FROM COMPLIANCE AUDIT TO CONTINUOUS CONTROL: IMPLEMENTING AI BASED SECURITY POSTURE MANAGEMENT ENSURE REAL TIME ADHERENCE NIST CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORKS

This study examines the paradigm shift from periodic, audit-based cybersecurity compliance to AI-enabled continuous control within Critical Infrastructure (CI) environments. As CI systems face escalating threats, traditional compliance models prove inadequate for ensuring real-time security. The research investigates how Artificial Intelligence-Based Security Posture Management (ASPM) facilitates continuous monitoring, automated threat detection, and dynamic policy enforcement, enabling real-time adherence to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Through a synthesis of academic and industry literature, the analysis highlights the operational benefits, organizational challenges, and governance implications of this transition. The findings demonstrate that ASPM enhances resilience and compliance readiness but requires addressing technical integration, workforce skills, and evolving regulatory standards. The study concludes by offering recommendations for CI operators, policymakers, and future research to optimize the adoption of intelligent, continuous security controls.