Key Takeaways
1. NIST 800-171 focuses on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for non-federal entities like government contractors, whereas NIST 800-53 provides a broader range of security and privacy controls for federal agencies and their contractors.
2. NIST 800-171 has 110 security controls organized into 14 families, whereas NIST 800-53 offers over 1,150 controls divided into 20 families.
3. IS Partners specializes in helping organizations comply with security frameworks, including NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-53.
What Is the Difference Between NIST 800-53 and 800-17?
NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171 is issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and outlines recommended security standards and best practices for protecting CUI.
On the other hand, NIST Special Publication 800-53 sets cybersecurity compliance standards for U.S. information systems and organizations. This publication offers a flexible security and privacy control catalog, which can be adapted to various organizations and cloud service providers and is designed to address evolving cyber threats and regulations.
Also, note that NIST 800-53 is designed to integrate with existing risk management processes so that organizations secure their personal information systems and protect individual privacy.
Both frameworks are technically proven through self-assessments. Despite this, employing the help of an auditor makes the process more accurate and efficient.
With both frameworks, the requirements are vague, and the standard doesn’t always provide a ton of context. The use of a third-party expert ensures that the client gains a complete understanding of the requirements related to their organization/scope.
In addition, we have an understanding of the certification processes and can anticipate what evidence clients should be prepared to have and gather for assessments.
Overview of Differences Between NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-53
| Parameters | NIST 800-171 | NIST 800-53 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects CUI on contractors’ networks. | It covers security and privacy controls for federal information systems. |
| Set of Controls | 110 controls organized into 14 families. | Over 1,150 controls are organized into 20 families. |
| Application | Applies to non-federal systems and organizations like contractors and subcontractors handling CUI. | Applies to federal agencies and their contractors managing federal information systems. |
| Process of Compliance | Define scopeCollect documentationConduct gap analysisCreate plansGather audit evidence | Inventory assetsTrain employeesControl access implement monitoring |
| Commonalities | Both use a risk-based approach and cover areas such as access control to monitor unauthorized access, incident response, risk assessment, and system monitoring. | Both use a risk-based approach and cover areas such as access control, incident response, risk assessment, and system monitoring. |
NIST 800-171 vs NIST 800-53: Key Differences And Contrasts
NIST SP 800-53 and 800-171 set security standards for working with government data. SP 800-53 provides strict guidelines for those accessing federal IT systems, while 800-171 is more flexible for those handling controlled information.
This overview will give you a deep dive into their differences, who they apply to, and how organizations can comply.
Below, we further dissect the difference between the two NIST programs based on different parameters.
Scope
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 is focused on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from non-federal organizations. It aims to ensure that sensitive government information on contractors’ networks remains secure and protected.
NIST 800-53
NIST 800-53 covers various security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations. The mandatory standard has been updated to include both privacy and security controls and to align with other cybersecurity and risk management approaches.
Number of Controls
NIST 800-171
NIST 800-171 consists of 110 security controls organized into 14 families. The specific requirements are derived from the moderate baseline of NIST 800-53. These families include:
- Access Control
- Awareness and Training
- Audit and Accountability
- Configuration Management
- Identification and Authentication
- Incident Response
- Maintenance
- Media Protection
- Personnel Security
- Physical Protection
NIST 800-53
The NIST 800-53 cybersecurity framework includes over 1,150 security controls organized into 20 control families. It provides a more comprehensive and detailed set of security and privacy controls compared to 800-171.
- Access Control
- Awareness and Training
- Audit and Accountability
- Security Assessment, Authorization, and Monitoring
- Configuration Management
- Contingency Planning
- Identification and Authentication
- Incident Response
- Maintenance
- Media Protection
- Physical and Environmental Protection
- Planning
- Program Management
- Personnel Security
- PII Processing and Transparency
- Risk Assessment
- System and Services Acquisition
- System and Communications Protection
- System and Information Integrity
- Supply Chain Risk Management
Application of the Standard
NIST 800-171
NIST 800-171 applies to non-federal organizations, such as contractors and subcontractors, that process, store, or handle CUI on behalf of federal agencies. This standard ensures that CUI remains protected when handled outside of federal systems.
Some examples include:
- Defense Contractors
- IT Service Providers
- Research Institutions
- Healthcare Providers
- Financial Institutions
- Consulting Firms
- Legal and Accounting Firms
- Educational Institutions
- Subcontractors
- Government Service Providers
NIST 800-53
NIST 800-53 applies primarily to federal agencies and their contractors that handle federal information systems. It provides a framework for securing federal information systems and managing associated risks.
Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties. Some non-federal organizations voluntarily adopt 800-53 to strengthen their security posture. The control baselines are intended to ensure that federal information systems and organizations maintain adequate security and privacy protections.
Some examples include:
- Federal agencies like FDA, OSHA, CPSC and FTC
- Federal contractors
- Federal information systems
- Government grantees
- Federal service providers
- State and local governments
- Federal financial institutions
- Research institutions
Process of Compliance
NIST 800-171
NIST 800-171 compliance is proven through a self-assessment process, not an official audit or certification. Organizations must assess themselves against the 110 security requirements.
Third-party auditors can help you prepare for compliance by conducting a thorough review of your status. To get there, you need to take several steps to avoid becoming time-consuming. The steps are:
- Define Scope. Review NIST 800-171 to determine compliance requirements and adjust system boundaries.
- Collect Documentation. To support your audit, gather records on system architecture, data flow, personnel, and procedures.
- Conduct Gap Analysis. Identify and document gaps between current security practices and NIST 800-171 requirements, focusing on key access controls.
- Create Plans. Develop a NIST-compliant security plan, a remediation strategy, and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
- Gather Audit Evidence. Collect and organize evidence to demonstrate compliance with NIST 800-171 criteria and track changes.
NIST 800-53
A NIST audit will assess whether your organization’s standards and controls align with NIST requirements. Federal agencies are required to comply with NIST 800-53 as part of the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), and they must assess their own compliance with the standard.
Independent auditors and assessors may evaluate an organization’s compliance with NIST 800-53 as part of a broader security audit or assessment. However, this does not result in an official “NIST 800-53 certification”.
Here are the steps included for the NIST 800-53 assessment:
- Inventory Assets. Identify and classify all your data, servers, and devices by their sensitivity and importance to prioritize security.
- Train Employees. Set up training to help employees recognize phishing and ransomware threats and establish policies to control data access based on necessity.
- Control Access. Create and manage access controls for employees, vendors, and systems to ensure only authorized users can access critical assets.
- Implement Continuous Monitoring. Establish monitoring and alert systems for data, network activity, and endpoints to detect and respond to threats quickly.
Protect Federal Information Through Compliance with NIST Standards
NIST 800-171 guidelines can significantly benefit your organization, even if you’re not required to by contract. They offer a solid framework for creating effective security procedures and controls to protect your operations well.
Meanwhile, NIST 800-53 is a versatile framework that can be applied by any organization seeking to enhance its security measures. Whether starting a new security program, overhauling existing systems, or improving your current setup, NIST 800-53 provides a comprehensive and adaptable approach.
As a business head, you need to ask yourself, “How will NIST 800-171 or NIST 800-53 help my organization achieve its goals?” Determine which of the two has fewer dependencies, is more efficient, and is cost-effective. Alternatively, consider using both for maximum efficiency.
However, for this to happen smoothly, you need the help of an expert who knows the nuts and bolts of NIST compliance and cybersecurity measures. With over 20 years of experience in the field, IS Partners has helped thousands of companies achieve compliance.
If you’re confused about choosing both standards, our auditors will help you choose one or help you implement both.
Contact us to find out how we can support your journey to stronger security and compliance. Let’s discuss how we can build your company’s defenses together with NIST publications.
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