NIST 800-171
U.S. standard safeguarding CUI in nonfederal systems
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-171 mandates CUI cybersecurity for defense contractors via contracts and assessments, while ISO 26000 offers voluntary social responsibility guidance for all organizations. Companies adopt NIST for compliance and contracts; ISO for strategic ESG and stakeholder trust.
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Tailored requirements protecting CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
- Mandates SSP and POA&M for compliance documentation
- 17 control families from access to supply chain management
- Enables CUI enclave scoping for boundary isolation
- DFARS-enforced for DoD contractors handling covered data
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven principles underpinning socially responsible behavior
- Seven interconnected core subjects for holistic SR
- Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
- Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
- Integration into existing management systems
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 U.S. government framework providing security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Its primary scope targets contractors and supply chains, using a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.
Key Components
- 97 requirements across 17 families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management)
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
- Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test methods)
- Built on FIPS 200 and risk-commensurate tailoring
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD via DFARS 252.204-7012, enabling contract eligibility
- Reduces breach risks, enhances resilience
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in federal procurement
- Supports CMMC Level 2 certification
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping CUI enclaves, gap analysis, control deployment, evidence collection. Applies to all sizes handling CUI, especially defense; requires self/third-party assessments, no formal certification but SPRS scoring.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is the international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR), providing a voluntary framework rather than certifiable requirements. Its primary purpose is to help organizations integrate SR into governance, strategy, and operations across all sectors, sizes, and locations. It uses a principles-based, stakeholder-engaged approach emphasizing context-specific prioritization of impacts.
Key Components
- **Seven core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- **Seven principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- Holistic integration without auditable controls; no certification model.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and ESG alignment.
- Builds stakeholder trust and credibility via transparent reporting.
- Drives competitive advantages like market access and resilience; voluntary but aligns with regulations like OECD/SDGs.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training, reporting.
- Applicable universally; no certification, focuses on self-assessment and continuous improvement.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-171 | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems | Social responsibility across 7 core subjects |
| Industry | Defense contractors, federal supply chains | All organizations, all sectors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory via contracts (DFARS), certifiable | Voluntary guidance, explicitly non-certifiable |
| Testing | SPRS scoring, CMMC assessments, POA&M | Self-assessment, stakeholder reporting only |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, SPRS score penalties | No formal penalties, reputational risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-171 and ISO 26000
NIST 800-171 FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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