What is NIST?

NIST stands for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. It provides a wide array of standards, guidelines, and resources across various fields, including cybersecurity, physics, chemistry, and engineering. Common uses include: developing cybersecurity frameworks (like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework), providing measurement standards for industry, conducting research in advanced technologies, and supporting innovation through grant programs.