As information security professionals, we often hear acronyms tossed around with little explanation of what they mean. Two such acronyms are CIS and NIST. While both frameworks have a role in cybersecurity, there are key differences between CIS and NIST. In this blog post, we will explore those differences and explain why it is important to understand them. Stay tuned!
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999. CIS is best known for its work on CIS Controls, a set of best practices for securing systems and data. CIS also offers a range of other resources, including security benchmarks, training, and certifications.
On the other hand, NIST is a federal agency within the US Department of Commerce. Established in 1901, NIST’s mission is to “promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.” In recent years, NIST has become involved increasingly in cybersecurity issues, releasing guidance on everything from risk management to identity management.
Differences Between CIS vs NIST
Now that we have provided some background on each organization, let us take a closer look at the key differences between them.
Mission
As we mentioned, CIS focuses specifically on cybersecurity, while NIST’s mission is broader in scope. The types of resources each organization offers show this difference. For example, CIS offers resources like security benchmarks and threat intelligence, while NIST’s focus is more on developing standards and guidance.
Approach
Another key difference is the approach each organization takes to its work. CIS takes a pragmatic approach, working with companies and other stakeholders to develop tools and resources to use in the real world. NIST, on the other hand, takes a more research-oriented approach by conducting studies and experiments to better understand cybersecurity issues.
Size
CIS is a much smaller organization than NIST, with a staff of just over 100 people. On the other hand, NIST has a staff of over 3,000 people.
Impact
Finally, it is worth noting the two frameworks have varying levels of impact. Numerous companies and organizations worldwide use CIS, while US government agencies primarily adopt NIST’s standards and guidelines.
Similarities Between NIST and CIS
Despite the key differences between them, NIST and CIS do have some similarities.
1. Both organizations began in the late 1990s.
2. Both offer resources on a range of cybersecurity topics.
3. Both have a global reach. Companies in over 170 countries use CIS while organizations worldwide use NIST’s standards and guidelines.
Why is it Important to Understand the Difference?
As information security professionals, it is important to understand the difference between CIS and NIST. While both frameworks play a role in cybersecurity, they take different approaches to their work. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right resources for your needs. There are a few reasons.
1. If you are looking for resources on a specific topic, knowing which framework to turn to will save you time and help you find the most relevant information.
2. If you are considering pursuing a career in cybersecurity, understanding the different approaches of each framework will give you a better sense of which one is a better fit for you.
3. And finally, if you are working with others on cybersecurity initiatives, it is important to be clear on which organization’s resources you are using so that everyone is on the same page.
How Do You Decide Which One to Choose for Your Business?
There is no easy answer, and it depends on a variety of factors, including your company’s size, industry, and location. However, both CIS and NIST offer valuable resources that can help you improve your cybersecurity posture. If you are not sure where to start, we recommend looking at both organizations’ websites and seeing what they have to offer.
The Bottom Line:
CIS and NIST are two of the most important frameworks in the cybersecurity field. They both offer a wealth of resources on a range of topics, but they take different approaches to their work. Understanding the difference between them is important for anyone working in or interested in cybersecurity. Are you not sure what set of cybersecurity standards to implement for your organization? SMS Datacenter can help you identify and follow the best guidelines for your business.