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How Does the DHS Framework Apply to More Than Just Critical Infrastructure? Breadcrumb Home Insights Blog How Does the DHS Framework Apply to More Than Just Critical Infrastructure? February 10, 2025 The Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a set of best practices designed to help organizations manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. Originally developed to protect critical infrastructure, the CSF has evolved into a versatile tool various industries use. Optiv helps many organizations adopt the framework through advisory services, deployment expertise and ongoing support. Because the framework is scalable and flexible, small startups and global enterprises alike can adapt the CSF to fit their unique needs. The Evolution of the DHS Cybersecurity Framework The DHS CSF was born out of necessity and aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure. Left unprotected, breaches in critical infrastructure could be catastrophic. Protecting power plants, transportation and water systems wasn’t just a matter of maintaining service continuity — it was a matter of national security. The CSF provided a structured approach to identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to and recovering from such incidents. These five core functions offered a comprehensive but adaptable blueprint for managing risks to critical infrastructure. Although its origins lie in protecting critical infrastructure, the CSF has proven invaluable across industries like healthcare, finance and retail. Optiv helps organizations capitalize on the CSF's scalability and flexibility—to not just adopt it but operationalize it through advisory services, deployment expertise and ongoing management. Key Benefits for Non-Traditional Users The DHS Cybersecurity Framework can benefit industries far beyond critical infrastructure. From protecting sensitive customer data to optimizing operational efficiency, healthcare, finance, retail and other industries have used the CSF to address their specific challenges. Enhanced Resilience Through Proactive Defense The CSF equips organizations with the tools and strategies to anticipate and address vulnerabilities before they spiral into full-scale crises. With a proactive approach, businesses can strengthen their defenses and maintain trust. Healthcare organizations can protect sensitive patient data and support compliance with regulations like HIPAA and the ever-expanding medical device world Financial institutions can strengthen defenses against fraud and cybercrime while maintaining trust with customers Retailers can secure e-commerce platforms and protect payment systems from breaches and secure everything from the cloud to the retail register By tackling issues proactively, the CSF helps businesses avoid costly disruptions and maintain trust with stakeholders and customers. In October 2024, the Biden-Harris administration released the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on AI. This memorandum outlines new measures to enhance security, address risks and ensure the safe deployment of AI technologies across critical industries. Find the full memorandum here. Integration with Existing Systems One of the CSF’s greatest strengths lies in its flexibility, making it a great fit for existing security infrastructures. It can also be useful when adopting new tools and technologies, such as AI. Aligning AI security frameworks with CSF principles helps mitigate AI-specific vulnerabilities, like data poisoning or adversarial attacks. By aligning AI security frameworks with the CSF, Optiv helps organizations create unified security strategies that bring governance and process protections ahead of advanced AI tool deployments. This allows companies to innovate without sacrificing security. Cost-Effectiveness and ROI The framework doesn’t just enhance security; it optimizes investments by reducing response times and preventing expensive breaches. By aligning with the CSF, organizations can clearly demonstrate ROI to stakeholders by showcasing measurable improvements in their security posture. As a result, organizations strengthen relationships with customers and partners through enhanced trust and reliability. With these benefits, the CSF serves as both a protective measure and a strategic asset. Using the CSF, organizations can create proactive, efficient systems that meet modern demands. How the DHS Framework Scales and Adapts to Your Industry The CSF is an ideal choice for industries with diverse and evolving needs. Optiv helps organizations maximize the CSF’s potential with tailored solutions that align with specific priorities. For organizations looking to grow while maintaining robust security, the CSF offers an incremental approach. Optiv’s cyber strategy assessments, AI governance and security services and application security services provide the tools and expertise necessary to: Build scalable security solutions that expand alongside business operations Align with an AI security framework to mitigate AI-specific vulnerabilities and comply with security and regulatory standards These strategies allow businesses to confidently address threats while preparing for future challenges. For organizations looking to meet specific regulatory and industry requirements, the CSF offers the flexibility to do so. An organization could leverage CSF principles to: Prioritize critical assets and strengthen protocols to support HIPAA compliance, ensuring sensitive data remains secure Address vulnerabilities in payment systems, implement robust detection mechanisms and establish response strategies that align with PCI DSS standards to secure customer transactions Monitor and respond to anomalies in AI-driven processes, facilitating swift recovery and seamless integration with AI security frameworks to maintain compliance and enhance resilience With a tailored approach, organizations can not only meet regulatory demands but also enhance their overall security posture and improve business outcomes. From healthcare AI tools ensuring patient safety to financial systems managing fraud detection algorithms, the CSF provides the resilience necessary for AI-powered growth. Why Optiv is Key to Implementing the DHS Framework Organizations face a wide array of challenges when adopting the DHS Cybersecurity Framework. Optiv bridges the gap between guidelines and practical implementation, using the CSF as a document and a transformative security strategy. Advisory Services and Framework Customization Optiv’s advisory services are tailored to align the CSF with each organization’s unique needs. Whether a business is scaling operations, integrating new technologies or navigating complex regulations, Optiv customizes the framework to: Develop holistic risk management strategies that address immediate vulnerabilities and long-term resilience Build scalable security solutions designed to grow alongside technological advancements and business objectives Proven Success Across Industries Optiv doesn’t just offer guidance — it delivers results. Across industries, organizations have partnered with Optiv to bolster their security strategies. These collaborations highlight how the CSF can be tailored to meet the most complex challenges: Financial Services: A Fortune 500 bank collaborated with Optiv to streamline its security tools, resulting in a comprehensive roadmap that enhanced security controls and reduced tool complexity Retail Manufacturing: A global retail manufacturer partnered with Optiv to overhaul its security operations, leading to improved risk management and operational efficiency Pharmaceuticals: A multinational pharmaceutical company worked with Optiv to rationalize its security tools, identifying potential cost savings of $11 million over three years These successes demonstrate Optiv’s ability to meet diverse challenges, delivering tangible outcomes that align with organizational goals. A Trusted Partner in Cybersecurity Deep industry expertise and strategic partnerships with leading security vendors set Optiv apart as a trusted advisor. By integrating innovative solutions with the principles of the CSF, Optiv helps organizations: Proactively address evolving threats with confidence Enhance operational efficiency while building resilience against cyber risks With Optiv as a partner, organizations can use the DHS Cybersecurity Framework as a powerful tool for navigating modern threats and achieving long-term, sustainable success. Reassess Your Security Strategy with Optiv No organization can afford to rely on outdated or insufficient security measures. The DHS Cybersecurity Framework provides a roadmap to address current and emerging challenges across all sectors. With Optiv as your partner and the CSF, you can reassess your current security strategy and develop a more scalable, resilient approach. Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy? Contact Optiv for a tailored security assessment today. By: Sean Tufts Practice Director, Product Security - ICS & IoT | Optiv Sean Tufts is the Practice Director for the OT/IoT business at Optiv. He's a former NFL Linebacker turned Critical Infrastructure security leader. Post NFL, he worked for utility operators and O&G hardware suppliers. Prior to his current leadership position at Optiv, Sean was on the Digital transformation team for General Electric focusing on security services for the O&G market. In 2012 he was honored by Forbes as a "30 Under 30" recipient. Sean has a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Share: Optiv ai security framework dhs critical infrastructure deploying ai systems securely Optiv Security: Secure greatness.® Optiv is the cyber advisory and solutions leader, delivering strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across every major industry. We partner with organizations to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs from strategy and managed security services to risk, integration and technology solutions. With clients at the center of our unmatched ecosystem of people, products, partners and programs, we accelerate business progress like no other company can. At Optiv, we manage cyber risk so you can secure your full potential. For more information, visit www.optiv.com.
Optiv Security: Secure greatness.® Optiv is the cyber advisory and solutions leader, delivering strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across every major industry. We partner with organizations to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs from strategy and managed security services to risk, integration and technology solutions. With clients at the center of our unmatched ecosystem of people, products, partners and programs, we accelerate business progress like no other company can. At Optiv, we manage cyber risk so you can secure your full potential. For more information, visit www.optiv.com.
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