ISO 37001 vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's regulation for graded cybersecurity protection of networks
Quick Verdict
ISO 37001 offers voluntary global anti-bribery certification for risk mitigation and trust, while MLPS 2.0 mandates China's graded cybersecurity for all networks, enforced by PSBs. Companies adopt ISO for ethics leadership; MLPS to avoid fines and operate legally.
ISO 37001
ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems
Key Features
- Risk-based anti-bribery management system framework
- Third-party due diligence and monitoring requirements
- Leadership commitment with dedicated compliance function
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement and audits
- Financial and non-financial controls proportionality
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0 (MLPS 2.0)
Key Features
- Five-level impact-based system classification
- Mandatory PSB registration and audits for Level 2+
- Technical controls for cloud, IoT, big data
- Governance and personnel security requirements
- Law enforcement oversight and periodic re-evaluations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37001 Details
What It Is
ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems is an international certifiable standard providing requirements for establishing, implementing, and improving an ABMS. It focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to bribery risks across organizations, using a risk-based, proportionate approach aligned with the ISO Harmonized Structure and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
- Core elements: anti-bribery policy, risk assessments, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls, training, reporting, audits.
- Built on proportionality to bribery risks; optional third-party certification with surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via evidentiary due diligence.
- Enhances reputation, stakeholder trust, ESG alignment; reduces compliance costs up to 15%.
- Provides competitive edge in tenders, third-party management; drives cultural integrity.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, control design, training rollout, audits.
- Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical; certification via accredited bodies.
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details
What It Is
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) is China's mandatory regulatory framework for graded cybersecurity of information systems, mandated by the 2016 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It classifies networks into five levels based on compromise impact to national security, social order, and public interests, applying impact-based risk assessment across technical, governance, and physical domains.
Key Components
- Core pillars: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, governance.
- Standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019 define controls; extended for cloud, IoT, big data.
- Built on common baselines plus level-specific requirements; compliance via PSB filing, third-party audits (70/100 score minimum for Level 2+).
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal obligation for China network operators; avoids fines, suspensions.
- Enhances resilience, aligns with data laws; builds regulator trust.
- Competitive edge in critical sectors like finance, energy.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: classify, gap analysis, remediate, audit, ongoing re-evaluation.
- Applies to all sizes in China; Level 2+ needs licensed audits, PSB approval. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37001 | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Anti-bribery management systems only | All network cybersecurity graded protection |
| Industry | All sectors globally, any organization | All network operators in China specifically |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory national regulatory scheme enforced by PSBs |
| Testing | Third-party certification audits, PDCA cycle | Expert reviews, PSB approvals, periodic re-evaluations |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification | Fines, operational suspensions, enforcement actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37001 and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
ISO 37001 FAQ
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
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