NIST CSF
Voluntary risk-based framework for cybersecurity management
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations.
Quick Verdict
NIST CSF provides voluntary cybersecurity risk management for all organizations, while AS9110C mandates certified quality controls for aerospace MROs. Companies adopt NIST CSF for flexible threat mitigation and AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access.
NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Key Features
- Introduces Govern function as central cybersecurity governance hub
- Enables Profiles for current vs target gap analysis
- Provides four Tiers to assess risk management maturity
- Structures around six Functions for risk lifecycle management
- Maps subcategories to standards like ISO 27001 NIST 800-53
AS9110C
AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking embedded in maintenance planning
- Configuration management and part traceability controls
- Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention program
- Human factors integration in competence and audits
- Alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145 regulations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIST CSF Details
What It Is
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (CSF 2.0) is a voluntary, risk-based guideline developed by NIST for managing cybersecurity risks. It provides a flexible structure applicable to organizations of any size or sector, emphasizing outcomes over prescriptive controls through its Core, Tiers, and Profiles.
Key Components
- **Framework CoreSix Functions (Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover), 22 Categories, 112 Subcategories with informative references to standards like ISO 27001 and NIST 800-53.
- **Implementation TiersFour levels (Partial to Adaptive) for evaluating risk management sophistication.
- **ProfilesCurrent and Target alignments for gap analysis. No formal certification; self-attestation suffices.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances risk prioritization, fosters common cybersecurity language for stakeholders, supports compliance demonstration, improves supply chain oversight, and builds trust via strategic risk integration. Mandatory for U.S. federal agencies; voluntary elsewhere for best practices.
Implementation Overview
Start with Quick Start Guides for Profiles and gap analysis. Involves asset inventory, policy development, monitoring setup. Suited globally across industries; scalable for SMEs to enterprises via Tiers. Audits optional through third parties. (178 words)
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations, published by SAE under IAQG. It extends ISO 9001:2015's High Level Structure with aerospace-specific, risk-based controls for safety-critical processes.
Key Components
- 10 clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, release-to-service.
- Built on PDCA cycle, risk-based thinking (RBT), documented information.
- Voluntary certification model via accredited registrars.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables contract wins with OEMs/airlines requiring certification.
- Aligns with regulations like FAA/EASA Part-145.
- Mitigates safety/liability risks, boosts efficiency/on-time delivery.
- Builds stakeholder trust, market differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits, certification.
- Targets MROs globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires operational evidence (3+ months data) for audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST CSF | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity risk management across functions | Aerospace MRO quality management processes |
| Industry | All sectors worldwide, any size | Aerospace maintenance organizations globally |
| Nature | Voluntary risk management framework | Certification quality management standard |
| Testing | Self-assessments, profiles, tiers | Internal/external audits, certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of posture | Certification loss, regulatory/contractual sanctions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST CSF and AS9110C
NIST CSF FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
CMMC Cost Calculator: Realistic Budgets for Levels 1-3, C3PAO Fees, and ROI for Small DIB Suppliers
Calculate realistic CMMC costs for Levels 1-3: self-assessments, C3PAO fees, tooling, remediation & ROI. Interactive tool for small DIB suppliers. Get benchmark
Top 10 Reasons ISO 27701 is the Ultimate Privacy Boost for Your ISO 27001 ISMS in 2025
Extend ISO 27001 with ISO 27701 for ultimate privacy governance amid GDPR & AI regs. Discover top 10 advantages like integrated audits to future-proof your ISMS
The Regulatory Radar: How Data-Driven Compliance Tools Provide Strategic Foresight
Unlock strategic foresight with data-driven compliance tools. Act as your regulatory radar: real-time monitoring, automated insights, and 3x cost cuts. Anticipa
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.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
HIPAA vs ISO 50001
Compare HIPAA vs ISO 50001: Balance data privacy/security rules with energy management for compliant, efficient healthcare. Cut risks, boost sustainability—dive in!
CMMC vs IEC 62443
Compare CMMC vs IEC 62443: DoD maturity model (NIST-based levels 1-3 for FCI/CUI) vs OT/IACS standards (zones, SL 0-4). Key diffs, compliance paths & strategies. Secure now!
TOGAF vs IEC 62443
Compare TOGAF vs IEC 62443: Enterprise architecture powerhouse meets industrial cybersecurity standard. Align IT/OT governance, risk & strategy for resilient ops. Discover key differences now!