NIST vs. ISO 27001: What's the Difference?

Is your organization looking to evolve its information security and cybersecurity systems? The vast array of frameworks and standards available can be overwhelming to choose from, so we’ve broken down two of the most prominent frameworks below, weighing the functions and elements of each so that you can make an informed decision about the kind of framework that would strengthen  your organization’s security posture and support your broader information management goals. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) 27001 standard are two well-regarded frameworks in information management and cybersecurity.. This article will explain the difference between NIST and ISO 27001 and detail how they can each be instrumental in advancing your business’s objectives. By the end of the article, you should have a better idea of which framework is most appropriate for your organization.

What is ISO?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO has released over 22,600 standards across various industries since 1954. ISO’s 27000 series of standards offers an internationally recognized approach to IT security risk management and includes a wide range of cybersecurity controls.

ISO 27001 is an international standard of information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an organization's ISMS. The standard is designed to help businesses systematically manage their sensitive data, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

ISO 27001 follows a risk-based management approach, meaning that organizations start by identifying security risks to their information assets and integrate appropriate security controls to address these threats. ISO outlines a certification process that follows a series of stages, a key difference between ISO 27001 and NIST. The ISO 27001 stages include  a gap assessment, the  implementation of security controls, internal audits, and a final audit by a certified external auditor. ISO 27001 certification is valid for three years and requires annual surveillance audits to ensure that the organization remains compliant. After three years, ISO The 27001 requires a recertification audit to maintain compliance with ISO 27001 standards.

What is the Purpose of ISO 27001? 

ISO 27001’s purpose is to help an organization incorporate cybersecurity controls into their operations through the use of an information security management system (ISMS). The standard is particularly valuable for businesses that must prove compliance with data security regulations or those that handle personal information, intellectual property, and other sensitive data.

ISO 27001 is optimal for organizations that currently have an information security program in place but are looking to level up their security and even pursue work with international clients with a formalized cybersecurity risk management plan.

ISO 27001 identifies three key elements to information security: 

• Confidentiality: Information is made available only to authorized users
• Integrity: Information is accurate and complete
• Availability: Authorized users have access to information when needed

The stages of the ISO 27001 certification process include:

• Gap Assessment: An initial review of the organization's current information security management system (ISMS) to identify gaps related to ISO 27001 requirements.
• Implementation: Developing and implementing the necessary policies, procedures, and controls to address the identified gaps and align with  ISO 27001 standards.
• Internal Audit: Conducting an internal audit to ensure that the ISMS is functioning as intended and conforms to ISO 27001 requirements.
• Stage 1 Audit (Document Review): An external auditor reviews the organization's documentation to verify that it meets ISO 27001 standards.
• Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit): The external auditor assesses the implementation of the ISMS, ensuring that the controls are correctly applied and managed.
• Certification and Surveillance Audits: Upon successful completion of the Stage 2 Audit, the organization is awarded ISO 27001 certification. Annual surveillance audits are conducted to ensure compliance, with a recertification audit every three years.

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)?

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is one of many voluntary frameworks developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, primarily aimed at improving cybersecurity practices in critical infrastructure sectors, although it is applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a U.S. federal agency that develops standards, guidelines, and best practices to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks.

There are several other NIST frameworks including NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-171, in which BD Emerson specializes. NIST 800-53 provides a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations. NIST 800-171 is specifically designed for non-federal organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

NIST CSF consists of three primary components: the Framework Core, the Implementation Tiers, and the Profiles. 

• Framework Core: a set of cybersecurity activities, outcomes, and informative references that are common across all critical infrastructure sectors. It is organized into five key functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions provide a high-level approach to managing cybersecurity risks and guide organizations in developing a robust cybersecurity program.
• Implementation Tiers: provides context on how an organization views cybersecurity risk and the processes in place to manage it. They range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4), reflecting the maturity of the organization’s cybersecurity risk management framework practices.
• Profiles: help organizations align their cybersecurity activities with their business requirements, risk tolerance, and resources. A Profile can be used to identify opportunities for improving the organization’s cybersecurity posture and to prioritize actions and investments.

NIST CSF can provide useful guidance for organizations that are still in the early stages of developing cybersecurity controls and policies. To compare the NIST cybersecurity framework vs ISO 27001, NIST CSF does not require the same level of internal commitment and resource allocation as ISO 27001.

What is the Purpose of NIST CSF? 

NIST CSF came about in 2014, in response to an executive order tasking NIST with the development of a cybersecurity framework that would help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. NIST CSF provides a high-level scope and adaptable framework that can be used to build an information security program regardless of a company’s size or industry. Because it is so flexible, NIST CSF is an excellent standard that any company can implement to improve its cybersecurity processes.

NIST CSF is organized into five core functions:

Identify: Develop a process for the management of cybersecurity risks to systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities. This function is divided into the following categories: Asset Management, Business Environment, Governance, Risk Assessment, Risk Management Strategy, and Supply Chain Risk Management.

Protect: Implement safeguards to protect the organization from cyber threats. There are six subcategories for this function as well: Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control; Awareness and Training; Data Security; Information Protection Processes and Procedures; Maintenance; and Protective Technology. 

Detect: Monitor systems for anomalies, categorize anomalies and events, and report findings for action. The three categories of the Detect function are: Anomalies and Events, Security Continuous Monitoring, and Detection Processes. 

Respond: Limit the exposure of the organization to any risks or threats through containment or remediation. This function consists of: Response Planning, Communications, Analysis, Mitigation, and Improvements.

Recover: Plan for contingencies and make your organization more resilient in the face of cybersecurity threats. The Recover function includes: Recovery Planning, Improvements, and Communications. 

NIST Framework vs. ISO 27001

While both NIST CSF and ISO 27001 are cybersecurity frameworks based on similar risk management processes, there are a few key differences between them: scope, approach, structure, certification, and popularity. As your organization considers NIST vs ISO 27001, it’s important to keep in mind the following contrasts between them: 

Scope

NIST CSF focuses on generally improving the cybersecurity posture of organizations, especially in critical infrastructure sectors within the United States. It provides a framework for managing cybersecurity risks but does not include specific controls or processes. ISO 27001 is an internationally-recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS) that covers all aspects of information security, including not just cybersecurity, but also physical security, human resources security, and compliance.

Approach

In terms of approach, NIST CSF  focuses on the identification and management of cybersecurity risks. Its approach centers on the outcomes of improving cybersecurity posture by achieving goals/reaching milestones, like the implementation of threat detection and incident response programs. ISO 27001 takes a more rigid, systematic approach. This framework involves conducting a formal risk assessment, determining risk treatment options, and implementing a set of security controls. ISO 27001 takes a much more prescriptive approach, with specific requirements that must be followed to achieve certification.

Structure

NIST CSF consists of three primary components: the Framework Core, the Implementation Tiers, and the Profiles, and it is organized around five flexible core functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover). The components can be adapted to different sized companies depending on the maturity of the risks they take, number of their employees, and the amount of resources they can allocate toward a cybersecurity overhaul. On the other hand, ISO 27001 is much more stringent and  includes specific requirements described in Clauses 4-10 of the standard as well as detailed controls in its Annex A, which provide a comprehensive framework for all aspects of information security, including certification. ISO 27001 also requires internal and external audits before certification can be achieved.

 Certification

The most significant difference between NIST CSF and ISO 27001 is that NIST CSF does not offer formal certification and ISO 27001 does. ISO 27001 certified organizations are regarded as highly credible and trustworthy. To achieve certification, organizations must undergo a an involved process that can be expensive. Despite how complicated the ISO 27001 certification process can be, it paves the way for partnerships and lucrative international  sales deals, making it an ideal standard for companies that do business around the world. 

Popularity

In terms of ISO 27001 vs, NIST, NIST is more popular among organizations in the United States, particularly among organizations in critical infrastructure sectors, due to its government endorsement and flexible, risk-based approach. It’s widely adopted for enhancing cybersecurity without requiring formal certification. ISO 27001, however, is globally recognized, particularly in industries where formal certification of information security management is vital, such as finance, healthcare, and technology. ISO 27001's prescriptive nature and international credibility make it the preferred choice for organizations seeking a comprehensive, certifiable information security framework that is respected worldwide.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework vs. ISO

NIST CSF is often a better choice for newer organizations that are looking for guidance in handling cybersecurity threats. ISO 27001 can be out of reach financially and intimidating for organizations that don’t have an existing information management infrastructure. For organizations that have expanded internationally or work with international partners, it is crucial to follow ISO 27001 in order to prove your organization’s compliance with stringent information security standards.

NIST CSF also mainly focuses on cybersecurity, whereas ISO 27001 covers your broad information security infrastructure, which can occasionally be underdeveloped in young organizations. Well developed companies often face more mature risks to their organizations, often because they have more locations, assets, and personnel. 

One of the main considerations should be budget. Is the cost of purchasing ISO 27001 materials and paying for an outside auditor well within budget? Will your organization be able to afford shifting employees from their regular work to focus on the creation of your information management system? If your organization can afford ISO 27001, then it is definitely worth considering so that your organization continues to scale sustainably. Take into consideration the risk levels your organization faces in everyday operations and go from there.

Both NIST CSF and ISO 27001 offer valuable roadmaps for organizations aiming to enhance their cybersecurity and information security management systems, each with useful elements. NIST CSF empowers organizations to effectively manage cybersecurity risks with a flexible, scalable approach, while ISO 27001 guides companies in building a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) that aligns with core business objectives. As your organization considers compliance with either framework, you can look forward to benefiting from improved security and resilience, strategically aligning with your business goals.

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