CMMC vs NIST 800 171, What’s the Difference? 

Businesses have a lot to worry about these days, and compliance with government regulations is one of those concerns. Two important compliance frameworks are NIST 800 171 and CMMC. But what’s the difference between them? And which one should your business be following? 

In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and help you decide which framework your business should comply with.

NIST 800 171

Background: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency that develops technical standards for the U.S. government. NIST 800 171 is a set of security requirements for non-federal information systems and organizations.

Purpose: The purpose of NIST 800 171 is to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. CUI is information that the government considers sensitive but not classified.

Compliance: Organizations must follow NIST 800 171 in order to comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The FAR requires contractors and subcontractors to implement security measures for CUI.

CMMC

Background: The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Purpose: The purpose of CMMC is to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in DoD systems and organizations.

Compliance: Organizations must follow CMMC in order to comply with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The DFARS requires contractors and subcontractors to implement security measures for CUI.

Similarities

-NIST 800 171 and CMMC are both compliance frameworks that protect Controlled Unclassified Information.

-Both frameworks have similar backgrounds and purposes.

– Required organizations must follow the frameworks to comply with federal regulations.

Differences

-NIST 800 171 is a set of security requirements developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. CMMC is a framework that was developed by the Department of Defense.

– NIST 800 171 is for non-federal information systems and organizations. CMMC is for DoD systems and organizations.

– The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires contractors and subcontractors to implement security measures for CUI. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requires contractors and subcontractors to implement security measures for CUI.

CMMC vs NIST 800 171: Which Standard Does My Business Need To Comply With?

So, which compliance framework should your business follow? If your company provides products or services to the DoD, you will need to comply with CMMC. If your business offers products or services to a non-federal government agency, you may need to comply with NIST 800 171.

Additionally, if your business is a prime contractor or subcontractor on a DoD contract, then you will need to comply with CMMC.

How Does NIST Compliance Benefit SMBs?

Even if your company is not required to comply with NIST 800 171, there are significant benefits for SMBs within the private sector following the NIST cybersecurity framework. 

The NIST cybersecurity framework is a constantly evolving process that reflects the dangers and realities of the current cyber threat landscape. You’ve undoubtedly realized that digital threats and cybercriminals forever change tactics and attack methods. Considering the unpredictable nature of cyber threats, the NIST cybersecurity framework is an adaptable method for enforcing proven cybersecurity methods within your organization. 

Experts like Envision Consulting can help you implement the NIST cybersecurity framework and protect your company. In fact, cybersecurity experts highly recommend that companies across sectors, and independent of size, follow the framework for optimal security. 

Where Should I Start?

Whether your business needs to comply with CMMC vs NIST 800 171, talking to a compliance consultant is the best place to start. A compliance consultant can help you assess which standard your business needs to follow and develop a compliance plan.

At Envision Consulting, we have a team of compliance experts that can help your business with NIST 800 171, CMMC, HIPAA, PCI, or any other type of compliance. Contact us today to learn more about our managed services and how we can help your business successfully pass a compliance audit.