NIST 800-171
U.S. framework protecting CUI in nonfederal systems
ISO 19600
Guidelines for compliance management systems.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-171 mandates CUI protection for federal contractors via controls and assessments, while ISO 19600 provides voluntary CMS guidelines for all organizations. Contractors adopt NIST for compliance; others use ISO for governance frameworks.
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Protects CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems and organizations
- Requires SSP and POA&M for implementation documentation
- Supports CUI enclave isolation for precise scoping
- Tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline
- Contractually enforced via DFARS for DoD contractors
ISO 19600
ISO 19600:2014 Compliance management systems — Guidelines
Key Features
- Risk-based compliance management framework
- Principles of good governance and proportionality
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
- Integration with existing management systems
- Scalable guidelines for all organization sizes
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 is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Its primary scope targets federal contractors and supply chains, using a control-based approach tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.
Key Components
- Organized into 17 families in Rev 3 (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management) with ~97-110 requirements.
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
- Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; companion SP 800-171A for assessments.
- Compliance via self-assessment or third-party audits like CMMC Level 2.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD via DFARS 252.204-7012; ensures contract eligibility.
- Reduces breach risks, builds supply chain trust.
- Enhances resilience, competitive edge in federal procurement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping CUI enclave, gap analysis, control deployment, evidence collection.
- Applies to contractors handling CUI; timelines 6-18 months.
- Audits via examine/interview/test methods; supports FedRAMP Moderate inheritance.
ISO 19600 Details
What It Is
ISO 19600:2014 is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guideline for establishing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). As a Type B guidance document, it provides non-certifiable recommendations rather than mandatory requirements. Its primary purpose is to help organizations of all sizes and sectors manage compliance obligations through a risk-based approach, aligned with Annex SL structure.
Key Components
- Ten clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Core principles: good governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.
- Built on PDCA cycle; integrates with ISO 9001, 14001.
- No fixed controls; emphasizes risk assessment, policy, training, monitoring.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal penalties, operational risks, reputational damage.
- Enhances efficiency, decision-making, market access.
- Builds stakeholder trust, culture of integrity.
- Prepares for ISO 37301 certification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: leadership commitment, gap analysis, design, rollout, improvement.
- Scalable for SMEs to multinationals, all industries.
- No formal certification; self-benchmarking, internal audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-171 | ISO 19600 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems | Compliance management systems guidelines |
| Industry | Defense contractors, federal supply chain | All organizations, all sectors |
| Nature | Mandatory via contracts (DFARS) | Voluntary guidelines (withdrawn) |
| Testing | SP 800-171A assessments, CMMC audits | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Contract loss, SPRS scoring impact | No direct penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-171 and ISO 19600
NIST 800-171 FAQ
ISO 19600 FAQ
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