AS9110C
Aerospace standard for aviation MRO quality management systems
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity framework for essential cyber hygiene
Quick Verdict
AS9110C ensures quality management for aerospace MRO via certification, while CIS Controls provide prioritized cybersecurity hygiene for all organizations. MROs adopt AS9110C for regulatory compliance; others use CIS for scalable threat mitigation.
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance Organizations
Key Features
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection controls
- Configuration management for airworthiness traceability
- Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
- Human factors integration in competence assessments
- Project management for maintenance service delivery
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized controls with 153 actionable safeguards
- Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for maturity scaling
- Technology-agnostic, pragmatic best practices
- Mappings to NIST, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001
- Free tools like Benchmarks, CIS-CAT for assessment
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an internationally recognized certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding risk-based thinking (RBT), PDCA cycles, and MRO-specific controls for safety-critical operations.
Key Components
- Core clauses (4-10): Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
- MRO additions: Configuration management, counterfeit prevention, human factors, project-based service delivery.
- Principles: Process approach, documented information, organizational knowledge.
- Third-party certification via accredited registrars with Stage 1/2 audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (EASA/FAA Part-145).
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events.
- Enhances market access via IAQG OASIS listing.
- Drives efficiency, on-time delivery, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally.
- Requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification.
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) v8.1 is a community-driven cybersecurity framework of prioritized, actionable best practices. It focuses on reducing cyber risks through 18 controls and 153 safeguards, emphasizing governance, asset management, and hybrid/cloud defenses via a risk-based, implementation-group approach (IG1–IG3).
Key Components
- 18 prioritized controls covering asset inventory, data protection, secure configuration, access management, vulnerability management, logging, malware defenses, incident response, and penetration testing.
- Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) scaling safeguards by organizational maturity: IG1 (56 essential hygiene), IG2/IG3 (advanced).
- Built on real-world attack data; maps to NIST, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001.
- No formal certification; self-assessed compliance via tools like CIS-CAT.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives risk mitigation, regulatory alignment, operational efficiency, and market trust. Reduces breach probability, accelerates compliance, lowers costs, and provides evidence for insurers/partners.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: governance, gap analysis, foundational controls (3–9 months), expansion (6–18 months), ongoing validation. Applies to all sizes/industries; uses automation, metrics, and cross-functional teams.
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9110C | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace MRO QMS with safety, configuration, counterfeit controls | Prioritized cybersecurity safeguards across 18 domains |
| Industry | Aerospace maintenance organizations globally | All industries worldwide, scalable by size/risk |
| Nature | Certification standard based on ISO 9001 | Voluntary best practices framework with IGs |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits | Self-assessment, continuous monitoring, no certification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | No formal penalties, increased breach risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9110C and CIS Controls
AS9110C FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
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