Comparison between ASD Essential 8 and NIST SP 800-53
Overview
The ASD Essential 8 and NIST SP 800-53 are two security frameworks that are used to improve the security of organizations. The ASD Essential 8 is a set of eight security controls that focus on preventing and detecting malicious activity, while NIST SP 800-53 is a more comprehensive framework with controls for all aspects of security, including risk management, access control, and incident response. Both frameworks are designed to help organizations secure their systems and networks, but the ASD Essential 8 is more focused on preventing and detecting malicious activity, while NIST SP 800-53 is more comprehensive and covers all aspects of security.
Contents
What is ASD Essential 8?
The ASD Essential 8 is an Australian Government initiative designed to protect the nation's critical systems from cyber threats. The Essential 8 is a set of eight mitigation strategies that organisations should implement to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect their data. The Essential 8 is based on the Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) Essential Eight Maturity Model, which provides organisations with a framework to assess their cybersecurity posture. The Essential 8 consists of: Application Control, Patching Applications, Patching Operating Systems, Restricting Administrative Privileges, Multi-Factor Authentication, Daily Backups, Application Whitelisting, and Controlled Use of Privileged Accounts. Implementing the Essential 8 will help organisations protect their data, reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, and ensure compliance with Australian Government regulations.
What is NIST SP 800-53?
NIST SP 800-53 is a security and privacy publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It provides guidance for federal agencies on how to secure their information systems. The publication is divided into four main sections: security and privacy controls, system and services acquisition, system and services development and maintenance, and contingency planning. Each section contains a set of recommended security and privacy controls, as well as specific guidance on how to implement them. The publication also provides guidance on how to assess the effectiveness of the security and privacy controls and how to respond to security incidents. NIST SP 800-53 is an important resource for organizations looking to secure their information systems and protect their data.
A Comparison Between ASD Essential 8 and NIST SP 800-53
1. Both have a focus on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.
2. Both emphasize the importance of risk management and the need to implement controls to mitigate risks.
3. Both provide guidance on the implementation of security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.
4. Both provide guidance on the selection of appropriate security controls and their implementation.
5. Both provide guidance on the monitoring and testing of security controls.
6. Both provide guidance on the documentation of security controls.
7. Both provide guidance on the use of security tools to assist in the implementation of security controls.
8. Both provide guidance on the development and implementation of security policies.
The Key Differences Between ASD Essential 8 and NIST SP 800-53
1. ASD Essential 8 focuses on implementing specific security controls, while NIST SP 800-53 focuses on developing a comprehensive security program.
2. ASD Essential 8 focuses on technical security controls, while NIST SP 800-53 focuses on both technical and non-technical security controls.
3. ASD Essential 8 is tailored for the Australian government, while NIST SP 800-53 is applicable to all organizations.
4. ASD Essential 8 is more prescriptive, while NIST SP 800-53 is more flexible.
5. ASD Essential 8 focuses on the protection of ICT systems, while NIST SP 800-53 focuses on the protection of information assets.
6. ASD Essential 8 is a set of recommendations, while NIST SP 800-53 is a set of standards.
7. ASD Essential 8 focuses on proactive security measures, while NIST SP 800-53 focuses on both proactive and reactive security measures.
8. ASD Essential 8 is focused on the implementation of security controls, while NIST SP 800-53 is focused on the development of a security management program.