ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
NIST 800-171
U.S. standard for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 31000 provides voluntary risk management guidelines for any organization worldwide, while NIST 800-171 mandates CUI security controls for US federal contractors. Companies adopt ISO 31000 for strategic resilience; NIST 800-171 for contract compliance.
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Defines risk as effect of uncertainty on objectives
- Eight principles for effective risk management
- Leadership commitment central to framework
- Iterative process for assessment and treatment
- Applicable to any organization and risk type
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Scoped to CUI processing, storage, transmission components
- 110 requirements across 14-17 control families
- Requires SSP and POA&M documentation artifacts
- Supports CUI enclave isolation for scoping
- FedRAMP Moderate equivalence for cloud services
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is a non-certifiable international standard from ISO providing flexible principles, framework, and process for managing risk. Its primary purpose is enabling organizations to systematically address uncertainty affecting objectives, creating and protecting value. The approach is principles-based and iterative, applicable universally.
Key Components
- **Eight principlesintegrated, structured, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement.
- Framework (Clause 5): leadership commitment, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement.
- Process (Clause 6): communication/consultation, scope/context/criteria, risk assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting. No fixed controls; guidelines only, no certification model.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances decision-making, resilience, opportunity realization. Drives governance integration, stakeholder trust, regulatory alignment. Offers competitive edge via better resource allocation, reduced losses.
Implementation Overview
Phased: executive alignment, gap analysis, pilot, rollout, monitoring. Tailored to any size/sector; focuses on culture, tools like GRC platforms. No audits required.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations) is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for safeguarding CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems. It applies to components processing, storing, or transmitting CUI or providing protection, using a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.
Key Components
- 17 families in Rev 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).
- Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test methods).
- Compliance model: self-assessment or third-party, integrated with CMMC.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal contractors via DFARS clauses.
- Reduces breach risks, ensures contract eligibility.
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in DoD supply chains.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls, evidence collection.
- Targets contractors handling CUI; scalable by enclave architecture.
- Audits via SPRS/CMMC; 6-36 months typical. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 31000 | NIST 800-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise-wide risk management guidelines | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems |
| Industry | All sectors, any organization globally | US federal contractors, defense supply chain |
| Nature | Voluntary guidelines, non-certifiable | Contractual requirements via DFARS |
| Testing | Internal reviews, continual improvement | SP 800-171A assessments, CMMC audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Contract loss, ineligibility, fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 31000 and NIST 800-171
ISO 31000 FAQ
NIST 800-171 FAQ
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