Leveraging NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Building a Cyber Security Strategy.

No Cyber Strategy? It's Costing Your Organisation Dearly – Here’s Why Starting with NIST CSF Can Help

In today’s interconnected world, operating without a cybersecurity strategy is more than just a gap – it’s a costly liability. Many organisations, particularly small to medium-sized businesses, are struggling with a fundamental question: how can they effectively mitigate cyber risk? Often, they feel overwhelmed, facing the daunting and complex landscape of cybersecurity without a clear starting point. Businesses are realising that unchecked cyber risks can disrupt operations, damage reputations, and cause significant financial strain. For those without a cybersecurity strategy – or with an ineffective one – assessment against the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) and implementation of relevant controls offer a practical, valuable way to manage these risks and protect critical business assets.

So what is a Cyber Security Strategy?

A Cyber Security Strategy sets your strategic direction, help guide you on setting up a framework and overarching structure on your security program.

The NIST CSF Pyramid provides a clear, structured approach to building a resilient cybersecurity program. It lays out the essential layers—from foundational practices to advanced defences—guiding organisations on where to start and how to mature their security capabilities over time Note that this is NOT the only way you can do this and other industry better practices can be used instead of ASD (for example, CIS controls, ISO27XXX and others) but the important part of your journey is the end state, which is the Zero Trust Framework, that should always be the end state for your security design.

The Real Cost of Not Having a Cyber Strategy

A lack of a structured cybersecurity approach often results in uncontrolled vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches, regulatory fines, and a loss of trust among customers and partners. These issues typically stem from four primary problems:

• Inability to Prioritise Security Initiatives – A Cyber Strategy is the building block to assist you with creating prioritised initiatives or projects, assist in prioritising these initiatives based on risks to the organisations and help you get the management buy-in to your Security Program
• Inability to Identify Key Cyber Risks – Without a structured framework for risk assessment, organisations lack visibility into critical vulnerabilities that could impact their operations.
• Misaligned Cyber Investments – Companies without a strategy often invest in fragmented solutions that fail to address their unique security needs, wasting valuable resources.
• Lack of Proper Governance Oversight – Without governance, cybersecurity efforts are often disorganised and uncoordinated, limiting their effectiveness.

Why Start with NIST CSF?

The NIST CSF provides a flexible, industry standard approach to build a foundational cybersecurity strategy. Originally developed for critical infrastructure providers, the NIST CSF has proven effective for organisations of all sizes and sectors. The latest version, NIST CSF 2.0, introduces enhancements that make it even more accessible to organisations from different sectors.

The NIST CSF is built around six core functions – Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover – each addressing a critical aspect of cybersecurity management. This straightforward structure offers organisations a comprehensive starting point for building resilience against cyber threats.

How NIST CSF Helps Address Business Problems

Adopting the NIST CSF can provide tangible benefits that address key business challenges:

1. Structured Risk Management – NIST CSF’s core functions guide organisations through essential cybersecurity practices, enabling effective risk assessment, control selection, and response planning.
2. Clear Justification for Cyber Investments – By linking cybersecurity efforts to business-critical assets, the framework makes it easier for leaders to see the value in cybersecurity investments.
3. Streamlined Compliance – NIST CSF aligns with many regulatory requirements, helping organisations meet compliance obligations, reduce fines, and build customer confidence.
4. Scalability for Future Needs – The framework is adaptable, allowing businesses to scale their cybersecurity efforts as they grow, and their needs evolve.
5. Improved Incident Response and Business Continuity – With structured guidance on response and recovery, NIST CSF enables organisations to handle incidents effectively, minimising downtime and financial losses.
6. Continuous Improvement – NIST CSF encourages ongoing assessment and evolution of cybersecurity practices, ensuring that businesses remain resilient against emerging threats.

Steps to Build Your Security Program

1. Commence with completing a maturity assessment against NIST CSF
2. Adopt NIST CSF as an overarching framework to help structure your security program. Consult with an external entity to complete your gap assessment against NIST CSF.
3. Set up (or get the assessor) to set up your future maturity  
4. Set up your roadmap/key projects to Deliver the gaps  

Summary and Next Steps: Securing Your Organisation with NIST CSF

For organisations without a cybersecurity strategy, assessment against the NIST CSF offers an ideal entry point for identifying key areas of weaknesses. It supports businesses in defining the strategy and paving the way for effective cybersecurity uplift program. Its practical, risk-based approach provides a structured path to improving security posture in alignment with business objectives. Implementing NIST CSF empowers organisations to proactively manage cyber threats and demonstrate a commitment to security, ultimately protecting their operations and reputation.

To explore how NIST CSF can transform your organisation’s cybersecurity approach, visit SpartansSec. Our team of experts is ready to help you implement a robust cybersecurity foundation, optimised for the unique needs of your business.

Secure your organisation, protect your assets, and stay resilient. Follow us on LinkedIn for ongoing insights into cybersecurity strategies that empower businesses.

Sanchit Kansara

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About the Author

Sanchit is a cybersecurity and privacy expert with over 18 years of experience helping organisations secure their digital environments. Holding certifications including CISSP, CISM, CISA, CIPM, CDPSE, CRISC, and ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor, Sanchit specialises in risk management, governance, compliance, and privacy. He has led cybersecurity initiatives across finance, healthcare, and government sectors, leveraging frameworks like NIST CSF and Essential Eight to build resilient security programs.

As a vCISO and strategic advisor, Sanchit has successfully aligned security strategies with business objectives, driving measurable improvements in cybersecurity posture. Passionate about fostering strong security cultures, he has developed training programs that empower teams to manage cyber risks effectively, ensuring organisations can confidently navigate the evolving threat landscape.