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 baseline, it applies risk-based controls to components processing, storing, or transmitting CUI, emphasizing scoped enclaves.

Key Components

• 97 requirements across 17 families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management).
• Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53 principles.
• Requires System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
• Companion SP 800-171A r3 for examine/interview/test assessments.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for DoD contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012 safeguarding CDI.
• Enables contract eligibility, CMMC Level 2 compliance, risk reduction.
• Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in federal supply chains.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: scope CUI boundaries, gap analysis, implement controls (MFA, SIEM), document SSP/POA&M. Applies to contractors of all sizes; audits via self or C3PAO. Timelines 6-36 months depending on scale.

What It Is

ISO 22301:2019 is the international standard titled Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements. It provides a certifiable framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). Its primary purpose is to enhance organizational resilience against disruptions like cyberattacks, pandemics, and natural disasters through a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach.

Key Components

• 10 clauses structured around Annex SL high-level structure (Clauses 4-10 core).
• Key pillars: context analysis (Clause 4), leadership commitment (5), planning with BIA/risk assessment (6), support/resources (7), operations/testing (8), evaluation/audits (9), improvement (10).
• No fixed controls; flexible, tailored requirements.
• Certification valid 3 years with annual surveillance audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives resilience, reduces downtime/financial losses, ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., NIS Directive), boosts stakeholder trust/reputation, and offers competitive edges like procurement advantages. Enhances risk management and integrates with ISO 27001.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, BIA, policy development, training, testing, audits. Applicable to all sizes/sectors globally. Certification via two-stage process (6-8 weeks readiness/effectiveness). Tools accelerate to 60 days.