NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, plays a key role in advancing federal cybersecurity through research, standards development, and collaboration with government, industry, and academia. In response to Executive Order 14028, which aimed to improve the cybersecurity of federal networks, NIST has developed guidance on securing critical software, improving the software supply chain, and implementing a Zero Trust Architecture. This includes the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), updated in 2022, and the Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) practices, which help federal agencies manage cybersecurity risks in software and supply chains.
NIST also supports federal agencies with tools like the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and maintains the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), a key resource for tracking cybersecurity vulnerabilities. In addition, NIST is working on post-quantum cryptography to prepare for future threats from quantum computing and has launched initiatives like the National Initiative for Improving Cybersecurity in Supply Chains (NIICS) to strengthen cybersecurity across public and private sectors. NIST continues to lead efforts in cybersecurity research, education, and standards development to ensure a secure and resilient digital infrastructure.
Keywords: Post-quantum cryptography, cryptographic algorithms, cybersecurity standards
