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NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF) Services

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What Is the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published its Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF). In it, NIST establishes controls and a systematic approach to AI system management that identifies, mitigates, and manages risks to security, privacy, and other principles that careless uses of AI technology could potentially compromise.

This is a voluntary framework that applies to any organization making use of AI tools. But it is especially important for organizations in healthcare, finance, government, and other fields with sensitive data and regulations. As the regulatory environment for AI continues to evolve, organizations must ensure they stay ahead by aligning with frameworks like the NIST AI RMF.

On a technical level, the NIST Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework comprises four core functions, and each one breaks down into control specifications. Most organizations will need to implement a subset of these (typically 10-25 controls) to verify that their AI risk management is compliant.

Is NIST AI RMF necessary?

While many regulations outline specific penalties for AI-related risks, NIST AI RMF implementation is highly recommended but not mandatory. The industry has seen rapid adoption of NIST AI RMF and organizations are increasingly expecting it for AI systems and services.

NIST AI RMF certification is not always required at the beginning of new AI initiatives, but it offers a structured approach to managing AI-specific risks, fostering responsible AI use, and ensuring compliance during the implementation process.

Schedule A
Consultation

What is NIST AI Risk Management Advisory?

Pre-Assessment Preparation

Your advisor will work with you to gather the documents you need to identify AI tools and systems, their risks, and controls to mitigate them. Any workflows that are impacted by automation, generative AI, or other AI use cases could be in-scope; your advisor will help determine what needs to be protected—and how.

At this stage and the next, your advisor can help you implement controls from the AI NIST’s four core functions of Govern, Map, Measure, and Manage. The specific amount will be based on your risk environment and needs

Efficient Assessment Processing

Your advisor will conduct a gap analysis on existing AI systems relative to the NIST guidelines. They’ll develop a risk management plan based on your particular needs and means. And they’ll work with you to develop timelines and allocate resources to execute the implementation efficiently from start to finish.

Your NIST AI RMF advisor will also provide training to any stakeholders who could be impacted by AI systems and their risks, including both managers and users of AI systems. This is a critical component of compliance.

Post-Assessment Guidance

Your advisor will deliver a detailed report of findings, along with guidance on your next steps for both NIST compliance and secure, efficient AI practices overall. These include specific controls to implement, metrics to measure against, and accountability assurance for organizational leaders.

One critical aspect of long-term AI compliance is the global emergence of similar AI governance frameworks. Getting started early is the best way to stay ahead of the curve in terms of AI best practices.

Benefits of NIST AI RMF

Working with a NIST AI RMF advisor will help you better understand and address the risks associated with any AI technology you’re using currently—or that you might adopt in the future. This means you’ll be better equipped to reap the benefits of AI without subjecting yourself to its potential risks.

The benefits include but are not limited to:

Secure AI systems
Trustworthy AI systems
Robust AI accountability
Efficient risk management
Streamlined compliance
Increased stakeholder trust
Future-proofed AI systems

Critically, this framework goes beyond basic security assurance to cover trustworthiness and accountability. It ensures your AI uses are compliant, ethical, and secured against both present risks and any that may emerge.

Download our Comprehensive NIST AI RMF Guide here

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Key Components of NIST AI Risk Management Advisory

Preparatory & Gap Analysis

Advisors document and study existing AI systems and the broader tech ecosystem they exist within to determine what kinds of risks are present. They analyze software, hardware, and network infrastructure that touches AI systems to identify security, ethical, and legal risk factors. And they’ll compare existing controls (or the lack thereof) to requirements in the NIST AI RMF and other applicable regulations to determine which new security solutions to build or buy.

Framework Development

Advisors work with your organization to create a customized framework of controls you can implement and manage efficiently to cover all the requirements across NIST AI RMF’s core functions. Not every entity needs to implement every single specification under Govern, Map, Measure, and Manage. Your advisor will create a tailored list of 10-25 controls that address the specific risks you’re most likely to face, streamlining both initial implementation and long-term maintenance.

Regulatory Compliance Support

Your AI risk management advisor will help you comply with the NIST AI RMF while also laying the groundwork for compliance with other emerging regulations. AI technology is rapidly evolving, and new laws are being developed across many countries and local jurisdictions. Your advisor will devise controls that meet NIST AI RMF specifications but leave room for further customization to meet or exceed future regulations based on your industry, location, or clients’ expectations.

Ongoing Risk Management

A critical part of risk management, both for NIST AI RMF compliance and more broadly, is implementing continuous monitoring and ongoing control. Your advisor will develop controls and management best practices that will scale upward with time and growth. An effective implementation will optimize your visibility and flexibility both now and into the future with accountability and communication channels, transparency assurances, and ethical principles embedded by design.

As your organization adopts new AI technology, we can assist with NIST AI RMF assessments to streamline risk management and compliance as part of the implementation process.

NIST AI RMF FAQs

Who needs to implement NIST AI RMF?

Any organization that makes heavy use of AI systems should consider implementing the NIST AI RMF. It is particularly important for organizations that manage sensitive data related to health, finance, and government.

What are the NIST AI RMF requirements?

The NIST AI RMF core functions are Govern, Map, Measure, and Manage. Each of these breaks down into specific controls that are based on the NIST cybersecurity framework (CSF) and other NIST standards.

What risks does NIST AI RMF address?

The NIST AI RMF addresses risks to security, privacy, and accountability that can impact people, organizations, and ecosystems.

How do you comply with NIST AI RMF?

Compliance with NIST AI RMF involves implementing a subset of its controls that address risks in your ecosystem, then assessing them to ensure efficacy.

What is NIST AI RMF advisory?

NIST AI RMF advisory is guidance provided by experts who will help you understand the risks inherent to your AI systems and how to address them as efficiently as possible.

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Why Choose RSI Security?

RSI Security is a leading provider of cyberdefense and compliance services. We’ve helped countless organizations comply with NIST security frameworks and other regulations. Our expert advisors leverage decades of experience securing AI systems, cloud infrastructure, and traditional hardware and software architecture to develop tailored, manageable implementation, assessment, and overall program advisory guidance.

Most importantly, we’re committed to serving organizations just like yours. We know that discipline upfront unlocks the freedom to grow down the line, and we’re committed to helping you rethink your AI risk management.

With RSI Security’s support, you’ll rethink and optimize your AI risk management.