What does NIST primarily do in the context of cybersecurity?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a pivotal role in the realm of cybersecurity by establishing security frameworks and controls for information systems. By developing guidelines, standards, and best practices, NIST provides organizations with a structured methodology to manage and reduce cybersecurity risks effectively. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, for instance, is widely recognized and utilized across various sectors to help businesses identify, protect against, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats.

This is critical because organizations often face a diverse landscape of threats, and having a standardized approach enables them to implement appropriate security measures and ensure compliance with regulations. NIST's frameworks also facilitate communication and understanding between stakeholders regarding cybersecurity practices.

In contrast, while developing software for security measures can enhance cybersecurity, it is not the primary function of NIST. Similarly, offering cyber insurance solutions falls outside its main focus, as NIST does not engage directly in the insurance sector. Lastly, although conducting audits on security policies may be necessary for organizations to assess their compliance with NIST standards, it is not a primary activity of NIST itself. Instead, NIST provides the resources and frameworks to guide these audits, enabling them to occur within the context of the established standards.