NIST Cybersecurity and Risk Management Frameworks

Updated in May 2025.This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Dive into the world of NIST cybersecurity frameworks and build a strong foundation in managing and securing digital assets. This course begins with an introduction to the history and role of NIST, guiding you through essential resources and publications. You will explore NIST’s relationships with various U.S. federal agencies and international standards organizations, providing you with a broad understanding of its impact on cybersecurity practices. As you progress, you will delve into the core components of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and Risk Management Framework (RMF). Learn about the key functions, tiers, and profiles of CSF, and how they interconnect with other NIST publications. Understand how to assess and manage risks by evaluating threats, vulnerabilities, and their potential impact on business operations. Real-world case studies will be used to demonstrate the practical application of these frameworks, helping you to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity program. The course also covers critical aspects of asset management and protection. You will learn to identify and inventory critical assets, conduct business impact assessments, and establish effective security policies. The latter sections focus on system auditing, monitoring, and alerting mechanisms, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to proactively manage security incidents and maintain compliance with NIST standards. This course is designed for cybersecurity professionals, IT managers, and compliance officers seeking to strengthen their understanding of NIST frameworks. A basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts and familiarity with IT systems are recommended.

Updated in May 2025.This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this comprehensive course, you will delve into the key components of effective incident response and risk management. The journey begins with building a strong foundation in response planning, focusing on preparation, detection, analysis, containment, and recovery strategies. Through real-world examples and scenarios, you’ll learn how to develop robust incident response plans that are vital during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Each episode provides practical insights and guidance, ensuring you can confidently handle incidents within any IT environment. Next, you will explore the intricacies of digital forensics, gaining skills in evidence preservation and chain-of-custody management. You’ll also understand how to effectively test and train your incident response capabilities to ensure your team is well-prepared for any eventuality. The course further covers mitigation techniques, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in your response strategies. Practical advice from industry experts, including insights into NIST cybersecurity frameworks, ensures a well-rounded understanding of these critical concepts. In the final sections, you will dive into the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), learning to integrate security and risk management into your organization’s operations. You will gain a thorough understanding of how to categorize information systems, establish risk management scopes, and implement effective system security plans. The course concludes with business continuity strategies, backup and recovery methods, and the application of virtualization and cloud technologies to ensure seamless recovery and resilience in the face of disruption. This course is designed for IT and audit professionals, cybersecurity practitioners, and those involved in organizational risk management. A basic understanding of IT security concepts is recommended.

Updated in May 2025.This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This comprehensive course delves into the NIST Risk Management Framework, guiding you through the process of selecting, implementing, and monitoring security controls. Beginning with an overview of control selection, you will explore various control frameworks, assess applicable laws and standards, and learn how to tailor control baselines to organizational needs. The course then transitions to implementing these controls, emphasizing the importance of documentation and approval processes to ensure compliance and system security. Next, the course covers the crucial steps involved in assessing and remediating security controls. You will learn to develop assessment plans, conduct thorough evaluations, and analyze results to identify compliance gaps. The course also provides insight into effective risk remediation strategies, helping you understand how to prioritize, and address identified risks to maintain a robust security posture. Finally, the course addresses continuous monitoring and change management, teaching you how to maintain control effectiveness over time. You will explore change management techniques, configuration controls, and best practices for handling system disposal. This advanced training equips you with the necessary skills to manage complex security environments and ensure continuous risk mitigation. This course is designed for cybersecurity professionals, risk managers, and IT auditors who have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles. Familiarity with basic risk management concepts and the NIST framework is recommended.