MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) vs ISO 28000
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection regime
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems
Quick Verdict
MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China's networks via PSB enforcement, while ISO 28000 offers voluntary supply chain security management globally. China firms adopt MLPS for legal compliance; global firms choose ISO for resilience and certification.
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0 (MLPS 2.0)
Key Features
- Five-level impact-based classification of systems
- Mandatory PSB registration and approval Level 2+
- Third-party audits with 70/100 passing score
- Extended controls for cloud IoT ICS big data
- Law enforcement oversight by Public Security Bureaus
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based supply chain security assessment and treatment
- Leadership commitment and security policy requirements
- Supplier and third-party governance controls
- Incident response and recovery planning
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
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 2.0) is China's legally enforceable regulatory framework for hierarchical cybersecurity protection. Mandated by Article 21 of the 2017 Cybersecurity Law, it requires all network operators to classify systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests. It employs an impact-based classification model with technical, governance, and management controls scaling by level.
Key Components
- Domains: physical security, network protection, data security, operations monitoring, personnel management.
- Standards: GB/T 22239-2019 (baseline), GB/T 25070-2019 (technical), GB/T 28448-2019 (evaluation).
- Extensions for cloud, IoT, big data, industrial controls.
- Compliance: self-assessment, third-party audits (Level 2+ scoring 70/100), PSB approval, re-evaluations.
Why Organizations Use It
- Avoids fines, license suspensions, inspections.
- Meets legal obligations for China operations.
- Strengthens risk management, resilience.
- Enables market access, builds regulator trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: inventory, classify, gap analysis, remediate, audit, monitor.
- Targets all mainland China network operators.
- PSB enforcement requires local expertise.
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international certification standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a security management system (SMS) focused on supply chain security and resilience. It adopts a risk-based approach using the PDCA cycle to manage threats across people, assets, infrastructure, and information.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes risk assessment, security controls, incident response, supplier governance, and continual improvement.
- Built on ISO High Level Structure for integration with standards like ISO 22301 and ISO 27001.
- Optional certification via accredited bodies per ISO 28003.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates risks like theft, sabotage, and disruptions; reduces incident costs and insurance premiums.
- Meets contractual, regulatory, and trade facilitation needs (e.g., C-TPAT equivalents).
- Enhances resilience, market access, stakeholder trust, and competitive edge in logistics, manufacturing, and more.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, risk assessment, controls deployment, audits, certification.
- Scalable for all sizes/industries; 6-36 months typical.
- Involves training, supplier engagement, KPIs, and management reviews.
Key Differences
| Aspect | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for all info systems in China | Supply chain security management globally |
| Industry | All sectors in mainland China | Logistics, manufacturing worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory legal regime, PSB enforced | Voluntary management system standard |
| Testing | Level 2+ third-party audits, PSB approval | Internal audits, optional certification |
| Penalties | Fines, suspensions, license revocation | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) and ISO 28000
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
CMMC Level 3 Implementation Guide: Integrating NIST SP 800-172 Enhanced Controls for APT Defense
Step-by-step CMMC Level 3 guide for DIB contractors. Implement 24 NIST SP 800-172 controls on Level 2. Prep for DIBCAC, C3PAO scoping & 180-day POA&Ms. Boost cy
Top 5 Reasons HITRUST CSF's MyCSF Platform Crushes Evidence Overload for R2 Assessments in Hybrid Cloud Environments
Explore top 5 advantages of HITRUST MyCSF for 1,400+ R2 controls in hybrid clouds. Slash docs by 30%, dodge under-scoping, achieve continuous compliance for hea
Beyond the Boardroom: 5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Elevates Every Department
Discover 5 ways modern compliance software boosts HR, IT, finance & more: automate risks, enhance efficiency, ensure data integrity, stay audit-ready. Elevate y
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Explore More Comparisons
See how MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) and ISO 28000 compare against other standards