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Information Technology Laboratory

Applied Cybersecurity Division

We implement practical cybersecurity and privacy through outreach and effective application of standards and best practices necessary for the U.S. to adopt cybersecurity capabilities.

The Applied Cybersecurity Division (ACD)—one of seven technical divisions in NIST’s Information Technology Laboratory—implements practical cybersecurity and privacy through outreach and effective application of standards and best practices necessary for the U.S. to adopt cybersecurity capabilities.

ACD is known for: establishing cybersecurity standards and guidelines in an open, transparent, and collaborative way; cybersecurity testing and measurement (from developing test suits and methods to validating cryptographic modules); and applied cybersecurity—which applies  NIST’s research, standards, and testing and measurement work.

Applied Cybersecurity Division Graphic Representation
Credit: NIST
Cybersecurity Framework

This voluntary Framework consists of standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity-related risks.  The Cybersecurity Framework’s flexible and cost-effective approach helps to promote the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure important to the economy and national security.

Image of NCCOE Health IT Lab
Credit: NIST
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCOE)

The National Cybersecurity  Center of Excellence is a collaborative hub where industry, government agencies, and academic institutions work together to address businesses’ most pressing cybersecurity issues.

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National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education is a partnership between government, academia, and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.

Learn more about the Applied Cybersecurity Division's Programs

Featured VideoS:  

What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and how can we secure it?
What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and how can we secure it?
Industry leaders discuss cybersecurity concerns around the Internet of Things and the role NIST can play to help secure our future. Featuring thought leaders from:  G2 Inc.; Global Cyber Alliance; Symantec; Cisco; Cylance Inc.; Tufts University; Cloud Security Alliance; Twistlock
ConversatioNIST: The Internet and Cybersecurity
ConversatioNIST: The Internet and Cybersecurity
Donna Dodson, Associate Director and Chief Cyber Security Advisor, and Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist for Google and former NIST VCAT member, have a wide-ranging discussion about the past, present and future of the internet, network security, and what it would take to successfully, safely and reliably merge the digital and physical worlds, a concept known as the “Internet of Things,” or IoT. 

News and Updates

Awards

Industry Impacts

One person sits in front of a wireless infusion pump. Two people stand and look over his shoulder. Other pumps are in the background.

Wireless Infusion Pump Security

Infusion pumps were once standalone instruments that interacted only with the patient or medical provider. With technological improvements designed to enhance
Computer scientist Murugiah Souppaya investigates security techniques for protecting virtuallized computing environments and cloud computing systems.

Cybersecurity Framework

More than ever, organizations must balance a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape against the need to fulfill business requirements. To help these

Contacts