NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
Overview
The NIST Risk Management Framework provides a structured process for integrating security, privacy, and cyber supply chain risk management into the system development lifecycle.
RMF Steps
The RMF consists of seven steps:
| Step | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Prepare | Establish context and priorities |
| 1 | Categorize | Determine system impact level |
| 2 | Select | Choose appropriate controls |
| 3 | Implement | Put controls in place |
| 4 | Assess | Evaluate control effectiveness |
| 5 | Authorize | Accept risk and authorize operation |
| 6 | Monitor | Ongoing assessment and updates |
Step Details
Step 0: Prepare
Preparation activities at organization and system levels:
Organization Level:
- Define risk management roles
- Establish risk management strategy
- Conduct organization-wide risk assessment
- Develop common controls
System Level:
- Identify stakeholders
- Identify assets
- Conduct system risk assessment
- Define security requirements
Step 1: Categorize
Determine the security impact level using FIPS 199:
| Impact Level | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Limited adverse effect | Limited adverse effect | Limited adverse effect |
| Moderate | Serious adverse effect | Serious adverse effect | Serious adverse effect |
| High | Severe/catastrophic effect | Severe/catastrophic effect | Severe/catastrophic effect |
Step 2: Select
Choose security controls from NIST SP 800-53:
- Baseline Controls - Starting point based on impact level
- Tailoring - Adjust controls for specific needs
- Overlays - Additional controls for specific environments
Step 3: Implement
Put controls into operation:
- Deploy technical controls
- Establish operational procedures
- Document implementation details
- Configure systems securely
Step 4: Assess
Evaluate control effectiveness:
- Develop assessment plan
- Execute assessment procedures
- Document findings
- Recommend remediation
Step 5: Authorize
Risk-based decision to operate:
- Review assessment results
- Determine residual risk
- Accept or reject risk
- Issue Authorization to Operate (ATO)
Step 6: Monitor
Continuous monitoring activities:
- Track control changes
- Assess control effectiveness
- Report security status
- Update authorization as needed
Key Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| System Security Plan (SSP) | Describes system and controls |
| Security Assessment Report (SAR) | Documents assessment findings |
| Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) | Tracks remediation activities |
| Authorization Package | Complete documentation for ATO |
NIST SP 800-53 Control Families
| ID | Family |
|---|---|
| AC | Access Control |
| AT | Awareness and Training |
| AU | Audit and Accountability |
| CA | Assessment, Authorization, and Monitoring |
| CM | Configuration Management |
| CP | Contingency Planning |
| IA | Identification and Authentication |
| IR | Incident Response |
| MA | Maintenance |
| MP | Media Protection |
| PE | Physical and Environmental Protection |
| PL | Planning |
| PM | Program Management |
| PS | Personnel Security |
| PT | PII Processing and Transparency |
| RA | Risk Assessment |
| SA | System and Services Acquisition |
| SC | System and Communications Protection |
| SI | System and Information Integrity |
| SR | Supply Chain Risk Management |
Best Practices
- Start with preparation - Don't skip Step 0
- Involve stakeholders - Security is everyone's responsibility
- Document thoroughly - Maintain comprehensive records
- Automate monitoring - Use tools for continuous assessment
- Iterate regularly - RMF is continuous, not one-time