NIST 800-53
U.S. federal catalog of security and privacy controls
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection and privacy.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-53 offers flexible security/privacy controls for federal and voluntary adopters managing CIA risks, while GDPR UK mandates personal data principles and rights for UK processors with hefty fines. Companies use NIST for robust frameworks, GDPR for legal compliance.
NIST 800-53
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 Security and Privacy Controls
Key Features
- Consolidated security and privacy controls across 20 families
- Risk-based baselines for low, moderate, high impact levels
- Tailoring and overlays with organization-defined parameters
- Outcome-based statements removing entity responsibilities
- OSCAL machine-readable formats for automation
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Seven core data processing principles
- Accountability principle requiring demonstrable compliance
- Data subject rights including access and erasure
- Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing
- 72-hour personal data breach notification
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 authoritative catalog of security and privacy controls for information systems and organizations. As a flexible, risk-informed framework, it protects confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy risks through outcome-based safeguards against diverse threats including cyber attacks and supply chain compromises.
Key Components
- 20 control families (e.g., AC Access Control, SR Supply Chain Risk Management, PT PII Processing) with over 1,100 base controls and enhancements.
- Baselines in companion SP 800-53B for Low/Moderate/High impact plus privacy baseline.
- Tailoring via overlays, parameters; assessed per SP 800-53A; integrated with RMF (SP 800-37). No central certification; uses authorization to operate (ATO).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors under FISMA and OMB A-130.
- Voluntary adoption builds resilience, supports FedRAMP, enables reciprocity.
- Manages enterprise risks, enhances procurement, boosts stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Follow **RMF lifecyclecategorize systems, select/tailor baselines, implement, assess, authorize, monitor continuously. Phased with OSCAL automation; suits all sizes, especially federal/critical infrastructure; requires audits via evidence and POA&Ms.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit data protection law, adapting EU GDPR via the Data Protection Act 2018. It is a binding regulation enforcing risk-based accountability for personal data processing by controllers and processors.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Controller/processor obligations (RoPA, contracts, DPIAs, security).
- No formal certification; compliance demonstrated via documentation and ICO enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for UK-established or targeting entities; fines up to 4% global turnover.
- Mitigates regulatory, reputational, operational risks.
- Builds trust, enables data-driven innovation, ensures cross-border compliance.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: data mapping (RoPA), policies/contracts, training, DPIAs, breach response. Applies to all sizes handling UK personal data; ICO audits enforce via fines/notices. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-53 | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security/privacy controls catalog for systems | Personal data processing principles/rights |
| Industry | Federal/contractors, voluntary private sector | All handling UK personal data, extra-territorial |
| Nature | Voluntary risk framework with baselines | Mandatory regulation with fines |
| Testing | SP 800-53A assessments, continuous monitoring | DPIAs for high-risk, no formal certification |
| Penalties | No direct fines, contract/federal consequences | Up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-53 and GDPR UK
NIST 800-53 FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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