Once an organization has identified its critical assets and potential vulnerabilities, the next step in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is “Protect.” This function focuses on putting security controls and protocols in place to safeguard assets, data, and users. Protecting these resources reduces the likelihood of a breach and minimizes damage should one occur. This stage involves implementing preventive measures to secure digital and physical environments.

Access control is a key aspect of the Protect function, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and systems. Organizations can leverage role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation to limit access. These measures not only protect data but also help prevent internal threats from causing damage.

Regular security training is another essential part of the Protect function. Employees must be trained to recognize common attack tactics such as phishing and social engineering. With awareness, they can act as a human firewall, identifying and avoiding risky behaviors. Continual training programs keep cybersecurity top of mind, empowering employees to act securely in their day-to-day activities.

Data protection includes encrypting sensitive information and implementing backup procedures to ensure that critical data remains secure and available even in the event of an incident. By applying encryption protocols and regular backups, organizations can protect their data and reduce downtime.

Implementing protective measures enables organizations to defend themselves against a wide range of cyber threats. These proactive steps safeguard data, employees, and infrastructure, creating a more resilient cybersecurity posture and preparing the organization for unexpected events.