Which NIST Cybersecurity Framework core function is concerned with the development and implementation of safeguards that ensure the delivery of critical infrastructure services?

Sure, each of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s core functions has a specific role in the overall framework designed to help organizations manage and mitigate cybersecurity risk. Here are explanations for each of the options:

1. Identify: This function is about developing an organizational understanding to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities. It involves understanding the business context, the resources that support critical functions, and the related cybersecurity risks, enabling an organization to focus and prioritize its efforts, consistent with its risk management strategy and business needs.
2. Protect: This function outlines appropriate safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical infrastructure services. The Protect function supports the ability to limit or contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity event. It includes user access control, data security measures, protective technology, maintenance of security policies, and training to inform users of their role in maintaining security.
3. Detect: The Detect function defines the appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event. This function enables timely discovery of cybersecurity events. Detection processes help to identify the occurrence of an event promptly, thereby facilitating a swift response to mitigate the impact of an incident. This includes continuous monitoring and detection processes.
4. Respond: This function includes appropriate activities to take action regarding a detected cybersecurity incident. The Respond function supports the ability to contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity incident. This includes response planning, communications, and analysis, as well as mitigation and improvements to prevent future incidents.
5. Recover: This function identifies appropriate activities to maintain plans for resilience and to restore any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cybersecurity incident. The Recover function supports timely recovery to normal operations to reduce the impact from a cybersecurity incident. This includes recovery planning, improvements, and communications.

Each function plays a critical role in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, from understanding and managing potential risks, to actively safeguarding against threats, detecting and responding to incidents, and recovering normal operations.