GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
NIST 800-171
U.S. standard for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems.
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates privacy rights for EU data subjects globally, while NIST 800-171 requires CUI safeguards for US contractors. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance and NIST for federal contracts, ensuring data protection and eligibility.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU subjects
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance proof
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
- 72-hour mandatory personal data breach notification
- Enhanced data subject rights including right to erasure
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Protects CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
- 110 requirements across 14-17 control families
- Mandates SSP and POA&M documentation
- Supports CUI enclave scoping strategy
- FedRAMP Moderate equivalence for cloud
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) is a binding EU regulation directly applicable across member states. It protects natural persons' rights regarding personal data processing and ensures free data movement in the digital single market. Adopts a risk-based, accountability-driven approach with extraterritorial scope.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, plus accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Obligations: DPO appointment, DPIAs, 72-hour breach notification, records of processing.
- Enforcement via DPAs with fines up to 4% global turnover; no certification but compliance demonstration required.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU data processors; reduces legal risks, avoids massive fines. Enhances trust, supports global compliance (Brussels Effect), enables secure data flows. Boosts reputation, innovation balance amid AI/digital challenges.
Implementation Overview
Risk assessments, policy updates, training, DPIAs, DPO hiring. Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data. Complex for SMEs; ongoing audits, no formal certification but EDPB guidance essential. Two-year transition highlighted preparation needs.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171 is a U.S. federal cybersecurity framework for protecting the confidentiality of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems. Its primary scope targets contractors and supply chains, using a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.
Key Components
- 17 families in Revision 3 (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management), with ~97-110 requirements.
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
- Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; uses examine/interview/test assessments via SP 800-171A.
- Compliance via self-assessment or third-party (e.g., CMMC Level 2).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD via DFARS 252.204-7012; enables federal contracts.
- Reduces breach risk, ensures CUI safeguarding.
- Builds trust, competitive edge in defense supply chains.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls, evidence collection.
- Applies to contractors handling CUI; all sizes, U.S.-focused.
- Audits via SPRS scoring; r3 current as of 2024. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | NIST 800-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data privacy rights | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems |
| Industry | All sectors, global reach | Defense contractors, US federal supply chain |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Contractual US security requirements |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing | SP 800-171A assessments, SSP/POA&M |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Contract ineligibility, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and NIST 800-171
GDPR FAQ
NIST 800-171 FAQ
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