Download free policy and standard templates for the NIST CSF 2.0 Respond Core Function, which outlines the activities necessary to take action regarding a detected cybersecurity incident. It focuses on ensuring effective incident response to minimize impact and recover quickly.
The Respond Function focuses on taking immediate action to contain and mitigate the effects of a detected cybersecurity incident. It includes incident management, analysis, communication, and reporting to ensure a coordinated and effective response. This function helps organizations limit the impact of incidents, restore normal operations, and document the event for future analysis and improvements. The Respond Function is comprised of Categories. These Categories break down the Function into more specific outcomes and activities, providing a structured approach for organizations to manage and implement cybersecurity practices.
The following policy and standard templates help ensure that the NIST CSF Respond categories are adequately addressed, including Incident Management; Incident Analysis; Incident Response Reporting and Communication; and Incident Mitigation
Visit Template Instructions for help completing these templates and the Implementation Guide for tips on how to implement these policies and standards once the templates are completed.
- Description: The Computer Security Threat Response Policy defines then responsibility in responding to security threats affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and/or availability of information technology resources.
- Document Link: Computer-Security-Threat-Response-Policy.docx
- Primary NIST CSF 2.0 Category: Incident Response Reporting and Communication
- Description: The Cyber Incident Response Standard outlines the general steps for responding to computer security incidents. In addition to providing a standardized process flow, it identifies the incident response takeholders and establishes their roles and responsibilities; describes incident triggering sources, incident types, and incident severity levels; and includes requirements for annual testing, post-incident lessons-learned activities, and collection of Incident Rresponse metrics for use in gauging IR effectiveness.
- Document Link: Cyber-Incident-Response-Standard.docx
- Primary NIST CSF 2.0 Category: Incident Response Reporting and Communication
- Description: The Incident Response Policy ensures that Information Technology properly identifies, contains, investigates, remedies, reports, and responds to computer security incidents.
- Document Link: Incident-Response-Policy.docx
- Primary NIST CSF 2.0 Category: Incident Response Reporting and Communication
The Respond Categories are designed to enable organizations to effectively manage and coordinate their response efforts, ensuring a swift and organized approach to security events. Key components include response planning, communications, analysis, mitigation, and improvements based on post-incident reviews. By strengthening these Categories, organizations can improve their ability to detect, contain, and mitigate the effects of security incidents, while ensuring that lessons learned are incorporated into future response strategies to enhance overall resilience. A list and description of each specific Respond Category can be found below:
- Description: Responses to detected cybersecurity incidents are managed
- NIST CSF 2.0 Identifier: RS.MA
- Description: Investigations are conducted to ensure effective response and support forensics and recovery activities
- NIST CSF 2.0 Identifier: RS.AN
- Description: Response activities are coordinated with internal and external stakeholders as required by laws, regulations, or policies
- NIST CSF 2.0 Identifier: RS.CO
- Description: Activities are performed to prevent expansion of an event and mitigate its effects
- NIST CSF 2.0 Identifier: RS.MI
- Response Planning: Develop and maintain an incident response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures.
- Communications: Ensure clear communication with stakeholders during and after an incident, including regulatory bodies if necessary.
- Analysis: Investigate incidents to understand their cause and impact, facilitating improved future responses.
- Mitigation: Implement actions to contain and eradicate threats from systems.
- ManageEngine, [email protected]. “The NIST CSF Respond Function.” The NIST CSF Detect Respond Explained, ManageEngine Log360, https://www.manageengine.com/log-management/compliance/nist-csf-respond-function.html. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/CSWP/NIST.CSWP.29.pdf.
- “NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0: Small Business Quick-Start Guide Overview.” NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Feb. 2024, https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.1300.pdf.
- “Respond - CSF Tools.” CSF Tools - The Cybersecurity Framework for Humans, 29 May 2021, https://csf.tools/reference/nist-cybersecurity-framework/v1-1/rs.
- “Respond.” NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 21 May 2018, https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/respond.