When selecting a Tier according to the NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, several factors must be considered, including the threat environment. The threat environment refers to the external factors that could impact the organization’s cybersecurity, such as the presence of threat actors, the nature of the cyber threats, and the sophistication of attacks.

Threat Environment:

Definition: The external landscape that poses potential threats to an organization’s cybersecurity.

Factors: Includes cyber threats from hackers, nation-states, competitors, and other malicious entities.

Relevance: Understanding the threat environment helps in selecting an appropriate Tier that aligns with the level of risk the organization faces.

NIST Framework:

Tier Selection: Tiers range from 1 to 4, representing the organization's approach to cybersecurity risk management (Partial, Risk-Informed, Repeatable, and Adaptive).

Considerations: Threat environment, regulatory requirements, business objectives, and organizational constraints.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Provides guidelines for managing cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the importance of considering the threat environment when selecting an appropriate Tier.

NIST SP 800-39: Risk Management Guide for Information Technology Systems, which outlines the need to consider the threat environment in risk management.

Detailed Explanation:Cybersecurity References:By considering the threat environment, organizations can ensure that their cybersecurity measures are appropriately scaled to address potential risks.