Standards Comparison

    NIST 800-53

    Mandatory
    2020

    Federal catalog of security and privacy controls

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for aerospace quality management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    NIST 800-53 provides flexible security/privacy controls for federal systems and adopters via RMF, while AS9100 mandates quality management for aerospace firms. Companies use NIST for risk-managed cyber defense; AS9100 for certification ensuring product safety and supply chain integrity.

    Security Controls

    NIST 800-53

    NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 Security and Privacy Controls

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Comprehensive catalog of 20 security/privacy control families
    • Tailorable baselines for low/moderate/high impact levels
    • Outcome-based controls integrating privacy and supply chain
    • Machine-readable OSCAL formats enabling automation
    • Integrated with RMF for risk lifecycle management
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D: Quality Management Systems for Aerospace

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management for product integrity
    • Product safety processes across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention controls
    • Operational risk management in Clause 8
    • Enhanced supplier and supply chain controls

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    NIST 800-53 Details

    What It Is

    NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5 is the U.S. federal government's primary catalog of security and privacy controls for information systems and organizations. It provides a risk-based framework to protect confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy risks through flexible, outcome-oriented safeguards.

    Key Components

    • Organized into 20 control families (e.g., AC, AU, SR, PT) with over 1,100 base controls and enhancements.
    • Baselines in SP 800-53B for low/moderate/high impact plus privacy baseline.
    • Built on RMF (SP 800-37); supports OSCAL for machine-readable automation.
    • Compliance via selection, tailoring, assessment (SP 800-53A), authorization, monitoring.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors under FISMA/OMB A-130.
    • Manages diverse threats including supply chain, privacy risks.
    • Enables reciprocity, operational resilience, competitive edge in regulated sectors.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through auditable, evidence-driven assurance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased RMF approach: categorize, select/tailor baselines, implement, assess, monitor.
    • Applies to federal/non-federal; suits complex enterprises.
    • Requires governance, automation, audits; no formal certification but ATO processes.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements using a risk-based, process-oriented approach across 10 clauses.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit parts prevention (8.1.4), operational risk (8.1.1), enhanced supplier controls.
    • Built on Annex SL structure; certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets OEM/contractual mandates for market access.
    • Reduces defects, improves delivery, ensures supply chain integrity.
    • Manages safety risks, builds stakeholder trust, enhances competitiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
    • Applies to manufacturers, designers, MROs globally; requires documented evidence, continual improvement.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    NIST 800-53
    Security/privacy controls for info systems
    AS9100
    Quality mgmt for aerospace products/services

    Industry

    NIST 800-53
    Federal, critical infra, all sectors
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense manufacturing

    Nature

    NIST 800-53
    Voluntary control catalog, RMF framework
    AS9100
    Certification standard based on ISO 9001

    Testing

    NIST 800-53
    Continuous monitoring, SP 800-53A assessments
    AS9100
    Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance

    Penalties

    NIST 800-53
    No legal penalties, loss of authorization
    AS9100
    Certification loss, contract disqualification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about NIST 800-53 and AS9100

    NIST 800-53 FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages