What Is NIST Cybersecurity?
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes free frameworks and guidance that federal agencies and organizations of every size use to manage cybersecurity. Key publications include:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): outcomes for governing, identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to and recovering from cybersecurity risk
- NIST SP 800-12: an introduction to information security principles
- NIST SP 800-53: a catalog of security and privacy controls
- NIST SP 800-37: the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for assessing, managing and monitoring risk
- NIST SP 800-171: requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information, a category of sensitive U.S. government information, when companies and other organizations outside the federal government hold it
Why Is NIST Cybersecurity Important?
NIST guidance gives organizations a structured, widely recognized way to manage cybersecurity risk, from assessing and protecting to detecting, responding and recovering. Organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information for U.S. federal agencies, including defense contractors, are expected to meet NIST SP 800-171. The Cybersecurity Framework is used by organizations of every size and sector.
Benefits of PECB NIST Cybersecurity Certification
Each course leads to its own PECB credential, and each credential shows a different level of skill:
- NIST Cybersecurity Foundation: you can explain core cybersecurity concepts and the main NIST publications, and help improve security practices in line with NIST guidance
- NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer: you can design, implement and maintain a cybersecurity program based on NIST guidance, assess and respond to cyber threats, and help an organization continually improve its program
How Do I Get Started?
Start with NIST Cybersecurity Foundation if you are new to NIST guidance. Choose NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer to build and lead a cybersecurity program based on NIST publications.
View Available Training CoursesWho Should Attend?
- Cybersecurity graduates and career changers pursuing GRC roles.
- IT and security professionals learning NIST guidance.
- Teams and consultants building or improving cybersecurity programs.
- Managers, risk professionals and auditors assessing security controls.
Available Training Courses
NIST Cybersecurity Foundation
The PECB NIST Cybersecurity Foundation training course provides a foundation in cybersecurity principles and the NIST guidance organizations use, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171. It prepares you to support an organization's cybersecurity program, whether you are starting in cybersecurity or work in IT.
View CourseNIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer
The PECB NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer training course enables you to implement a cybersecurity program based on NIST publications, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171. You build the skills to manage cybersecurity risk and strengthen an organization's security, as a program lead or an advisor.
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