NIST 800-171
U.S. standard protecting CUI in nonfederal systems
Australian Privacy Act
Australian federal law regulating personal information handling.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-171 mandates CUI security for US contractors via controls and assessments, while Australian Privacy Act enforces personal data protection through APPs and NDB scheme. Organizations adopt NIST for DoD contracts; Privacy Act for Australian compliance and breach avoidance.
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Tailored controls protecting CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
- Mandates SSP and POA&M for implementation documentation
- Scoped to CUI-processing components and security protectors
- 97 requirements across 17 families with ODPs (r3)
- Enables CUI enclave isolation and FedRAMP equivalence
Australian Privacy Act
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Key Features
- 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) for data lifecycle
- Notifiable Data Breaches scheme for serious harm incidents
- Cross-border disclosure accountability under APP 8
- Reasonable steps for security and retention (APP 11)
- OAIC enforcement with multimillion penalties
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 is a NIST special publication defining security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. This control-based framework, tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate, applies via federal contracts to contractors and supply chains, emphasizing scoped, risk-commensurate safeguards.
Key Components
- 97 requirements in 17 families (e.g., Access Control, Supply Chain Risk Management)
- SP 800-171A r3 assessment procedures (examine/interview/test)
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and POA&M
- ODPs for customization; tailoring via compensating controls
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012
- Ensures CMMC Level 2 eligibility and contract awards
- Mitigates breach risks, enhances supply chain resilience
- Builds federal procurement competitiveness and trust
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping CUI enclave, gap analysis, controls, evidence
- Suits all sizes handling CUI; self/third-party assessments
- SPRS scoring for DoD; ongoing monitoring required
Australian Privacy Act Details
What It Is
The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is Australia's principal federal regulation establishing baseline privacy standards for handling personal information. It applies economy-wide via 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), using a principles-based, risk-calibrated approach across the data lifecycle.
Key Components
- 13 APPs covering collection, use/disclosure, security (APP 11), cross-border (APP 8), and individual rights (APP 12-13).
- Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme mandating notifications for serious harm.
- OAIC oversight with guidance, audits, and enforcement; no formal certification, compliance via self-assessment and penalties up to AUD 50M.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for agencies and private entities >$3M turnover (plus exceptions like health providers).
- Mitigates regulatory fines, reputational damage, breach costs; builds trust, enables data flows.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, policies, controls, training, incident readiness. Targets medium-large orgs in Australia; ongoing audits, no certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-171 | Australian Privacy Act |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems | Personal information lifecycle handling |
| Industry | US federal contractors, defense supply chain | Australian organizations over $3M turnover |
| Nature | Contractual cybersecurity requirements | Mandatory privacy regulation with penalties |
| Testing | SPRS scoring, CMMC assessments | OAIC audits, NDB breach assessments |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, SPRS score loss | AUD 50M fines, civil penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-171 and Australian Privacy Act
NIST 800-171 FAQ
Australian Privacy Act FAQ
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