NIST CSF DE.CM-6: Monitor External Service Providers for Cyber Events

Introduction

As cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated, organizations must prioritize the security of their external service providers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a comprehensive guide for organizations to manage and mitigate cyber risks. DE.CM-6 is a specific control in the framework that focuses on monitoring external service providers for cyber events by implementing DE.CM-6 organizations can ensure that their service providers meet the security requirements and effectively mitigate cyber risks.

The Components of NIST CSF DE.CM-6: Monitor External Service Providers for Cyber Events in English

• Establish Monitoring Mechanisms: This component involves implementing a system to monitor the activities and events of external service providers linked to the organization's network or responsible for critical services. The monitoring mechanisms can include security monitoring tools, log analysis, and other techniques to keep track of the service providers.

• Define Monitoring Requirements: Organizations need to define the specific requirements for monitoring the external service providers. This includes defining the types of events and activities that need to be monitored, the level of detail required, and the frequency of monitoring. These requirements should be aligned with the organization's cybersecurity objectives.

• Implement Monitoring Controls: This component focuses on implementing the necessary controls to monitor the external service providers effectively. It includes deploying security monitoring tools, configuring logging mechanisms, and establishing communication channels with the service providers to receive timely information about cyber events.

• Analyze Monitoring Data: Once the monitoring controls are in place, organizations must analyze the collected monitoring data to identify potential cyber events or anomalies. This involves reviewing logs, analyzing network traffic, and examining other relevant data sources to detect any suspicious activities or signs of compromise.

• Respond to Identified Cyber Events: In case any cyber events or incidents are detected through monitoring, organizations need a response plan. This involves taking appropriate actions to mitigate the event's impact, such as notifying the external service provider, implementing additional security measures, or escalating the incident to the appropriate authorities.

• Review and Improve Monitoring Efforts: The final component focuses on continuously improving the monitoring activities. Organizations need to conduct regular reviews and assessments of their monitoring efforts to identify areas for improvement, update monitoring requirements as needed, and enhance the effectiveness of the monitoring controls.

Importance of NIST CSF DE.CM-6: Monitor External Service Providers for Cyber Events

• Enhanced Visibility: Organizations often rely on external service providers for critical functions such as cloud services, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, or managed service providers. Monitoring these external environments increases visibility into potential cyber threats or incidents that may impact the organization's data, systems, or operations.

• Risk Mitigation: Organizations can proactively identify and address potential cyber threats or vulnerabilities by monitoring external service providers. This helps to reduce the risk of security incidents and minimize the impact of any potential breach or compromise.

• Third-Party Management: Organizations often engage multiple external service providers and DE.CM-6 helps in managing these partnerships effectively. Monitoring external environments ensures that service providers' security protocols and practices align with the organization's cybersecurity requirements and compliance standards.

• Timely Incident Response: DE.CM-6 enables prompt detection and response to cyber events occurring in external environments. This early detection allows organizations to respond quickly to incidents, contain the damage, and initiate appropriate incident response and recovery measures.

• Compliance with Regulations: Many industries and sectors have regulatory requirements that mandate organizations to monitor external environments for cyber events. Adhering to DE.CM-6 helps organizations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to cybersecurity and privacy.

• Continuous Improvement: Monitoring external service providers allows organizations to identify potential weaknesses or gaps in their security posture. Organizations can learn from cyber events in these environments and implement necessary improvements to their cybersecurity practices and procedures by analyzing cyber events in these environments.

Steps of NIST CSF DE.CM-6: Monitor External Service Providers for Cyber Events

• Identify and Categorize External Service Providers: Identify all that have access to or provide services to your organization's network or systems. Categorize them based on their access level and the criticality of the services they provide.

• Establish Monitoring Requirements: Define the monitoring requirements for each category of external service providers. This may include monitoring specific types of cyber events, such as system breaches, unauthorized access attempts, or suspicious network traffic. Consider the level of detail needed and the frequency of monitoring.

• Implement Monitoring Controls: Deploy monitoring controls for external service providers based on the defined requirements. This may include deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS), endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, or network traffic analysis (NTA) solutions. Ensure these controls provide the necessary visibility into the activities of the external service providers.

• Establish Information: sharing mechanisms to receive information from external service providers regarding any cyber events or incidents they may experience. This may involve setting up secure communication channels or utilizing existing incident reporting mechanisms.

• Regularly Review Monitoring Results: Continuously review and analyze the monitoring results from external service providers. This involves evaluating alerts generated by monitoring systems or information the providers share. Take appropriate actions based on the severity and nature of the events, which may include further investigation, response, or escalation.

• Maintain Incident Response Capabilities: Ensure your organization maintains incident response capabilities to handle any cyber events reported by external service providers. This may involve having a well-defined incident response plan, trained incident response team members, and appropriate communication channels with the providers to coordinate response activities.

• Update Monitoring Requirements: Regularly reassess and update the monitoring requirements for external service providers based on changes in the threat landscape, technology, or the organization's risk appetite. Stay informed about emerging threats impacting the service providers and incorporate relevant monitoring measures.

• Conduct Periodic Assessments: Periodically assess the effectiveness of monitoring external service providers for cyber events. This can involve conducting independent audits, penetration testing, or simulation exercises to evaluate the readiness of the monitoring controls and incident response capabilities.

Conclusion

Monitoring external service providers for cyber events is crucial to maintaining cybersecurity. Implementing DE.CM-6 from the NIST CSF framework can help organizations effectively oversee their external service providers and promptly identify and address potential cyber risks. By following this recommended practice, organizations can enhance their security posture and protect sensitive data from threats.