Cybersecurity frameworks and Mac device management help to meet NIST compliance

photo by Kindel Media

The importance of security compliance in the enterprise

Thorough cybersecurity measures are a vital part of doing business. If you have protected data and networks for employees, you have a point of attack and lucrative information that hackers want.

The news is always full of costly breaches and ransomware attacks that have exposed organizations to heavy immediate and long-term costs. These costs are not only financial. If an organization cannot keep their customers' or patients' personal data away from prying eyes, its reputation and its budget will suffer.

In the US the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the US Commerce Department, has a vested interest in keeping organizations safe and running smoothly. To that end, they have released and continue to update a cybersecurity framework to assist organizations in beefing up security. It functions as a guide for organizations to follow not only in their software but also in their policies and planning.

Understanding the NIST cybersecurity framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework assists organizations to protect their networks and data and to better manage and reduce risk. This voluntary framework offers businesses an outline of best practices. These will help IT leaders to decide where to focus their time and money for cybersecurity protection.

Aligning with this framework is critical for security and regulatory compliance.

Challenges of NIST compliance in a mixed-device environment

Compliance is vital, but there are some challenges, especially for those managing varying security capabilities across multiple platforms. And those who may not be as familiar with the Apple platform may believe some misconceptions about Mac security in enterprise settings.

Mac devices are not immune to malware.

While PC security is still more targeted than Apple security, the rise of Mac in the enterprise—thanks to networking and device management offerings such as Jamf—Macs are worth the extra coding work for many bad actors. Never assume a Mac is automatically virus-free.

Adware is more than annoying; it's downright dangerous.

The 2023 State of Malware report from Malwarebytes explains that adware is very often used to attack Mac and, in fact, is a preferred method for those who want to access data illegally. Adware can connect Mac to other software and other servers in the background. It generally attacks through web browsers, which are platform-agnostic.

Built-in macOS security is not enough on its own.

Apple is known for strong security features, and it should be. However, due to the swift evolution of cyberattacks, no system is entirely worry-free. Not even Apple.

What are key macOS features that support cybersecurity?

Enterprise organizations can leverage macOS security features and best practices to align with NIST guidelines, ensuring regulatory compliance and improving overall security posture with built-in macOS security features such as:

• FileVault 2, which encrypts data
• Runtime protections, such as XD (execute disable), ASLR (address space layout randomization), and SIP (system integrity protection) make it difficult for malware to do harm
• Gatekeeper, which ensures that all apps from the internet have already been checked by Apple for known malicious code

The Apple platform macOS does its best to maintain a secure, compliant infrastructure from its very structure. It is also compatible with enterprise-grade security tools and management tools such as those offered by Jamf.

Does this mean Mac is compliant with NIST out of the box?

Sadly, no. While Apple does a great job of structuring its OS to be difficult to attack, many cybercriminals are more than up for the challenge. And while it scans for known malware, new malware and malicious adware is created every day.

Additionally, NIST is more than a list of compliance settings. It's an organization-wide approach to keeping everything and everyone in your organization secure.

Steps toward Mac NIST compliance

NIST outlines steps organizations should follow to maintain compliance with their security framework.

First, identify.

List all equipment, software and data you use. This includes including laptops, smartphones, tablets and point-of-sale devices. Consider using Jamf's inventory management features to complete this task.

Then, gather all decision-makers to create and share a company cybersecurity policy that covers roles and responsibilities for employees, vendors and anyone else with access to sensitive data. This cybersecurity policy should also identify steps to take in the event of an attack and how to limit the damage.

Second, protect.

Control who logs on to your network and uses your computers and other devices such as with Jamf Connect's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), authentication and identity management.

The NIST suggests the following ways to establish control:

• Security software, such as Jamf Protect—which uses machine learning and behavioral analysis to stop attacks before they can even start—and automate frequent updates.
• Encryption of sensitive data such as that provided by Jamf Connect.
• Regular data backups, which can be automated with the help of Jamf Pro's Smart Groups and automations.
• Have a clear process for disposing electronic files and old devices.
• Train everyone in your organization about cybersecurity—a chained fence is only as strong as its weakest link.

Third, detect.

• Monitor Mac devices for unauthorized personnel access, devices (like USB drives) and software. Jamf Pro's telemetry reporting can automate this process, and with Jamf Protect, offer real-time monitoring, threat detection and reporting.
• Investigate any unusual activities on your network or by your staff. Jamf Protect's behavioral analysis and machine learning identify unusual patterns faster than manual checks can.
• Check your network for unauthorized users or connections— Jamf Connect's ZTNA authentication features automate these checks.

Fourth and fifth, plan a response to and recovery from an attack.

Have a plan for notifying those whose data may be at risk, reporting to authorities, and investigating and containing an attack. Then, recover by repairing and restoring the devices and parts of your network that were affected.

How can Jamf further help with NIST compliance on Mac?

With Jamf Pro's robust device management and its compliance benchmarks and blueprints, it is simple to integrate Mac management into a NIST-compliant cybersecurity framework.

Blueprints and compliance benchmarks offer configurations and policies for macOS for the most-used compliance frameworks- and more deploy regularly.

Use of dynamically updated Smart Groups offers granular control over access and actions depending on device, user or other qualities. And Jamf's App Installers vet, package, patch and automatically update thousands of third-party apps.

A framework to count on

Close adherence to NIST's framework using the best tools available will help your organization to remain flexible and vigilant in protecting its assets, data and staff. In addition, many vendors require organizations they work with to adhere to known standards such as NIST's. Preparation is the best way to ensure that these business relationships can continue, and new ones emerge.

As always, when organizations face complex challenges, Jamf simplifies work.