Quick answer: NIST CSF (Cybersecurity Framework) is the world's most widely used framework, developed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, for structuring an organization's cybersecurity end to end. CSF 2.0, published in 2024, divides security into six core functions: Govern is the new central function covering risk management and governance; Identify determines assets and risks; Protect applies safeguards; Detect monitors for events; Respond handles incidents; Recover returns to normal. CSF is independent of sector and size; a small business and a large enterprise apply the same framework at their own scale. Its strength is placing scattered security efforts onto a common language and a measurable maturity roadmap.

In most organizations cybersecurity proceeds scattered: an antivirus, a firewall, some training, each separate. But security is a holistic system; without the pieces fitting into a framework there is no real protection. NIST CSF provides exactly this framework: where you are, where you should go, in what order. This guide explains CSF 2.0 with world class clarity.

The six functions of NIST CSF 2.0

NIST CSF 2.0 · SIX FUNCTIONS GOVERN the core IDENTIFYassets and risk PROTECTsafeguards DETECTmonitoring RECOVERrestore RESPONDincident response The Govern function is the core; the other five run on governance and risk decisions.

CSF 2.0's most important change is adding the Govern function at the center: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical topic but a governance and risk decision. The other five functions revolve around this center.

The six functions and what they do

Function What it does Example
Govern Risk strategy, roles, policy Security governance, compliance
Identify Asset and risk inventory What we protect, what the threats are
Protect Apply safeguards Access control, encryption, training
Detect Monitor for events SIEM, EDR, threat hunting
Respond Incident response Playbook, containment
Recover Return to normal Restore from backup, lessons learned

How to apply CSF

  1. Assess the current state (as-is). Where are you in each function? Take an honest maturity snapshot.
  2. Define the target state (to-be). The maturity you want to reach per your risk appetite and sector.
  3. Derive the gap. The difference between as-is and to-be is your roadmap.
  4. Prioritize. Start at the intersection of highest risk and lowest maturity.
  5. Implement and measure. Improve gradually; re measure maturity each round.
  6. Tie it to governance. With the Govern function, make security a board level risk topic.

CSF, together with ISO 27001, compliance and an incident response playbook, structures an organization's security maturity end to end.

Frequently asked questions

Is CSF only for US organizations? No. It is used worldwide, in every sector and size. Organizations also adopt CSF as a framework alongside local compliance and ISO 27001.

What is the difference between CSF and ISO 27001? CSF is a flexible risk framework (where to go); ISO 27001 is a certifiable management system standard (how to document). They do not conflict; they complement each other.

What changed in CSF 2.0? The biggest change is adding the Govern function; it foregrounds security as a governance and risk decision. It was also made more accessible to organizations of every size.

Can a small business apply CSF? Yes. CSF scales; a small business starts with a light maturity target and takes basic steps in each of the six functions.

Sources

To assess your organization's cybersecurity maturity with NIST CSF and build a roadmap, contact DSET. From our Ankara Hacettepe Teknokent laboratory we provide cybersecurity consulting and auditing.