Get Familiar With NIST 800-53: Key Things To Know

The world of compliance continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making it increasingly challenging to keep up with the various compliance frameworks. Meanwhile, ransomware, malware, and other new cybersecurity threats continue to assault every online organization. The more valuable the confidential data at risk, the more crucial it is to maintain the security of your systems. Being compliant with the security frameworks that are important to your industry is critical to maintaining credibility with your customers.

Today, we will acquaint you with the NIST 800-53 framework. It was first introduced in 2005 by the US Federal Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with expert input from a working group comprising members from defense, intelligence, and civil government, as well as cybersecurity specialists and organizations. With the publication of version 5 in late 2020, the framework was given a major overhaul.

In this blog, we will discuss what the NIST 800-53 framework is, who must comply with it, what data the NIST 800-53 framework protects, and what benefits it can bring to your organization — especially for those pursuing NIST compliance, NIST 800-53 compliance, or looking to implement modern compliance automation

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What is NIST 800-53?

NIST Special Publication 800-53, commonly referred to as NIST 800-53, is a set of security guidelines designed to protect information systems against various threats. It was created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to strengthen the US government’s information systems against known threats. The framework outlines security and privacy controls designed to safeguard users’ privacy while ensuring the uninterrupted operation of information systems.

NIST 800-53 is part of a larger set of guidelines published by NIST to assist federal agencies in meeting the objectives of the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). As such, FISMA compliance is directly tied to implementing the NIST 800-53 framework and its recommended NIST security controls.

Following the NIST 800-53 compliance requirements helps organizations implement a structured approach to cybersecurity that aligns with the broader goals of NIST compliance, simplifying their journey through compliance automation platforms.

Who Must Comply with NIST 800-53?

NIST 800-53, which defines the security and privacy guidelines to protect government information systems, is a mandate for federal agencies. Federal agencies must be compliant with each new revision of NIST SP 800-53 within one year of its release, and any new systems must be compliant with the most recent revision at the time of deployment.

Furthermore, contractors who operate on or maintain federal government IT networks are likewise subject to NIST 800-53. Compliance criteria are included in their contract or service agreement. As a SaaS vendor, if you want to do business with the federal government and its agencies, you must comply with NIST 800-53 compliance requirements and follow NIST security controls to secure your systems.

Another publication in the NIST 800 series, NIST Special Publication 800-171, is meant to secure sensitive government data, known as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), that resides on non-federal networks. US government contractors should also be well-versed in this.

While NIST 800-53 was created for federal agencies and their suppliers, it can also be voluntarily used by private enterprises looking to enhance NIST compliance efforts or implement compliance automation tools to streamline their security operations.

What Information Does NIST 800-53 Protect?

NIST 800-53 specifies privacy and security rules to safeguard information systems. The data on federal networks is diverse and may include sensitive material critical to the US government’s continued operation. It could also contain sensitive information about users, such as personally identifiable information (PII), which is particularly important to protect.

NIST 800-53 outlines a method for securing a wide range of information and computing systems, as well as goods. The following are examples of such systems:

Cloud computing platforms and services
Technical systems
Healthcare systems
IoT devices
Mobile systems
Industrial control systems
Supply chain systems

To properly secure these systems, organizations must implement relevant NIST security controls tailored to their specific risk environment. These controls are a critical component of both NIST 800-53 compliance and broader NIST compliance goals.

The most recent version of NIST 800-53 includes updates for Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), reflecting its value for enterprises of all types. Businesses can leverage compliance automation to efficiently map NIST 800-53 controls to specific systems and environments, ensuring seamless integration and alignment.

Benefits of NIST 800-53

NIST 800 53’s53’s major benefit is more secure information systems. NIST 800-53’s53’s control families help businesses determine the appropriate security controls, policies, and procedures to ensure information security and privacy.

Following NIST 800-53 compliance guidelines also ensures that you are meeting the minimum standards required for FISMA compliance. This framework enables the implementation of tailored NIST security controls, aligning with specific organizational architectures and supporting long-term NIST compliance efforts.

By implementing compliance automation tools, organizations can reduce manual work and increase the accuracy of their reporting and evidence gathering. This results in a more efficient implementation of NIST 800-53 controls and a stronger overall cybersecurity posture.

Ultimately, adhering to the NIST 800-53 principles establishes a solid foundation for other regulatory frameworks, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and DFARS.

Four Most Frequently-Asked Questions About NIST CSF Compliance

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In the competitive landscape of SaaS businesses, trust is paramount amidst data breaches and privacy concerns. Akitra addresses this need with its leading AI-powered Compliance Automation platform. Our platform empowers customers to prevent sensitive data disclosure and mitigate risks, meeting the expectations of customers and partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of data security and compliance. Through automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, paired with customizable policies, Akitra ensures organizations are compliance-ready for various frameworks such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 42001, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST AI RMF, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, and more such as CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark, Australian ISM and Essential Eight etc. In addition, companies can use Akitra’s Risk Management product for overall risk management using quantitative methodologies such as Factorial Analysis of Information Risks (FAIR) and qualitative methods, including NIST-based for your company, Vulnerability Assessment and Pen Testing services, Third Party Vendor Risk Management, Trust Center, and AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product to streamline and expedite security questionnaire response processes, delivering huge cost savings. Our compliance and security experts provide customized guidance to navigate the end-to-end compliance process confidently. Last but not least, we have also developed a resource hub called Akitra Academy, which offers easy-to-learn short video courses on security, compliance, and related topics of immense significance for today’s fast-growing companies.