Demystifying the NICE Framework

Demystifying the NICE Framework

5 Easy Steps Used by Cybersecurity Leaders to Simplify Hiring and Training

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework makes it easier for you to find and train the right people for your cyber team if you know how to use it. In a recent Cloud Range webinar, CEO Debbie Gordon and VP of Technology Tom Marsland explained the NICE Framework and five ways it can help you hire, upskill, and retain cyber talent.

First, Get to Know the NICE Framework

The NICE Framework is like the ultimate cheat sheet for figuring out the skills, tasks, and roles in the cybersecurity world. It's the brainchild of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is designed to make your life easier when building and developing your cybersecurity dream team.

The framework slices the cybersecurity industry into categories, specialty areas, and work roles. Each role comes with a set of competencies — knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) — that align with industry standards.

By applying the NICE Framework, organizations can effectively define all aspects of cybersecurity work, ensuring that any job or position can be described using relevant components from the framework.

Follow 5 Simple Steps to Build Your Expert Cyber Defense Team

Step 1: Give Your Job Descriptions a Makeover

Make sure your job descriptions really match the work you need doing, and focus on the skills that matter. Use the KSAs from the NICE Framework to make your requirements clear, consistent, and easy to measure. This way, you are more likely to attract the right candidates for your positions.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Perfect KSAs for Each Role

Start with the NICE Framework's standard work roles and KSAs. Then, tweak them or come up with new ones based on your organization’s unique needs. No two companies will require exactly the same things for cyber team positions, and that’s okay. You define the roles in a way that benefits your company the most.

Step 3: Take Stock of Your Team's Skills

Get a clear picture of your team's current abilities by looking at their education, certifications, training, and more. Use NICE Framework-based assessments (Hi FastTrak!) to spot skill gaps and areas to work on. Knowing your team’s deficiencies allows you to develop a learning plan to improve skills and performance.

Step 4: Develop Tailored Training Plans

Compare the KSAs your team members have with what they need for their roles. Then, create custom training plans (or use Cloud Range’s Performance Portal to generate them) to help team members level up their skills and get ready for new challenges. A cyber team that continually learns and practices defending against cyber attacks will be ready to respond quickly and efficiently to the real thing.

Step 5: Keep an Eye on Progress

Track how your team is doing as they complete labs, certifications, and other training activities. Use tools like Cloud Range's Performance Portal to easily monitor progress and adjust training plans as needed. This allows you to demonstrate improvement and show your board how their investment in the cyber team is helping to reduce risk. Bonus: The continued development of and investment into your team members also will motivate them to stick around for the long haul.

The NICE Framework is the gold standard for hiring and developing cybersecurity talent. By using the Framework together with Cloud Range's platform, you can tailor work role KSAs, assess your cybersecurity team, spot areas for improvement, and create customized training plans. This winning combo will help you bridge the skills gap, keep top cybersecurity pros on your team, and make sure they thrive—all while crushing your organization's long-term goals.There are 3.4 million open cybersecurity positions, according to the 2022 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, and the skills gap is ever-widening. Two-thirds of organizations (67%) believe the skills shortage creates additional risk, per the Fortinet 2022 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report. This dilemma affects multiple organizations, with 62% reporting their cybersecurity teams are understaffed, according to ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2022. That results in an increased workload, which can lead to additional turnover.

Learn more about how the NICE Framework can help your team simplify hiring and training. Click here to watch the webinar recording.