Which agency is tasked with establishing cybersecurity standards?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is responsible for establishing cybersecurity standards within the United States. NIST develops widely recognized standards, guidelines, and frameworks to enhance the cybersecurity posture of federal agencies, contractors, and private sector partners. Their work includes creating the Cybersecurity Framework, which helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks based on existing standards and practices.

NIST’s role is critical because it provides a foundation for how organizations can implement secure practices and tools in a consistent and effective manner. By focusing on measurable and testable standards, NIST ensures that organizations can adopt a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, fostering resilience against cyber threats.

While agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) play significant roles in the overall cybersecurity landscape, their functions are more about implementation and enforcement rather than developing the foundational standards. The Department of Commerce oversees NIST but does not directly establish cybersecurity standards itself. Thus, NIST is the primary agency recognized for establishing these critical cybersecurity guidelines.