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NIST to update cybersecurity framework with a focus on supply chain risk

Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security NIST Agency Rule-Making & Guidance Federal Register Risk Management Supply Chain

Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security

On February 22, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published a notice and request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register seeking information to assist in the evaluation and improvement of the agency’s “Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity,” as well as other existing and potentials standards related to supply chain cybersecurity. NIST stated it is considering updating the framework (last updated in 2018) to account for the changing landscape of cybersecurity risks, technologies, and resources, and noted that it recently announced it intends to launch the National Initiative for Improving Cybersecurity in Supply Chains (NIICS) to address cybersecurity risks in this space. Responses to the RFI will help to inform the direction of the NIICS, including how it may be integrated and aligned with the framework. NIST explained that the framework outlines standards and guidance for private and public sector companies on how to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Acknowledging that much has changed in the cybersecurity landscape since the framework was last updated, including an increased awareness and emphasis on supply chain cybersecurity risks, the RFI seeks information that will support the identification and prioritization of supply chain-related cybersecurity needs across sectors. Among other things, NIST is interested in: the usefulness of the framework for managing risks; the relationship of the framework to other NIST risk management resources; and how companies manage security risks to their software supply chains and whether this area of increasing concern should be incorporated into the framework or whether a new, separate framework focusing on cybersecurity supply chain risk management might be more valuable. Comments are due April 25.