What is the primary objective of **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The primary objective of MLPS 2.0 is to establish a graded cybersecurity protection system ensuring security controls match the potential harm from system compromise to national security, social order, and public interests.** It classifies systems into five levels (1-5) based on impact severity, mandating commensurate technical, management, physical, and personnel controls per GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019, and GB/T 28448-2019. This integrates cybersecurity into national stability objectives via common baselines and extended requirements for cloud, IoT, big data, and industrial systems.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**All network operators in mainland China, including domestic firms, foreign-invested enterprises, and multinationals with local systems, must comply with MLPS 2.0 under Article 21 of the 2017 Cybersecurity Law.** Scope covers virtually all IT/OT networks, cloud platforms, IoT, big data, and industrial controls; critical sectors (energy, finance, telecom) often grade Level 3+. Operators self-classify systems and file with local Public Security Bureaus (PSBs).

Does **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 mandates external security reviews by licensed Chinese firms for Level 2+ systems, with PSB approval required.** Reviews score controls (minimum 75/100) across technical, management, and physical domains per GB/T 28448-2019, including documentation, testing, and on-site inspections. Level 1 requires only self-assessment; higher levels demand periodic re-evaluations.

How often should an assessment for **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be performed?

**MLPS 2.0 requires periodic re-evaluations scaling by level: biennially for Level 2, annually for Level 3, semi-annually for Level 4, and as mandated for Level 5.** Self-assessments and inspections occur continuously; major changes (e.g., cloud migration) trigger immediate reclassification. PSBs enforce via ongoing supervision.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**Non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 risks administrative fines up to 100,000 yuan, operational suspensions, system shutdowns, and intensified PSB inspections.** Enforcement links to business license renewals; severe cases (e.g., incidents on ungraded systems) yield higher penalties, blacklisting, or criminal liability for managers, as seen in financial sector fines exceeding RMB 200 million.

An **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 control domains (governance, physical, network, data, operations) map to ISO 27001 Annex A and NIST CSF categories.** Common controls align with organizational/people/physical/technological themes; gap analyses leverage ISO Statements of Applicability for MLPS remediation, though MLPS adds prescriptive grading, PSB oversight, and data localization absent in voluntary frameworks.

What is the first step to begin implementing **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The first step is conducting a provisional self-assessment to classify systems into Levels 1-5 based on impact to national security, social order, and public interests.** Inventory assets, evaluate harm severity per GB/T 22239-2019 matrices, document rationale, then file with local PSB (within 30 days for Level 2+). Engage cross-functional teams for accuracy.

What is the primary objective of **ISO 21001**?

**ISO 21001 specifies requirements for an Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) to support competence acquisition through teaching, learning, or research while enhancing learner, beneficiary, and staff satisfaction.** It follows the Annex SL High-Level Structure and PDCA cycle across Clauses 4–10, embedding learner-centred principles like accessibility, ethical conduct, and data protection.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 21001**?

**ISO 21001 applies voluntarily to any organization delivering curriculum-based educational products or services, including schools, universities, vocational providers, and corporate training departments.** It targets entities supporting competence development via face-to-face, blended, or online delivery but excludes manufacturers of educational outputs.

Does **ISO 21001** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**ISO 21001 certification involves external audits by accredited bodies through Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (implementation verification), followed by annual surveillance and triennial recertification.** Internal audits (Clause 9.2) are mandatory for conformance, with external certification demonstrating public assurance of EOMS effectiveness.

How often should an assessment for **ISO 21001** be performed?

**ISO 21001 requires internal audits at planned intervals based on risk, changes, and results (Clause 9.2), typically quarterly for high-risk processes like assessment and data protection.** Management reviews occur at planned intervals (Clause 9.3), often annually, with ongoing monitoring of learner satisfaction and KPIs (Clause 9.1).

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ISO 21001**?

**Non-compliance with ISO 21001 risks loss of certification, surveillance audit failures, and reputational harm from inadequate learner outcomes or data breaches.** It exposes organizations to regulatory scrutiny, funding denials, and operational inefficiencies, as EOMS gaps undermine Clause 10 continual improvement and Clause 9 performance evidence.

An **ISO 21001** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, ISO 21001 aligns with other ISO management system standards via Annex SL High-Level Structure, enabling integrated systems with shared PDCA elements like context analysis, audits, and reviews.** Annex F provides mapping examples, such as to EQAVET, facilitating harmonization without normative dependencies.

What is the first step to begin implementing **ISO 21001**?

**The first step is conducting a gap analysis of current practices against ISO 21001 clauses, starting with organizational context (Clause 4), PESTEL-SWOT, and process mapping.** Secure leadership commitment (Clause 5), define EOMS scope, and prioritize high-impact areas like curriculum design and learner needs using VET21001 templates.

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) vs ISO 21001

Standards Comparison

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory

N/A

China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection regime

ISO 21001

Voluntary

2018

International standard for educational organizations management systems

Quick Verdict

MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China's networks via PSB enforcement, while ISO 21001 voluntarily certifies learner-centered educational management globally. China firms comply to avoid fines; educators adopt for quality assurance and market trust.

Standard

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

China's Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Five-level impact-based system classification
Mandatory PSB registration for Level 2+ systems
Prescriptive controls across technical and governance domains
Law enforcement oversight with on-site inspections
Extended requirements for cloud, IoT, and ICS

Educational Management

ISO 21001

ISO 21001: Educational organizations management systems

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Learner-centered management system with equity focus
Annex SL structure for ISO standards integration
Risk-based planning and PDCA continual improvement
Curriculum design, assessment validation controls
Data protection and accessibility requirements

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details

What It Is

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) is China's mandatory cybersecurity regulation under the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It classifies information systems into five protection levels based on compromise impact to national security and public interests, requiring graded technical, governance, and physical controls.

Key Components

Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, governance.
Standards: GB/T 22239-2019 (basics), GB/T 25070-2019 (technical), GB/T 28448-2019 (evaluation).
Common controls for all levels plus extended for cloud, IoT, ICS.
Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (75/100 score), PSB approval for Level 2+.

Why Organizations Use It

Legal mandate for all China network operators, avoiding fines, suspensions.
Enhances resilience, supports market access, license renewals.
Builds regulator trust, integrates with data laws (DSL, PIPL).

Implementation Overview

Phased: scoping, classification, gap analysis, remediation, audits, ongoing re-evaluations. Applies to all sizes in China; high complexity for multinationals. Mandatory external reviews for Level 2+.

ISO 21001 Details

What It Is

ISO 21001:2018 (updated to 2025) is an international management system standard titled Educational organizations — Management systems for educational organizations (EOMS). It specifies requirements to support competence acquisition via teaching, learning, or research, enhancing satisfaction of learners, beneficiaries, and staff. Applicable to any curriculum-based organization, it uses Annex SL High Level Structure and PDCA cycle with education-specific, risk-based approaches.

Key Components

Clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
11 principles: learner focus, accessibility, ethical conduct, data protection.
Education-focused: curriculum design (8.3), assessment controls (8.5), special needs provisions.
Certification via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance.

Why Organizations Use It

Improves learner outcomes, retention, satisfaction (+12-30%).
Meets regulatory/accreditation needs; manages risks like data breaches.
Builds trust, efficiency, market differentiation.
Aligns with SDGs, integrates with ISO 9001/27001.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits. For schools, universities, VET; 6-24 months. Requires leadership, templates (VET21001), internal audits.