What is the first step in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework regarding vulnerabilities?

The first step in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework concerning vulnerabilities is to identify them. This foundational phase involves understanding and managing cybersecurity risks to systems, assets, data, and capabilities. By identifying vulnerabilities, organizations can create a comprehensive inventory of their existing assets and evaluate the potential risks that these vulnerabilities present.

This identification process is crucial because it sets the stage for subsequent phases in the framework such as protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. Without accurately identifying vulnerabilities, an organization cannot appropriately prioritize its cybersecurity efforts or establish effective protective measures against potential threats. This proactive identification helps guide the risk management process, ensuring that organizations can address the most significant vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity posture first.