Write a detailed overview and analysis of the fundamentals of risk management in cybersecurity for your organization that you described in your discussion post. You may choose one of the following two options for formatting your response (see details below):
• Option A: A 4- to 6-page paper OR
• Option B: A matrix (sample provided below) and a 2- to 3-page narrative
Regardless of which format you choose, be sure to address all the following elements:
1. Write a substantive executive summary that includes the following:
a. A brief statement on the purpose and scope of the RA
b. Your focus on the current organizational assessment
c. Your risk-mitigation and management strategy
d. Cited references to authorities that show the organization’s compliance with government requirements, industry best practices (NIST), or other standards
2. Assess the cybersecurity posture of your chosen organization. Be sure to include the following:
a. Describe your organization's business goals, mission, objectives, and how the requirements would support them.
b. Use the implementation tiers in NIST to assess your organization’s current situation.
c. List vulnerabilities, countermeasures, and recommendations for improvement.
3. Apply the NIST RMF framework:
a. Explain in more detail how to use NIST 800-53 (rev.5), NIST 800-30, and the new NIST 2.0 to create a comprehensive strategy.
b. Explain what actions you would take to align your business strategy with the recommended NIST best practices.
c. Clearly map the business objectives and goals to a cybersecurity plan. Include all the following key measures:
i. Prepare the organization.
ii. Categorize system and information.
iii. Select a range of 4–6 NIST SP 800-53 controls.
iv. Implement the controls and document how controls were deployed.
v. Assess whether the controls are in place, operating as intended, and producing the desired outcomes.
vi. Authorize risk-based decision-making.
vii. Continuously monitor implementation and risks to the system.
Sample Answer
Executive Summary
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity risk management fundamentals for Deere & Company, a global leader in the manufacturing of agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery. The purpose of this risk assessment (RA) is to identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity risks to protect the company's business assets and ensure the continuity of its operations. The scope of this assessment focuses on Deere's current cybersecurity posture, particularly as it relates to its connected machinery, digital platforms, and internal enterprise systems. Our strategy involves adopting a proactive, risk-based approach
Cybersecurity Posture Assessment
Business Goals, Mission, and Objectives
Deere & Company's mission is to provide customers with machinery and services that support their productivity and success. Its business goals include technological innovation, global expansion, and operational efficiency. Cybersecurity requirements are critical to these goals. For instance, securing the "smart" agricultural equipment and its telemetry data directly supports the business goal of technological innovation and customer service. Protecting the global supply chain from cyberattacks is essential for operational efficiency, and securing customer data builds the trust required for continued market leadership.
NIST Implementation Tiers
Deere & Company operates at a high level of cybersecurity maturity, likely between Tier 3 (Adaptive) and Tier 4 (Integrated) of the NIST CSF.
Tier 3 (Adaptive): The organization's risk management practices are formally approved and regularly reviewed. Management actively monitors and responds to changes in the threat landscape. This tier is reflected in Deere's significant investment in its cybersecurity team and its documented security policies.
Tier 4 (Integrated): The organization's approach is deeply integrated into its broader business operations. A culture of security is pervasive, and the organization shares threat intelligence with partners. Given Deere's global footprint and interconnected supply chain, it likely operates at this level to ensure a unified defense.
Vulnerabilities, Countermeasures, and Recommendations
Vulnerabilities:
Connected Machinery: Vulnerabilities in the software and firmware of "smart" tractors or combines could be exploited to disrupt operations or steal data.
Supply Chain: Third-party suppliers or vendors with weaker security postures could serve as a point of entry for attackers.
Ransomware: Deere's large network and critical operational technology (OT) systems make it a high-value target for ransomware attacks.
Countermeasures:
Secure-by-Design: Building security into products from the initial design phase.
Third-Party Risk Management: Conducting thorough security assessments of all suppliers and partners.
Regular Patching: Implementing a robust patch management program for all systems, including OT and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Recommendations for Improvement:
Enhance continuous monitoring of OT environments to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Strengthen the vendor risk management program with mandatory security audits and continuous monitoring clauses.
Conduct regular, company-wide cybersecurity training that includes phishing simulations and social engineering awareness for all employees.
Applying the NIST RMF Framework
The NIST RMF is a comprehensive, seven-step process for managing cybersecurity risk. It is a systematic, repeatable process that can be applied across the entire organization.