NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]

This nist cybersecurity framework assessment checklist ensures compliance with NIST CSF 2.0 (2024) requirements. IT security and compliance teams use this checklist to assess controls, identify gaps, and demonstrate regulatory compliance to customers and auditors.

  • Industry: Technology / Corporate
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
  • Role: IT Security Manager
  • Total Items: 17
  • Compliance: NIST CSF 2.0 (2024), NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, NIST SP 800-171 CUI Protection, CISA Cybersecurity Performance Goals

Documentation and Policy Review

Verify foundational documentation and policy compliance.

  • Relevant security policy documented and approved by management?
  • Policy reviewed and updated within past 12 months?
  • Procedures documented for all policy requirements?
  • Roles and responsibilities clearly assigned?

Technical Control Assessment

Evaluate technical controls implementation.

  • Primary technical controls implemented and operational?
  • Monitoring and alerting configured for this control domain?
  • Access controls appropriately restrictive?
  • Audit logging enabled and logs retained per policy?
  • Sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?

Testing and Validation

Verify controls are tested and functioning as designed.

  • Controls tested within past assessment period?
  • Test results documented and reviewed?
  • Control exceptions formally documented with risk acceptance?
  • Third-party assessment or audit findings reviewed?

Findings and Remediation

Document gaps and remediation actions.

  • All control gaps logged in risk register?
  • Remediation timelines assigned based on severity?
  • High-severity findings escalated to CISO/management?
  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Checklist findings and next steps

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Why Use This NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This nist cybersecurity framework assessment checklist [free pdf] helps technology / corporate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for it security manager professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with NIST CSF 2.0 (2024), NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, NIST SP 800-171 CUI Protection, CISA Cybersecurity Performance Goals. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Documentation and Policy Review, Technical Control Assessment, Testing and Validation, Findings and Remediation. It is designed for technology / corporate operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Who should use this NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for IT Security Manager professionals in the technology / corporate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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