Challenge:
The Smithsonian Institution needed to evaluate the security and effectiveness of legacy systems, infrastructure and environment to ensure compliance with current NIST standards and address potential vulnerabilities.
Solution:
Symposit conducted a comprehensive assessment using CIS Controls as the foundational framework, which aligns closely with NIST 800-53 standards. Key steps included:
- Leadership & Team Collaboration: We engaged leadership and staff to gather insights on the effectiveness of existing systems and processes.
- Holistic Systems Review: Symposit assessed all systems and controls to determine compliance and identify areas requiring immediate attention.
- Prioritization of Vulnerabilities: Recommendations were provided to address high-priority gaps, ensuring a clear roadmap for improved security posture.
- Immediate Mitigation: Urgent vulnerabilities were directly mitigated to reduce immediate risk exposure.
Results:
- Enhanced Security Posture: The Smithsonian achieved a more mature and robust security environment by implementing Symposit’s recommendations.
- Improved Communication: The audit bridged feedback gaps between staff on the ground and leadership, fostering better alignment on priorities.
- Guided Compliance Efforts: The assessment provided actionable steps for ongoing compliance with industry standards, ensuring sustained security improvements.
Metrics:
- Comprehensive Control Assessment: Evaluated all systems against CIS Controls and NIST 800-53 to guide compliance strategies.
- Leadership Briefings: Delivered detailed feedback sessions, equipping leadership with actionable insights for decision-making.
- Immediate Action: Implemented mitigations to resolve critical vulnerabilities promptly.
Symposit’s targeted approach empowered the Smithsonian Institution to future-proof its systems, plan for future investments, and tighten its cybersecurity processes on time and budget creating a secure and compliant infrastructure.
