Cybersecurity frameworks can feel like alphabet soup—CMMC, ISO, CIS—but one acronym stands out for its clarity, credibility, and cross-industry reach: NIST.

NIST—the National Institute of Standards and Technology—is one of the most trusted sources of cybersecurity guidance in the world. Its frameworks aren’t just for government agencies—they’re used by contractors, cloud vendors, manufacturers, and small businesses alike to manage risk, meet regulatory expectations, and build smarter, more resilient security programs.

In this post, we’ll unpack what NIST is, why it matters, and how its core publications apply to a wide range of organizations.

What is NIST?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a U.S. government agency that creates helpful guidelines for everything from measuring time to calibrating scientific equipment to securing digital infrastructure. In the cybersecurity world, NIST stands out for its depth, practicality, and influence—its frameworks have shaped everything from federal policy to private-sector best practices.

Instead of writing rules for just one type of organization, NIST creates frameworks that any business can use—whether you’re a federal agency, a hospital, a small tech company, or anything in between. These frameworks offer a structured way to think about cybersecurity, helping you organize your efforts, track progress, and stay aligned with industry standards. Key NIST documents can help your business stay protected, grow with confidence, and meet rising expectations from customers, partners, and regulators.

Why the NIST Cybersecurity Framework matters for your business

NIST’s cybersecurity frameworks don’t just help you check compliance boxes. They give you a practical foundation for protecting your systems, improving operations, and earning trust.

For example, a healthcare startup might adopt the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to reassure hospital partners that sensitive data is being handled securely—even without a formal requirement. That voluntary move can streamline vendor onboarding, reduce friction in contract negotiations, and open the door to larger opportunities.

Or consider a growing SaaS company preparing for enterprise sales. By aligning with NIST early, they can anticipate the security standards embedded in questionnaires and audits, making it easier to close deals and pursue certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001 down the road. A financial services firm might use NIST as a foundation to build internal policies, reduce risk exposure, and demonstrate maturity to regulators and clients alike.

These examples highlight what makes the NIST Cybersecurity Framework so useful. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating clarity, building credibility, and reducing friction as your business grows. Here are a few reasons NIST has become a go-to starting point for organizations across industries:

Key reasons businesses use NIST

• Better risk awareness: NIST helps organizations figure out what they’re protecting, what’s at stake, and where they might be exposed to threats like ransomware, phishing, or accidental data leaks.
• Stronger compliance alignment: Many major security regulations—like FISMA (for federal agencies) and FedRAMP (for cloud vendors)—are built on top of NIST principles. Using NIST makes it easier to align with current and future compliance needs.
• Fits businesses of any size: Whether you’re a 5-person startup or a large federal contractor, NIST guidance is designed to scale. You can start small and grow into it over time.
• Clear progress markers: NIST gives you a way to measure your security maturity, identify gaps, and plan next steps. It's not just about meeting a standard—it's about building a smarter, more resilient business.

That’s why NIST shows up in so many security conversations—it’s flexible enough for small teams, rigorous enough for federal contracts, and trusted across industries.

Key NIST publications to know

You’ll often hear “NIST” mentioned in cybersecurity conversations, but it’s not just one document. There are four core NIST resources that many security and compliance programs rely on. Each one plays a different role in helping organizations protect their data, manage risk, and meet requirements:

1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

• First released in 2014 and updated to Version 2.0 in 2024
• Built around six core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, and Govern (that last function was added in the 2024 update)
• The new Govern function emphasizes leadership, accountability, and strategic oversight of cybersecurity
• Version 2.0 also expands guidance on supply chain risk—critical for organizations using third-party vendors and cloud services
• Designed to be flexible and scalable for any organization size or industry
• Common starting point for SMBs building a formal security program or preparing for larger clients and compliance needs

2. NIST SP 800-53

• A large catalog of security and privacy “controls” (essentially, practices and settings that protect systems and data)
• Forms the foundation of other government frameworks like FedRAMP (for cloud providers) and FISMA (for federal cybersecurity compliance)
• Required for most federal agencies and their contractors

3. NIST SP 800-171

• Focuses on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—sensitive data that isn’t classified, but still needs to be protected (think engineering plans or financial details)
• Serves as the baseline for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity certification program
• Required for many companies that do business with the Department of Defense or other federal agencies

If your business handles government data—even indirectly—this one probably applies to you.

4. NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)

• Offers a step-by-step approach to identifying and managing cyber risks across the entire lifecycle of a system
• Helps organizations build security into their systems from the start rather than tacking it on later
• Common in federal IT projects, but also useful for any business building complex systems

This is especially relevant if you’re designing systems from scratch and want security built in from the beginning.

Not every business needs to implement every NIST publication. Many SMBs start with the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and then layer on others—like SP 800-171 or 800-53—if they begin working with federal data or contractors.

Who should follow NIST guidelines?

NIST guidelines aren’t just for government agencies. Their flexibility, credibility, and widespread adoption make them a smart choice for many types of organizations—large and small, public and private, U.S.-based or international. In short, if your organization handles sensitive data, NIST likely has something to offer:

Federal agencies

NIST was originally created to support federal government systems, so it’s no surprise that agencies are required by law to follow NIST standards—especially SP 800-53 (for security practices and settings) and the Risk Management Framework (RMF).

Example: A civilian agency like the Department of Education must use NIST guidance to secure its systems and meet federal compliance requirements.

Government contractors and subcontractors

Companies that want to work with the federal government—and especially with the Department of Defense—often need to comply with NIST SP 800-171 or 800-53 in order to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or bid on certain contracts.

Example: A small engineering firm doing subcontractor work on a defense project would need to follow NIST 800-171 to protect sensitive project data.

Private sector organizations

Many businesses voluntarily adopt NIST frameworks to strengthen their security practices, earn customer trust, or meet the expectations of larger enterprise clients. Using NIST can also help prepare for other certifications or audits down the road.

Example: A fintech company expanding into regulated markets might adopt NIST SP 800-53 to formalize its security controls and get ahead of future compliance requirements.

International businesses

NIST is often seen as a gold standard, even outside of the U.S. Companies that work with U.S. partners, handle cross-border data, or sell into the American market frequently align with NIST to show they meet high cybersecurity standards.

Example: A European software vendor partnering with U.S. healthcare providers might map its security program to NIST CSF to meet contractual expectations.

What if you’re not required to use NIST?

You don’t need to be working with the government to get value from NIST. Many SMBs use it to build better habits, earn customer trust, and prepare for future compliance. Even if it’s not required today, it can help you stay ahead of what’s coming tomorrow.

How NIST connects with other frameworks

If you’ve ever come across frameworks like CMMC, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001, you’ve probably already encountered pieces of NIST whether you realized it or not. That’s because NIST often serves as the foundation other cybersecurity standards are built on.

Here’s how some of the most common frameworks relate back to NIST:

• CMMC maps directly to NIST SP 800-171 and is required for many Department of Defense contracts
• CIS Controls, a popular set of best practices, align closely with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• FedRAMP, the federal government’s cloud security program, is built on top of NIST SP 800-53
• ISO 27001, an international information security standard, shares many of the same principles found in NIST’s approach to risk and controls

Example: A managed IT provider that serves clients in healthcare, education, and defense might adopt NIST CSF as a common foundation, then layer on additional frameworks—like HIPAA for health data or CMMC for defense work—depending on the client’s needs.

Understanding how NIST fits into this larger puzzle can make your entire cybersecurity journey feel more manageable. Instead of learning every framework from scratch, you can build a strong base with NIST and then adapt as needed.

How to start using NIST

If you’re new to cybersecurity frameworks, NIST might seem overwhelming at first—but you don’t have to implement everything at once. The best approach is to start small and build over time. Here’s a simple way to get going:

• Download the NIST CSF 2.0 Quick Start Guide. It’s a plain-language overview designed to help organizations of all sizes get familiar with the framework. You can find it on NIST’s website.
• Review the six core functions. Remember, NIST CSF 2.0 is organized around six key activities: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, and Govern. These represent the basic lifecycle of good cybersecurity. Start by asking: Which of these are we already doing? Where do we have gaps?
• Choose one area to focus on. You don’t need to overhaul your entire program on day one. If you’re an SMB, that may mean tightening your password policy, improving vendor access, or setting up a basic incident response plan. Pick one area, make progress, and build from there.
• Work with a trusted partner. If you’re not sure how to map your current tools and practices to NIST, consider teaming up with a technology or compliance partner. They can help you benchmark where you are, prioritize improvements, and avoid common pitfalls.

Adopting NIST isn’t about perfection. It’s about building a more secure, trustworthy business one step at a time.

Final thoughts: NIST as a cybersecurity compass

NIST provides more than documentation—it offers a clear, shared language for understanding and managing cyber risk. Whether you’re building your very first security program or strengthening what you already have, NIST gives you a practical way to assess where you stand, prioritize what matters, and grow with confidence.

No matter where you’re starting from, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can help you take the next step.  

Curious about how NIST fits with other frameworks? Many SMBs use NIST as a foundation and layer on additional standards depending on industry and client needs. CMMC compliance maps directly to NIST SP 800-171 and is required for DoD contractors. The CIS Controls align closely with NIST CSF, offering a practical starting point for small teams. HITRUST certification builds on NIST and HIPAA to support healthcare organizations, while PCI DSS compliance addresses security for payment data. For a full-picture view, our cybersecurity guide for SMBs helps you make sense of these frameworks and choose the right path forward.

Not sure how to get started? Propulsion helps SMBs build modern cybersecurity foundations that grow with the business. Let’s talk.