Applying IBM Security solutions to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Help avoid gaps in security and compliance coverage as threats and business
requirements change
Introduction
Approaching risk management and security frameworks is not a simple exercise. With cyber threats changing all the time—and with them, an organization’s business environment and ability to meet new changing requirements—the ability to apply new risk strategies is critical. Such strategies are applied to the differing levels of security needed in order to evolve and support business operations and risk, not simply as an effort in compliance.
Using the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity,1a set of guidelines and practices created by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides government and non-government organizations with a vital first step toward managing cyber-security risk. Moving forward, organizations need solutions that not only satisfy the NIST Cybersecurity Framework at the time of deployment but that also enable continued security as threats and business needs change and evolve.
This white paper will enumerate the Core Practices created in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (referred to as the
“NIST framework”) and map each category and subcategory to the IBM solutions that can help meet the specific requirements.
The components of the NIST framework
The NIST framework contains five categories of “core” func- tions that are necessary to achieving cyber security: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. Each of these categories is subdivided into as many as 11 subcategories that describe actions or processes that support the function. With a total of nearly 90 subcategories in the NIST framework, the challenge then becomes how to ensure the organization has the solutions and capabilities it needs to use the framework as a key strategic element in the ongoing processes of managing risk.
Key steps in utilizing the NIST framework are to identify the organization’s “implementation tier”—a designation that indicates the degree to which the organization’s cyber-security solutions are achieving the risk tolerance of subcategories—and
to establish a “framework profile”—desired outcomes from using the NIST framework in both the current and future timeframes.
Periodic reviews of needs and capabilities are central to the framework’s ongoing effectiveness.
When applying the NIST framework, organizations must pay close attention to shifting threats and the constant need to improve their ability to meet the suggested best practices within the NIST subcategories.
Organizations that have no security strategy, that have adopted security measures only in response to specific threats, or that have implemented solutions only because they have been mandated will require more thorough planning and strategy to utilize the NIST framework within their business operations.
IBM Security solutions for evolving needs
IBM® Security solutions provide a comprehensive portfolio that can address the NIST framework core categories and subcatego- ries, implementation tiers and framework profiles, while also enabling organizations to advance through the tiers and close gaps to meet their risk goals and objectives. Many IBM solutions address multiple core subcategories with integrated functions that are critical to ensuring cost-efficiency, simplifying manage- ment, and providing the scalability and flexibility necessary to avoid gaps in coverage as threats evolve and change.
For organizations just beginning to use the NIST framework, IBM Security solutions provide a manageable starting point.
For organizations with more mature security strategies and more complex and demanding protection needs, IBM Security solu- tions provide comprehensive controls and integrated actions to support strict risk profiles.
The tables on the following pages demonstrate how the entire
span of the IBM Security portfolio—including products and
services—can help organizations achieve the insight, understand-
ing and management capabilities necessary to identify vulnera-
bilities, protect assets, control access and manage cyber-security
risks.
Identify
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Asset Management ID.AM-1: Physical devices and systems within the organization are inventoried.
IBM Security QRadar® Vulnerability Manager, IBM Endpoint Manager, IBM Security Access Manager ID.AM-2: Software platforms and applications within
the organization are inventoried.
QRadar Vulnerability Manager, Endpoint Manager, Fiberlink,* IBM Security AppScan®
ID.AM-3: The organizational communication and data flow is mapped.
IBM Security QRadar SIEM, IBM Global Technology Services® – Information Security Framework ID.AM-4: External information systems are mapped
and cataloged.
IBM Security QRadar, Global Technology Services – Information Security Framework, IBM Global Business Services®, IBM OpenPages®, IBM i2® Intelligence Analysis Platform
ID.AM-5: Resources are prioritized based on the classifica- tion/criticality/business value of hardware, devices, data and software.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Vulnerability Manager, IBM Security AppScan, IBM Security Access Manager, OpenPages, Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development, Global Business Services
ID.AM-6: Workforce roles and responsibilities for business functions, including cyber security, are established.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting, Global Business Services Business Environment ID.BE-1: The organization’s role in the supply chain is
identified and communicated.
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services
ID.BE-2: The organization’s place in critical infrastructure and their industry ecosystem is identified and communicated.
Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity consulting, Global Business Services
ID.BE-3: Priorities for organizational mission, objectives and activities are established.
Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development, Global Business Services, OpenPages, IBM Cognos®
ID.BE-4: Dependencies and critical functions for delivery of critical services are established.
QRadar SIEM, IBM Security QRadar Risk Manager, Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development, Global Business Services
ID.BE-5: Resilience requirements to support delivery of critical services are established.
Global Technology Services – Security Risk Assessment, Global Business Services, QRadar SIEM,
QRadar Risk Manager
Identify
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Governance ID.GV-1: Organizational information security policy is established.
OpenPages, Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development, Global Business Services, QRadar SIEM, QRadar Risk Manager, IBM Security SiteProtector™ System
ID.GV-2: Information security roles and responsibility are coordinated and aligned.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager, OpenPages, Global Technology Services – Identity assessment and strategy, Global Business Services, i2 Intelligence Analysis Platform ID.GV-3: Legal and regulatory requirements regarding
cyber security, including privacy and civil liberties obligations, are understood and managed.
OpenPages, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting, Global Business Services, QRadar Risk Manager
ID.GV-4: Governance and risk management processes address cyber-security risks.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Risk Manager, OpenPages, Global Technology Services – Security Risk Assessment, Global Business Services
Protect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Access Control ID.RA-1: Asset vulnerabilities are identified and documented.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager ID.RA-2: Threat and vulnerability information is received
from information-sharing forums and sources.
Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting, Global Business Services ID.RA-3: Threats to organizational assets are identified
and documented.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting, IBM Information Security Assessment ID.RA-4: Potential impacts are analyzed. IBM Security Access Manager, IBM Tivoli® Federated
Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager for Enterprise Single Sign-On, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting
ID.RA-5: Risk responses are identified. QRadar Vulnerability Manager, SiteProtector System
Protect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Awareness and Training PR.AT-1: General users are informed and trained. Global Technology Services, Global Business Services PR.AT-2: Privileged users understand roles and
responsibilities.
Global Technology Services – Identity assessment and strategy, Global Business Services,
IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, OpenPages PR.AT-3: Third-party stakeholders (suppliers, customers,
partners) understand roles and responsibilities.
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, OpenPages
PR.AT-4: Senior executives understand roles and responsibilities.
Global Technology Services – Identity assessment and strategy, Global Business Services, OpenPages PR.AT-5: Physical and information security personnel
understand roles and responsibilities.
Global Technology Services – Identity assessment and strategy, Global Business Services, OpenPages, i2 Intelligence Analysis Platform
Data Security PR.DS-1: Data at rest is protected. IBM Tivoli Storage Manager, IBM InfoSphere® Optim™
PR.DS-2: Data in motion is secured. IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager PR.DS-3: Assets are formally managed throughout
removal, transfers and disposition.
QRadar SIEM, Tivoli Storage Manager, Global Technology Services – Data security strategy and assessment PR.DS-4: Adequate capacity to ensure availability is
maintained.
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services
PR.DS-5: There is protection against data leaks. QRadar SIEM, SiteProtector System,
IBM Power Systems™ GX adapters, IBM InfoSphere Guardium®, Global Technology Services – Endpoint &
network data loss prevention
PR.DS-6: Intellectual property is protected. QRadar SIEM, Tivoli Storage Manager,
IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager, InfoSphere Guardium, Global Technology Services – Endpoint and network data loss prevention
PR.DS-7: Unnecessary assets are eliminated. Tivoli, QRadar SIEM, Endpoint Manager PR.DS-8: Separate testing environments are used in
system development.
Global Technology Services – Data security strategy and assessment, Global Business Services
PR.DS-9: Privacy of individuals and personally identifiable information (PII) is protected.
InfoSphere Optim, InfoSphere Guardium, Power Systems GX adapters, QRadar SIEM, IBM Security Access Manager
Protect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Information Protection PR.IP-1: A baseline configuration of information technology/operational technology systems is created.
QRadar SIEM, Endpoint Manager
PR.IP-2: A system development lifecycle to manage systems is implemented.
Global Technology Services – Cybersecurity Assessment and Response, Global Business Services
PR.IP-3: Configuration change control processes are in place.
IBM Tivoli Configuration Manager, Endpoint Manager, QRadar SIEM
PR.IP-4: Backups of information are managed. Tivoli Storage Manager PR.IP-5: Policy and regulations regarding the physical
operating environment for organizational assets are met.
Global Business Services, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting
PR.IP-6: Information is destroyed according to policy and requirements.
Global Business Services, Global Technology Services, Tivoli Storage Manager
PR.IP-7: Protection processes are continuously improved. Global Business Services, Global Technology Services PR.IP-8: Information sharing occurs with
appropriate parties.
IBM X-Force® research and development team
PR.IP-9: Response plans (business continuity plan(s), disaster recovery plan(s), incident handling plan(s) are in place and managed.
Global Business Services, IBM IT Emergency Response Services
PR.IP-10: Response plans are exercised. Global Business Services, IBM IT Emergency Response Services
PR.IP-11: Cyber security is included in human resources practices (including de-provisioning, personnel screening and others).
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager
Protect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Maintenance PR.MA-1: Maintenance and repair of organizational assets is performed and logged in a timely manner, with approved and controlled tools.
QRadar SIEM
PR.MA-2: Remote maintenance of organizational assets is approved, logged and performed in a manner that prevents unauthorized access and supports availability requirements for important operational and information systems.
QRadar SIEM, IBM Security Identity Manager, Fiberlink*
Protective Technology PR.PT-1: Audit and log records are stored in accordance with audit policy.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Risk Manager, Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development PR.PT-2: Removable media are protected according to a
specified policy.
System Storage, Tivoli Storage Manager, Endpoint Manager
PR.PT-3: Access to systems and assets is appropriately controlled.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager, Global Business Services, Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development PR.PT-4: Communications networks are secured. SiteProtector System, Power Systems GX adapters PR.PT-5: Specialized systems are protected according
to the risk analysis (SCADA, ICS, DLS).
SiteProtector System, Power Systems GX adapters
Detect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Anomalies and Events DE.AE-1: A baseline of normal operations and procedures is identified and managed.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Vulnerability Manager, SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS,
Power Systems GX adapters, Global Technology Services – Industrial Controls Cybersecurity Consulting DE.AE-2: Detected events are analyzed to understand
attack targets and methods.
QRadar SIEM, SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS, Power Systems GX adapters
DE.AE-3: Cyber-security data is correlated from diverse information sources.
QRadar SIEM
DE.AE-4: Impact of potential cyber-security events is determined.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Risk Manager
DE.AE-05: Incident alert thresholds are created. QRadar SIEM, SiteProtector System Security Continuous
Monitoring
DE.CM-1: The network is monitored to detect potential cyber-security events.
SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS, Power Systems GX adapters, QRadar, Global Technology Services – IBM Managed Security Services DE.CM-2: The physical environment is monitored to
detect potential cyber-security events.
Global Technology Services, Global Technology Services – Managed Security Services
DE.CM-3: Personnel activity is monitored to detect potential cyber-security events.
IBM Security Access Manager, IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, QRadar SIEM, Global Technology Services – Managed Security Services
DE.CM-4: Malicious code is detected. IBM Security Network Protection XGS, Power Systems GX adapters, Endpoint Manager, Fiberlink,* QRadar SIEM, Global Technology Services – Managed Security Services DE.CM-5: Unauthorized mobile code is detected. Endpoint Manager, Fiberlink*
DE.CM-6: External service providers are monitored. SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS, Power Systems GX adapters, Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Global Technology Services – Managed Security Services
DE.CM-7: Unauthorized resources are monitored. QRadar SIEM, Endpoint Manager, Global Technology Services – Managed Security Services
DE.CM-8: Vulnerability assessments are performed. AppScan, QRadar Vulnerability Manager
Detect
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Detection Processes DE.DP-1: Roles and responsibilities for detection are well defined to ensure accountability.
IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, IBM Security Access Manager, QRadar SIEM, Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, OpenPages DE.DP-2: Detection activities comply with all applicable
requirements, including those related to privacy and civil liberties.
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services
DE.DP-3: Detection processes are exercised to ensure readiness.
QRadar SIEM, QRadar Vulnerability Manager
DE.DP-4: Event detection information is communicated to appropriate parties.
SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS, QRadar SIEM, OpenPages, AppScan
DE.DP-5: Detection processes are continuously improved.
Global Technology Services – Security policy planning and development, Global Business Services
Respond
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Response Planning RS.PL-1: Response plan is implemented during or after an event.
IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, Incident Response/ERS Communications RS.CO-1: Personnel know their roles and order of
operations when a response is needed.
IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services, IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager, SiteProtector System, IBM Security QRadar SIEM, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
RS.CO-2: Events are reported consistent with established criteria.
IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
RS.CO-3: Detection/response information, such as breach reporting requirements, is shared consistent with response plans, including those related to privacy and civil liberties.
IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
RS.CO-4: Coordination with stakeholders occurs consistent with response plans, including those related to privacy and civil liberties.
IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
RS.CO-5: Voluntary coordination occurs with external stakeholders (for example: business partners, information sharing and analysis centers or customers).
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
Respond
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Analysis RS.AN-1: Notifications from the detection system are investigated.
SiteProtector System, QRadar SIEM
RS.AN-2: Understand the impact of the incident. IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services, QRadar SIEM,
QRadar Risk Manager, QRadar Vulnerability Manager RS.AN-3: Forensics are performed. QRadar SIEM, eForensics
RS.AN-4: Incidents are classified consistent with response plans.
Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, SiteProtector System, QRadar SIEM, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS
Mitigation RS.MI-1: Incidents are contained. QRadar SIEM, SiteProtector System, IBM Security Network Protection XGS, Fiberlink,* eForensics
RS.MI-2: Incidents are eradicated. Endpoint Manager, eForensics
Improvements RS.IM-1: Response plans incorporate lessons learned. Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, IBM IT Emergency Response Services
RS.IM-2: Response strategies are updated. IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS, Cognos, OpenPages,
IBM Security Network Protection XGS
Recover
Category Subcategory IBM offerings
Recovery Planning RC.RP-1: Recovery plan is executed. IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, Tivoli Storage Manager, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS Improvements RC.IM-1: Plans are updated with lessons learned. IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, OpenPages,
Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS RC.IM-2: Recovery strategy is updated. IBM IT Emergency Response Services,
Global Business Services, Security Operations Personnel, Incident Response/ERS, OpenPages
Communications RC.CO-1: Public relations are managed. IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services
RC.CO-2: Reputation after an event is repaired. IBM IT Emergency Response Services, Global Business Services
Conclusion
Utilizing the guidance in the NIST framework and implement- ing comprehensive solutions that correspond to various aspects of the core subcategories of the framework gives an organization the ability to apply risk management principles to cyber-security. Most importantly, it sets the stage for continuous self-assessment, security adjustments and capabilities for closing gaps in protection that typically appear as threats and business needs change. A comprehensive portfolio of solutions can posi- tion an organization to move up to higher levels of maturity in risk and cyber-security management. The NIST framework is a process-focused approach to security that is centered on incident prevention and response. It lays the groundwork for a range of higher-level approaches with different areas of focus.
●●
Domain frameworks such as the IBM Security Framework that address how IT security teams organize and execute their daily operations
●●
Sectoral frameworks that address the security concerns of specific business sectors
●●
Organizational frameworks that address the unique require- ments of an individual organization and its infrastructure
●●
Smart Architecture frameworks that deliver an architectural design for strengthening operations and security
All of these frameworks provide the building blocks for assessing controls and managing risk. The higher maturity levels help avoid a focus on security issues that have already occurred, with a concentration instead on managing emerging issues. They help elevate the security conversation to involve higher-level executives—assuring a proper focus on business needs.
Ultimately, they make it possible for the entire organization—
not IT alone—to have a stake in cyber risk management in
order to help ensure ongoing security improvement, smooth
transitions to new security technologies and provide greater
protection for the enterprise.
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Produced in the United States of America August 2014
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Statement of Good Security Practices: IT system security involves protecting systems and information through prevention, detection and response to improper access from within and outside your enterprise. Improper access can result in information being altered, destroyed or misappropriated or can result in damage to or misuse of your systems, including to attack others.
No IT system or product should be considered completely secure and no single product or security measure can be completely effective in preventing improper access. IBM systems and products are designed to be part of a comprehensive security approach, which will necessarily involve additional operational procedures, and may require other systems, products or services to be most effective. IBM does not warrant that systems and products are immune from the malicious or illegal conduct of any party.
* Fiberlink Communications was acquired by IBM in December of 2013.
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, “Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity,” February 12, 2014.
http://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/upload/
cybersecurity-framework-021214-final.pdf
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