NIST 800-53
U.S. catalog of security and privacy controls
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-53 provides flexible security/privacy controls for federal systems and contractors via RMF, while AS9120B mandates QMS certification for aerospace distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt NIST for risk-managed compliance, AS9120B for supply chain market access.
NIST 800-53
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 Security and Privacy Controls
Key Features
- 20 control families integrating security and privacy
- Risk-based baselines for low/moderate/high impact levels
- Outcome-based controls enabling tailoring and overlays
- Machine-readable OSCAL formats for automation
- Full integration with RMF lifecycle processes
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspect unapproved parts prevention
- Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
- Risk-based external provider evaluation and flowdown
- Configuration management via sales orders
- Preservation and product safety awareness requirements
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 flexible, risk-based framework to protect confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy risks through standardized 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.
- Outcome-based statements, parameters, tailoring, overlays; linked to SP 800-53A assessments and RMF (SP 800-37).
- OSCAL machine-readable formats enable automation.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal agencies via FISMA/OMB A-130; voluntary for others.
- Manages diverse threats, enables reciprocity, builds trust.
- Strategic resilience, compliance leverage, supply chain assurance.
Implementation Overview
- **RMF lifecyclecategorize, select/tailor baselines, implement, assess, authorize, monitor.
- Phased for all sizes/industries; high documentation, automation recommended. No formal certification; audits via assessments.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure traceability, prevent counterfeit parts, and maintain product conformity without altering characteristics. Adopts risk-based thinking and PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, external providers), performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on 10-clause HLS; requires documented information, not full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks like traceability loss, counterfeits.
- Builds customer trust, market access (2,442 global certs).
- Enhances efficiency, reduces nonconformities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- For distributors globally; cross-functional teams.
- Stage 1/2 certification audits required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-53 | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security/privacy controls catalog for info systems | QMS for aerospace parts distribution/traceability |
| Industry | Federal/contractors, any processing info globally | Aerospace distributors, aviation/space/defense |
| Nature | Voluntary control framework with baselines | Certification standard based on ISO 9001:2015 |
| Testing | RMF assessments, continuous monitoring, 800-53A | Internal audits, certification body surveillance audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, contract/FedRAMP loss | No legal penalties, certification loss/market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-53 and AS9120B
NIST 800-53 FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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