NIST Taps Electrosoft to Supercharge Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and Risk Management Initiatives

In a significant move to strengthen the nation's digital defenses, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has officially partnered with Electrosoft, a leading provider of cybersecurity and technology solutions. This collaboration, sealed with a substantial five-year, $9.7 million contract, marks a pivotal step in advancing NIST's groundbreaking Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 and developing critical risk management resources for organizations across all sectors.

Electrosoft's mission under this new contract is expansive and vital.

They will be working hand-in-hand with NIST's National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) and its Applied Cybersecurity Division. Their responsibilities include a wide array of tasks designed to enhance the robustness and accessibility of cybersecurity guidance. This involves the meticulous development of new technical security publications, including updates to the highly respected NIST SP 800-series and NISTIRs, which serve as foundational documents for cybersecurity best practices.

A key focus of this initiative is the evolution of CSF 2.0.

This framework, initially released for public comment in August 2023, represents a major leap forward from its predecessor, CSF 1.1. CSF 2.0 introduces a crucial 'Govern' function, underscoring the necessity of integrated governance within an organization's overall risk management strategy. Electrosoft will be instrumental in creating fresh CSF 2.0 resources, updating existing risk management guidance, and crafting practical use cases that demonstrate how organizations can effectively implement the framework's principles.

Furthermore, they will facilitate essential stakeholder engagement, ensuring the framework remains relevant and responsive to the evolving cyber landscape.

Dr. Sarbari Gupta, CEO of Electrosoft, expressed immense pride in this renewed partnership: "We are incredibly honored to continue our long-standing relationship with NIST and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of national cybersecurity.

Our team’s deep expertise and unwavering commitment will be invaluable as we work to advance CSF 2.0 and provide organizations with the tools they need to navigate increasingly complex cyber threats. This contract underscores our dedication to enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure and data."

Jon Johnson, Electrosoft’s Vice President of Solutions Delivery, further highlighted the practical impact of the work.

"Our collaboration with NIST will not only refine the conceptual framework but also translate it into actionable strategies. By developing comprehensive publications and fostering active community engagement, we aim to empower organizations of all sizes to implement robust cybersecurity measures efficiently and effectively, safeguarding their operations and sensitive information."

Electrosoft brings over 25 years of specialized experience to this endeavor, boasting a proven track record of delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions to federal agencies.

Their comprehensive expertise, particularly in areas like identity management, cybersecurity compliance, and secure software development, makes them an ideal partner for NIST’s ambitious goals. This contract solidifies their role as a trusted advisor and implementer in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

This strategic alliance between NIST and Electrosoft is poised to significantly impact the nation's cybersecurity posture, providing clearer, more comprehensive guidance and resources that will help organizations of all types build stronger defenses against an ever-evolving threat landscape.

It's a proactive step towards a more secure digital future for everyone.