The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is designed to follow a logical progression that mirrors how organizations should approach cybersecurity, starting with understanding what needs to be protected and ending with how to bounce back from incidents. Think of it like building a house - you need to know what you're building before you can protect it, and you need protection systems in place before you can detect threats.
→ Identify comes first because organizations need to understand their systems, assets, data, and capabilities before they can protect them. This includes mapping out business processes, identifying critical assets, and understanding risks. It's like taking inventory of your valuable possessions before installing a security system.
→ Protect follows naturally because once you know what you need to secure, you can implement appropriate safeguards. This includes access control, awareness training, and data security measures - similar to installing locks, security cameras, and training family members on home security.
→ Detect comes third because detection mechanisms work in conjunction with protective measures. You need to have basic protections in place before focusing on detecting breaches of those protections. This is like having an alarm system that monitors the doors and windows you've already secured.
→ Respond is fourth because you can only respond effectively to incidents that you've detected. This function outlines how to act when threats are identified, much like having an emergency plan for when your home alarm goes off.
→ Recover is last because it focuses on returning to normal operations after an incident has been responded to and contained. This is similar to repairs and restoration after a security breach.