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As your organization grows, so does your risk. Whether you’re a newer company with hopes to scale or a more established business looking to expand into larger markets, you need the proper security and compliance frameworks to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. However, it can be difficult to decide which security framework is right for your organization and understand what it costs and how to get started. 

In this guide, we’ll compare two of the most widely used frameworks for managing cybersecurity risks: ISO 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Both are designed to help organizations protect sensitive information and improve their security posture, but they differ in their approach, scope, and implementation. 

Let’s examine the key similarities and differences between ISO 27001 and NIST to help you decide which framework is right for your organization.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It outlines a risk-based approach to protecting information assets and ensures that proper Annex A security controls are in place to mitigate potential security risks. ISO 27001 focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

Key Principles Of ISO 27001

The key principles of ISO 27001 revolve around continual improvement and risk management. Organizations must identify and assess risks to their information security, implement controls to mitigate those risks, and continually review and improve their information security measures. It’s a structured, systematic approach that ensures ongoing compliance and risk management.

Typical Costs and Time Commitment Of ISO 27001

It typically takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months to complete the ISO 27001 certification process. 

ISO 27001 certification costs also vary, depending on an organization's size, the scope of its ISMS, and the need for external consultants. On average, the total cost of certification ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. 

The ISO 27001 Certification Process

Achieving ISO 27001 certification requires a structured approach. It involves several key stages to ensure that your organization has properly implemented an effective ISMS. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

• Pre-assessment: Organizations often conduct a gap analysis to assess their current information security practices against ISO 27001 requirements. This helps identify potential areas of risk and/or existing non-compliance that need to be looked at before getting started.

• Implementation: Once gaps are identified, an organization is ready to develop and implement an ISMS based on the ISO 27001 framework. This includes setting up policies, procedures, and controls to address identified risks, as well as putting in mechanisms for monitoring and improving security measures going forward.

• Internal audit: The internal audit evaluates what happens within your organization to make sure all processes are being followed, risks are being managed, and controls are working effectively. This should be conducted by a third-party who has experience in security or auditing and was not part of setting up and documenting your ISMS.

• External audit: The next step involves an independent external audit conducted by a certification body. Auditors review the ISMS, assess compliance with ISO 27001, and verify that appropriate risk management and controls are in place.

• Certification: If the audit is successful, the organization is awarded ISO 27001 certification. However, certification is not a one-time event. To maintain certification, your organization must undergo periodic surveillance audits (typically annually) to demonstrate that the ISMS remains effective and is continually being improved upon. At the end of the third year period, a re-certification is required.

What is NIST CSF?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a risk management framework created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. It’s not a certification but rather a voluntary framework that organizations can adopt to improve their security practices.

NIST focuses on risk management and integrates cybersecurity activities into the broader organizational strategy.

Functions of NIST CSF

NIST CSF outlines five core functions. Each function helps your organization understand and address cybersecurity risks effectively:

• Identify: First, understand your organization's cybersecurity risk management context, including identifying assets, resources, and risks. This will help you assess what needs protection and define the cybersecurity priorities based on potential threats to business objectives.

• Protect: Once risks are identified, implement appropriate safeguards to ensure your organization’s critical assets are protected from potential threats. This includes implementing controls like encryption, access management, training, and awareness programs to limit or contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity incident.

• Detect: Here, you’ll set up continuous monitoring and detection systems to respond to events or incidents in real-time. These systems could include intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools to spot anomalies or breaches as soon as they occur.

• Respond: After an incident is detected, have an effective response plan in place to minimize damage. Focus on containing the impact, managing communication during the event, and taking action as quickly as possible to mitigate the impact of the event.

• Recover: Once an incident is resolved, prioritize restoring systems and operations back to normal. This includes disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and lessons learned from the event. 

Each of these functions is critical in building a resilient cybersecurity strategy. The NIST CSF emphasizes the ongoing, iterative nature of these activities, helping organizations continuously improve their cybersecurity posture over time.

How NIST CSF is Implemented

There are four common implementation tiers that can be used to describe the level of cybersecurity achieved. Each tier outlines specific practices and outcomes, guiding your business to align security efforts with your goals and risk tolerance.

Tier 1: Partial

At this level, organizations take an ad hoc or reactive approach to cybersecurity. Risk management processes are more informal, and security risks aren’t well-known. Cybersecurity efforts are often driven by immediate threats rather than long-term planning.

Tier 2: Risk-informed 

Organizations at this tier have developed some risk management processes, but they aren’t consistently implemented across all business units. There is a basic understanding of cybersecurity risks—and some governance structures may be in place—but integration into overall business strategy is limited.

Tier 3: Repeatable 

In the repeatable tier, risk management processes are formally established and followed consistently. Organizations use defined policies, procedures, and technologies to manage cybersecurity risks. Employees are aware of their roles in managing security, and regular assessments help maintain a proactive security posture.

Tier 4: Adaptive 

Cybersecurity practices are fully integrated into the organization’s culture and regularly improved based on changing threats and emerging technologies. Advanced risk management strategies are employed and supported by automated systems and real-time analysis, enabling the organization to respond quickly and effectively to evolving security challenges.

ISO 27001 vs. NIST CSF: Similarities

While ISO 27001 and NIST CSF have some distinct differences, they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, many organizations choose to implement both frameworks to leverage the strengths of each. 

Still, they share a few similarities:

Risk-Based Approach

Both ISO 27001 and NIST CSF emphasize a risk-based approach. They require organizations to assess potential risks to information and prioritize security efforts based on the identified threats.

Focus On Improving Cybersecurity Posture

Both frameworks aim to enhance an organization’s cybersecurity posture by setting controls and processes to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data.

They Can Work Together

For some organizations, it can be beneficial to implement both frameworks. Having ISO 27001 and NIST CSF in place can be seen as an added layer of security for your clients and vendors. Plus, you don’t have to repeat the entire process from scratch, as many of the required steps overlap between frameworks.

ISO 27001 vs. NIST CSF: Key Differences

At the most basic level, ISO 27001 is a formal certification standard, whereas NIST CSF is a voluntary framework that offers more flexibility for different industries. 

Here are some more core differences between the two frameworks: 

Approach and Scope

ISO 27001 is a formal certification process that requires organizations to meet specific milestones to achieve certification. ISO 27001 is also recognized globally, making it ideal for organizations with an international presence. 

NIST CSF, on the other hand, is a more flexible, voluntary framework that guides cybersecurity practices without requiring certification. This framework is primarily used by organizations based in the United States but can be adopted globally as a best practice.

Level of Prescriptiveness

ISO 27001 is more prescriptive and structured, offering specific controls and processes for organizations to implement. NIST CSF offers more flexibility, with high-level guidelines that can be customized to fit your organization’s unique needs.

Applicability Across Industries

ISO 27001 applies to all industries, especially those handling sensitive information like finance, healthcare, and government. 

NIST CSF, while widely applicable, is particularly tailored to the needs of critical infrastructure sectors and U.S. government agencies that need a more flexible approach to cybersecurity.

How to Choose Between ISO 27001 and NIST CSF

When deciding between ISO 27001 and NIST, there are several important factors to consider based on your organization’s needs, goals, and regulatory environment.

Organizational Goals 

Is your company looking to expand into international markets? ISO 27001 may be the ideal certification for you. ISO 27001 is the international standard that will demonstrate your organization’s emphasis on preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information for your global customers. 

NIST CSF, on the other hand, is more flexible and is suitable for organizations that want to create a comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity framework without the need for formal certification. Additionally, if your organization is planning to utilize AI, the NIST AI RMF may be what you’re looking for. If your organization may pursue FedRAMP or the NIST 800-53 framework in the future, NIST CSF is a good starting point for that roadmap.

Regulatory Requirements 

If your organization is subject to specific regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, consider ISO 27001. Many regulations reference ISO standards as a compliance benchmark because ISO 27001 certification helps demonstrate due diligence in securing information. 

NIST CSF is particularly relevant for U.S.-based organizations in critical infrastructure sectors and those involved in government contracts. If your company works in sectors like defense, healthcare, or energy, NIST is often required or strongly recommended.

Geographic Location

ISO 27001 is widely recognized around the world, making it a solid choice for organizations that have international operations or serve customers across different regions. Achieving ISO certification can enhance credibility and trust in global markets. 

NIST CSF, while still applicable globally, is primarily used in the United States. For U.S.-based organizations, NIST CSF is a more familiar framework that’s easily adaptable to fit the needs of unique situations.

Company Size and Complexity

ISO 27001 is more structured and may require more resources to implement, making it a better fit for larger organizations or those that need formal, documented processes. It requires commitment across the organization to maintain compliance. 

NIST CSF can be easily tailored for organizations of all sizes. Smaller organizations or those with limited cybersecurity resources might find NIST CSF easier to implement as it offers a more adaptable, scalable approach to security.

Resources and Expertise

ISO 27001 usually calls for external expertise, especially if your organization lacks in-house experience with ISMS. External consultants (like Drata) can help navigate the complexities of implementation and audit preparation. 

NIST CSF is more flexible, and smaller organizations may be able to implement it internally with the right resources. It doesn’t require the same level of formal documentation as ISO 27001, so it’s more approachable for those with fewer resources. However, it’s still beneficial to bring in an outside consultant to help with defining the requirements. Having an outside consultant to help educate on industry best practices, and practices to mature your organization's security posture, will help save time and often money.

When to Implement Both Frameworks Together

For organizations with extensive cybersecurity needs or those in highly regulated industries, implementing both frameworks simultaneously can provide a comprehensive approach. 

ISO 27001 offers structure and formal certification, while NIST CSF enhances the risk management process, offering flexibility and adaptability. With both frameworks in effect, you can rest assured that no matter what type of incident might come your way, you’ll have the formal compliance and the robust cybersecurity strategy needed to handle it quickly and efficiently. 

Ready to Get Started?

Are you ready to implement your cybersecurity framework? We’d love to help. Drata automates your entire compliance journey, providing the right tools, frameworks, and support from the experts who built it. 

ISO 27001 vs NIST CSF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions about ISO 27001 and NIST? Below we answer some of the most common queries about these frameworks.

What Are The Main Differences Between ISO 27001 and NIST CSF?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized security standard focused on establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It is a formal certification that emphasizes security compliance through documented procedures, regular audits, and adherence to security best practices.

NIST CSF, on the other hand, is a voluntary framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is primarily focused on managing cybersecurity risks through a flexible and practical approach tailored to an organization's unique needs. While ISO 27001 is highly prescriptive, requiring specific documentation and processes to align with its clauses, NIST CSF serves as a customizable guide that helps organizations identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats.

What are the Costs Associated With ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO 27001 certification involves costs related to implementation, preparation, and the audit process. Organizations need to budget for internal resources, external consulting, and the fees charged by certification bodies. 

Additionally, there are costs for recertification audits, which are required periodically to ensure continued compliance.

Can You be ISO 27001 Certified While Using NIST CSF?

Yes, an organization can use NIST CSF as part of its implementation process for ISO 27001, as the frameworks can work together to improve cybersecurity posture.

Is NIST CSF Only for U.S. Companies?

No, NIST CSF is not limited to U.S.-based organizations. While it was developed to protect the critical infrastructure of U.S. industries, its flexible and risk-based approach to security compliance has made it a global favorite. Companies around the world, especially those handling data security in sectors like healthcare, finance, and energy, have adopted NIST CSF to improve their security best practices.

International organizations also use NIST CSF when working with U.S. government agencies or when dealing with regulations that prioritize robust cybersecurity controls. Its emphasis on key areas such as incident response, data protection, and business needs makes it applicable worldwide.