NIST 101 - The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Explained

NIST references dominate this website and many other cybersecurity-focused pages.

Just who are NIST and why is everyone seemingly listening to their guidance?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was founded in 1901 to enhance competition by improving measurement infrastructure to compete with other world powers. It now provides technology, measurement and standards to support innovation as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Check out this illustrative video about NIST:

NIST measurements support large- and small-scale human technological endeavors in virtually every industry nation-wide, "from nanoscale devices so tiny that tens of thousands can fit on the end of a single human hair up to earthquake-resistant skyscrapers and global communication networks."

NIST's mission to advance measurement science, standards and technology underlies its vision: to establish itself as "the worlds leader in creating crucial measurement solutions and promoting equitable standards."

Do you use NIST standards in your business? Share your experience in the comments!