NIST 800-53 vs. NIST 800-171

EXECUTIVE BRIEF

This blog provides a clear comparison between NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171, two critical cybersecurity standards in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Here's what defense contractors need to know:

• While both frameworks center on managing sensitive or classified systems, NIST 800-171 is tailored to non-federal systems handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• NIST 800-53 is the assessment criteria for FedRAMP baselines, while NIST 800-171 is the benchmark for CMMC Level 2
  
  

Dig deeper and continue learning below!

Operating in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) means learning to make your way through the host of legal code numbers and agency acronyms that dominate the business landscape. Like constellations in the sky, names and numbers like 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), DFARS 252.204-7012, and 10 U.S.C. § 2220 loom large across the industry, shaping the way defense contractors decide which way to steer their business.

Two codes that loom the largest are NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-171. 

This guide breaks down the distinctions and overlaps between these two vital standards, offering clear, actionable steps to help Department of Defense (DoD) contractors strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and achieve compliance with confidence. Understanding the differences between NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-171 will help you better understand the government’s regulatory framework for safeguarding federal data so you can ensure your business remains eligible for lucrative government contracts. 

NIST 800-53 vs. NIST 800-171

NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171 are standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), designed to improve cybersecurity frameworks. While they share similarities, they have distinct scopes and purposes:

• NIST 800-53 is a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls for the federal government’s own information systems.
• NIST 800-171 sets the standard for which of those security and privacy controls apply to organizations that contract with the federal government.

Let’s look at both in greater detail.

Overview of NIST 800-53

NIST SP 800-53 provides a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls tailored to federal agencies and federal information systems. It helps protect systems regulated by the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and is foundational for organizations handling highly sensitive or classified data. 

Comprehensive Framework for Federal Agencies

NIST 800-53 covers various security controls for risk management, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring FISMA compliance requirements. These controls are divided into 20+ control families, addressing areas like:

• Access Control (e.g., multi-factor authentication).  
• Incident Response (e.g., establishing response plans for cyber threats).  
• Identification and Authentication (e.g., user and device identity verification controls).  
• Personnel Security (e.g., background checks, terminations, and personnel vetting). 
• System and Communication Protection (e.g., encryption, segmentation, and secure communication).

This framework is adaptable based on the risk assessment and unique needs of each federal agency. It’s widely applicable across systems with varying sensitivity levels, making it highly flexible but complex.

The 14 requirements for CMMC Level 1 are actually derived from the Code of Federal Regulations, Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems. (They’re also covered in NIST 800-171 too. We’ll get back to that below.)

Use Cases for Contractors

• NIST 800-53 is targeted toward federal systems or those working directly with federal agencies.
• NIST 800-53 is rarely mandated for defense contractors unless they’re running or operating an information system on behalf of the government (e.g., FedRAMP systems).

Key Components

• Comprehensive Security Controls: With its detailed and broad scope, NIST 800-53 goes beyond civilian systems to cover mission-critical DoD operations.  
• Control Baselines: Tailored sets of controls for low, moderate, and high-impact systems.  
• Continuous Monitoring: Ensures real-time risk mitigation across federal information systems.

Overview of NIST 800-171  

NIST SP 800-171, on the other hand, is a subset of NIST 800-53, optimized for small and mid-size DoD contractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems, ensuring their compliance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012. NIST 800-171 extracts and streamlines the relevant controls from NIST 800-53, explicitly tailoring them for non-federal organizations.

Application within DFARS and CMMC

• NIST 800-171 compliance is explicitly mandated under DFARS 252.204-7012.  
• It is also foundational for obtaining Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, which is required for contractors working with CUI.

Clear and Streamlined Requirements

The NIST SP 800-171 framework includes:

• 14 Control Families
• 110 Security Requirements
• 320 Individual Assessment Objectives

Understanding and meeting these 320 objectives is essential for obtaining CMMC Level 2 and demonstrating compliance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012. 

Control Families Overview

• Access Control – Prevent unauthorized access.  
• Audit and Accountability – Track and log all system activity.  
• System and Communications Protection – Keep sensitive communications secure.  
• Incident Response – Respond effectively to security incidents.  

>> See accompanying guide for a full breakdown of the 14 families.

Benefits for Non-Federal Organizations

• Targeted Focus: Designed specifically for contractors handling CUI.  
• Lower Complexity: A practical framework for achieving compliance without the burden of NIST 800-53’s expansive controls.  

Steps for NIST 800-171 Compliance 

Compliance with NIST 800-171 is essential for safeguarding CUI and serves as a compliance baseline for future CMMC certification. Here are the basic steps:

1. Conduct a self-assessment using NIST 800-171A Rev2 to identify gaps in existing security measures.  
2. Develop a System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM).  
3. Implement all 110 security controls, as full compliance is required for certification.  
4. Engage in continuous monitoring and security assessments to ensure ongoing contingency planning, vulnerability assessments, and risk management framework updates. Unlike with federal systems, NIST 800-171 doesn't mandate real-time monitoring, but continuous monitoring remains a best practice—and is essential for maintaining readiness for CMMC Level 2.
5. Prepare for a CMMC Level 2 audit, which validates adherence to NIST 800-171 standards through a third-party assessment.  

Tips for Smooth Implementation  

• Use security posture tools and templates to simplify planning, tracking, and control implementation.  
• Prioritize employee training on security policies and CUI handling.  
• Partner with expert service providers like RPOs to streamline the compliance process and offload administrative burdens. 

How ISI Can Help  

Navigating complex cybersecurity frameworks like NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-53 can be daunting for federal contractors. This is where ISI’s compliance experts come in to simplify the process. With over 900 customers, 300+ years of compliance experience, and over 180 completed NIST assessments, we’re one of the first managed service providers to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification ourselves. We’ve been through the process, so we know how to guide our clients. 

Whether you’re new to compliance or looking to refine your cybersecurity posture, ISI is your trusted partner in securing government contracts.

FAQs 

What Is NIST 800-53 Used For?  

NIST 800-53 provides broad security and privacy controls to safeguard federal information systems and organizations. It establishes a comprehensive framework for risk management and protecting sensitive government data. 

Why Is NIST 800-171 Important for Contractors?  

NIST 800-171 is crucial for contractors as it focuses on safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance with its requirements is mandatory for government contractors under the DFARS 252.204-7012 clause, ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive data. 

Is NIST 800-171 Required for CMMC Certification?  

Yes, achieving compliance with NIST 800-171 is a critical prerequisite for attaining CMMC Level 2 certification. This alignment ensures contractors meet the necessary security standards to handle CUI per federal objectives.