tailored according to the needs of an organization. The framework is devised to complement, and not substitute, a company’s existing cybersecurity program and risk management procedures. Creating framework profiles enables organizations to determine the areas where the existing processes can be reinforced and new processes can be deployed. These profiles when coupled with the intuitive language of the framework allows for enhanced communication within an organization.

The framework plays a major role in guiding chief decision points related to risk management operations through different levels in an organization, all the way from the executive suite, business/process level to the operation and implementation end. The executive level conveys the mission priorities, existing resources, and the general risk tolerance to the business/process end. Utilizing the information as inputs for the risk management procedure, the business/process level designs a profile to organize implementation and operation tasks. The implementation/operations side then informs the business/process level of the profile implementation progress. Then the business/process level conducts an impact assessment using the information and reports the results of the assessment to the executive end.

Owing to its versatility, the cybersecurity framework can be leveraged by organizations of all sizes, industries, and maturities. The Framework comes with a pre-built customization mechanism that can be tailored to suit the needs of any type of enterprise. It is also highly scalable and outcome-driven and hence can be used by both small and large organizations. The flexibility that the cybersecurity framework offers, delivers value to both mature cybersecurity programs in large organizations as well as in small companies that are in the process of setting up a cybersecurity program.