CISA and NIST Compliance for Colleges

Enhancing Wi-Fi and Network Security in Small Colleges Using NIST CSF 2.0 and Open-Source Tools

Small colleges often face significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly in securing Wi-Fi and network infrastructure with limited resources. However, by adapting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, colleges can improve their security posture without incurring significant costs. By leveraging open-source tools and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for continuous monitoring, institutions can effectively safeguard their networks and adhere to the NIST CSF’s core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.

1. Identify: Asset Management and Risk Assessment

The first step in securing Wi-Fi and network infrastructure is identifying critical assets and assessing associated risks. This can be accomplished through a combination of open-source tools and straightforward methodologies:

Network Discovery: Use tools such as Nmap (Network Mapper) to discover all devices connected to the college’s network, including computers, IoT devices, and mobile phones. This ensures that no unauthorized devices are accessing the network.

Asset Management: GLPI (Gestionnaire libre de parc informatique) is an open-source IT asset management tool that allows administrators to catalog network assets, track configurations, and ensure proper security measures are in place. GLPI can integrate with other monitoring tools to detect new or unknown devices on the network.

Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments with OpenVAS, an open-source vulnerability scanner. OpenVAS identifies weaknesses in the network, such as outdated software or unpatched systems, enabling administrators to prioritize remediation efforts.

By identifying critical assets and vulnerabilities, small colleges can take targeted actions to address the most pressing security concerns.

2. Protect: Implementing Safeguards

The Protect function focuses on implementing security measures to reduce the likelihood of cyber incidents. Open-source tools can help colleges achieve robust network security:

Wi-Fi Security: For secure Wi-Fi networks, Hostapd (Host Access Point daemon) can be used to enforce WPA3 encryption, providing stronger security than older protocols like WPA2. Disabling legacy protocols and enforcing strong encryption reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the network.

Network Firewalls: pfSense, an open-source firewall, can be configured to segment the network and limit access to critical resources. Network segmentation isolates sensitive areas, such as administrative systems, from general student access, reducing the risk of lateral movement during an attack.

Access Control: FreeIPA is an open-source identity management solution that supports role-based access control (RBAC). It allows administrators to enforce policies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to strengthen network security and ensure that only authorized individuals access sensitive systems.

By implementing these safeguards, small colleges can significantly improve the security of their Wi-Fi and network infrastructure without a substantial financial investment.

3. Detect: Continuous Monitoring with Open-Source SIEM Tools

The Detect function focuses on early detection of potential security threats. SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools enable real-time monitoring and alerting for suspicious activities:

Wazuh: This open-source SIEM tool monitors network logs, detects intrusions, and provides real-time alerts for abnormal behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual traffic patterns. Wazuh can be configured to specifically monitor Wi-Fi and network traffic, helping detect malicious activity early.

Suricata: It is an open-source intrusion detection system (IDS) that analyzes network traffic for signs of malicious activity. Integrated with SIEM tools like Wazuh, Suricata provides additional context and alerts for potential threats, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or unauthorized access.

- ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana): The ELK Stack is an open-source solution for log aggregation, searching, and visualization. When combined with Filebeat (a log shipper), it aggregates logs from various network devices and servers, providing a comprehensive view of network activity and enabling the identification of potential security incidents.

These tools allow small colleges to maintain continuous monitoring and enhance their ability to detect threats promptly, even on a limited budget.

4. Respond: Incident Response and Containment

The Respond function focuses on effectively managing and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. Once a security event is detected, colleges must have a clear plan for containment and response:

Automated Response with Wazuh: Wazuh can be configured to trigger automatic actions when specific threats are detected. For instance, it can disable access for unauthorized devices or alert IT staff for further investigation, enabling quick containment.

Incident Management with RTIR: Request Tracker for Incident Response (RTIR) is an open-source tool designed for managing and tracking cybersecurity incidents. RTIR ensures that all actions taken during an incident are documented, improving coordination among the incident response team and facilitating timely resolution.

By using automated tools and incident management platforms, colleges can ensure a swift and coordinated response to security incidents.

5. Recover: Backup and Continuity Planning

The Recover function ensures that colleges can restore their systems and data to normal operations after a cybersecurity incident:

Backup Solutions: Tools like Duplicity (for encrypted backups) or Bacula (enterprise-level backup solution) can be used to create regular, encrypted backups of critical data and systems. Having encrypted backups ensures that data can be restored even in the event of a ransomware attack or other forms of data corruption.

Disaster Recovery Planning with Rsync: An open-source utility, can facilitate offsite backups, ensuring that vital data is available for recovery even if the primary system is compromised.

By regularly backing up essential data and systems, colleges can minimize downtime and quickly recover from incidents, ensuring continuity of operations.

By Jimmy Rodriguez

How Rural and Low-Income Clinics Can Enhance Data Security: A Cost-Effective Approach Using NIST CSF 2.0, HIPAA, and Open-Source Blue Team Defense by Jimmy Rodriguez 4/07/2025.

Rural and low-income clinics and hospitals face significant challenges in safeguarding patient data. These institutions often operate with limited budgets, outdated systems, and a lack of specialized cybersecurity resources. However, by adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, ensuring HIPAA compliance, and leveraging open-source blue team defense tools, these organizations can bolster their data security without incurring substantial costs. This article outlines a structured approach to replace legacy systems, enhance cybersecurity, and better protect patient data.

1. Identify: Asset and Risk Assessment

The first step in adopting the NIST CSF 2.0 framework is identifying critical assets and vulnerabilities. Legacy systems—often outdated, unsupported, or running on insecure software—pose significant risks. A comprehensive asset inventory is crucial to understanding what needs protection.

Inventory Tools: Use open-source tools such as GLPI or OCS Inventory NG to track devices, software, and network components. This helps identify outdated or unsupported systems that may be vulnerable.

Risk Assessment: Conduct a basic risk assessment using free tools like OpenVAS to scan for vulnerabilities. Identifying weaknesses such as unpatched software or inadequate encryption allows clinics to prioritize remediation actions effectively.

By identifying key assets and vulnerabilities, clinics can allocate limited resources to address the most pressing cybersecurity concerns.

2. Protect: Implement Safeguards

The Protect function of the NIST CSF emphasizes the implementation of safeguards to reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks. Even on a limited budget, open-source tools can significantly strengthen defenses:

Network Security: Use pfSense, an open-source firewall, to establish network segmentation. This approach isolates critical systems like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from legacy systems, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

Access Control: Implement FreeIPA, an open-source identity and access management (IAM) solution, to enforce role-based access control (RBAC). This ensures that only authorized staff can access sensitive patient data, a key requirement for HIPAA compliance.

Data Encryption: Use OpenSSL or GPG to encrypt sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. Protecting patient data through encryption mitigates the risks posed by legacy systems that lack modern security protocols.

These protective measures are designed to address vulnerabilities in legacy technology while ensuring compliance with HIPAA, which mandates the safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI).

3. Detect: Continuous Monitoring with Open-Source SIEM Tools

The Detect function focuses on identifying threats as early as possible. Open-source Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools provide a cost-effective way to achieve continuous monitoring:

Wazuh: An open-source SIEM solution, it monitors network traffic, logs, and system activity, alerting administrators to suspicious behavior such as unauthorized access attempts or abnormal traffic patterns.

Suricata: As an intrusion detection system (IDS), Suricata monitors network traffic for malicious activity, helping detect attacks that may target legacy systems with limited detection capabilities.

ELK Stack: The ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) enables the aggregation and analysis of logs from various sources. It provides real-time alerts and insights into network activity, helping identify potential threats quickly.

By deploying these tools, clinics can monitor their networks for signs of cyber threats and respond to potential breaches, even when using outdated systems.

4. Respond: Incident Response and Containment

The Respond function of the NIST CSF involves creating a plan to contain and mitigate damage in the event of a cybersecurity incident. An effective incident response plan is essential:

Incident Tracking: Use RTIR (Request Tracker for Incident Response), an open-source tool, to track incidents and ensure timely responses. This tool helps document actions taken, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Containment: Open-source firewalls like pfSense, along with monitoring tools like Wazuh, can help isolate compromised systems, preventing the spread of attacks and minimizing further damage.

A well-prepared incident response plan can mitigate the impact of a cyberattack on operations and ensure compliance with HIPAA’s breach notification requirements.

5. Recover: Data Backup and System Restoration

The Recover function ensures that healthcare organizations can quickly restore operations and data after a breach or cyberattack. This is especially critical for rural clinics with limited resources:

Backup Solutions: Use tools like Duplicity or Rsync to create encrypted backups of critical systems and data. Storing backups both on-site and off-site (in cloud storage) ensures that data can be quickly restored in the event of an attack.

Disaster Recovery Plan: Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) using tools like Rsync to synchronize backups. This plan ensures that vital patient data, including Electronic Health Records (EHRs), can be restored swiftly, minimizing service disruptions and ensuring continuity of care.

With regular backups and a comprehensive recovery plan, clinics can quickly recover from cybersecurity incidents and continue providing essential healthcare services.

By integrating open-source tools like pfSense, Wazuh, FreeIPA, and OpenVAS, rural and low-income clinics can implement cost-effective cybersecurity measures that protect patient data and ensure compliance with HIPAA. The NIST CSF 2.0 framework provides a structured approach to cybersecurity, enabling these organizations to systematically identify vulnerabilities, implement safeguards, detect threats, respond to incidents, and recover from breaches—all while managing costs. By focusing on cybersecurity in this way, clinics can prioritize patient care without compromising on the protection of sensitive data.

Strengthening America's Electrical Grid Against Cyber Threats: A Comprehensive Approach

The recent infiltration of America’s electrical grid by Chinese and Russian hackers underscores the escalating threats to critical infrastructure. In this context, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential to safeguard against future cyberattacks. A strategic approach to securing the grid should encompass comprehensive cybersecurity audits, detailed risk assessments, and frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. These elements work together to identify vulnerabilities, fortify defenses, and ensure an effective response to cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Audit

A cybersecurity audit is a critical first step in evaluating the security posture of the electrical grid. This audit systematically reviews the grid’s security controls, policies, and procedures, identifying potential vulnerabilities or gaps that could be exploited by malicious actors. Regular audits are indispensable for detecting outdated technologies, insecure network configurations, and inadequate security protocols that might allow unauthorized access.

Auditing also provides insight into the grid’s compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. In the United States, for instance, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) enforces mandatory cybersecurity standards for grid operators. Regular audits help ensure adherence to these standards, enabling organizations to proactively address potential risks. By identifying vulnerabilities early, audits allow stakeholders to prioritize remediation efforts and strengthen the grid’s overall security posture.

Risk Assessment

A thorough risk assessment is integral to understanding the potential impacts and likelihood of various cyber threats. By evaluating the risks posed by adversaries such as Chinese and Russian hackers, grid operators can better allocate resources to enhance security. Risk assessments consider factors such as the likelihood of an attack, its potential impact on grid operations, and the broader national security implications.

The risk assessment process involves identifying critical assets, evaluating potential threat actors, and assessing vulnerabilities that could be targeted. This process allows operators to prioritize their cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring that high-priority systems receive appropriate protection. For example, if a particular section of the grid is deemed a high-value target, it can be safeguarded through enhanced monitoring, encryption, and access control measures.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (CSF) provides a structured, risk-based approach to managing cybersecurity. It outlines five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—that together form a comprehensive strategy for managing cyber risks. These functions are designed to mitigate specific threats and vulnerabilities, such as those posed by state-sponsored cyber actors.

1. Identify: The first function of the NIST framework is to identify critical assets and understand the risks facing the electrical grid. This aligns with the earlier risk assessment process, enabling operators to recognize potential threats and vulnerabilities.

2. Protect: The Protect function focuses on implementing protective measures to prevent cyberattacks. This includes developing robust access controls, system hardening, and data encryption to secure sensitive infrastructure components.

3. Detect: Detection involves setting up continuous monitoring systems capable of identifying anomalous activities or breaches in real time. Early detection enables timely responses to mitigate potential damage.

4. Respond: The framework underscores the importance of having a well-defined incident response plan. This plan should outline communication protocols, coordination with law enforcement, and recovery actions to swiftly restore normal operations after an attack.

5. Recover: Finally, the Recover function emphasizes the need to build resilience into the grid’s systems, ensuring that infrastructure can be restored with minimal disruption even following a cyberattack.

By aligning cybersecurity efforts with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, grid operators can ensure a holistic and adaptable approach to security. The framework offers a flexible, scalable solution that evolves in response to emerging threats, making it an invaluable tool for strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure like the electrical grid.

Incorporating a robust cybersecurity audit, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and leveraging the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 are vital steps in enhancing the security of America’s electrical grid. Together, these measures provide a structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating risks, and implementing effective security strategies to protect against cyber threats. By prioritizing these practices, grid operators can significantly improve their defenses and reduce the risk of future cyberattacks from state-sponsored actors such as Chinese and Russian hackers.

By Jimmy Rodriguez 4/10/2025

GRC Compliance and Policies Projects

Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) is an organizational strategy to manage governance and risks while maintaining compliance with industry and government regulations.

CIS and NIST SP 800-53 tailored Acceptable Use Policy and Information Security Policy for small business of about 20 to 50 employees.