What It Is

NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate, it applies to contractors via contracts like DFARS 252.204-7012, focusing on components processing, storing, or transmitting CUI.

Key Components

• 17 families (Rev 3) with ~97 requirements covering access control, audit, configuration, and new areas like supply chain risk.
• Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53 baselines.
• Mandates System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
• Assessed via SP 800-171A procedures (examine/interview/test).

Why Organizations Use It

• Ensures contract eligibility for DoD/federal work.
• Mitigates breach risks and incident reporting obligations.
• Builds CMMC Level 2 readiness and supply chain trust.
• Enhances cybersecurity posture competitively.

Implementation Overview

Phased: scope CUI enclave, gap analysis, implement controls, document SSP/POA&M, continuous monitoring. Applies to contractors handling CUI; requires self/third-party assessments, no formal certification but SPRS scoring.

What It Is

APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding regulation for APRA-regulated financial entities in Australia. Effective from 1 July 2019, it mandates maintaining information security capabilities commensurate with threats to ensure resilience against incidents impacting confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information assets, including those managed by third parties. It adopts a risk-based, assurance-driven approach focused on governance, controls, and testing.

Key Components

• Governance with Board ultimate responsibility (para 13)
• Asset classification by criticality/sensitivity (para 20)
• Commensurate controls across asset lifecycle (para 21)
• Systematic testing and internal audit assurance (paras 27-34)
• 72-hour APRA notification for material incidents (para 35) No fixed control count; principles-based with third-party extensions.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for ADIs, insurers, super funds; enforces prudential stability, minimizes cyber risks, builds stakeholder trust, avoids penalties.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, policy framework, asset inventory, testing programs. Applies to all sizes in Australian finance; no certification but APRA supervision and notifications required. (178 words)