NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 vs GDPR

What is the difference between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR?

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 is a information security framework applying in the United States, with 192 controls across 22 domains. GDPR is a privacy framework applying in the European Union, with 27 controls across 13 domains. They govern different subjects, so the overlap is limited to the governance requirements they share. The mapping below shows where that is.

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5192 controls

GDPR27 controls

Measured coverage between these frameworks

We map controls between these two frameworks in a knowledge graph and have a person review every mapping before it is published. Below is what that review found. The figures are read live from the graph, not written by hand.

GDPR into NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

4.3%

13 of 300 NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls carry evidence from GDPR, leaving 287 to satisfy separately.

53 candidate mappings were examined and 0 were rejected on review, signed off 2026-08-20.

Read the full crosswalk, including every rejected mapping →

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 into GDPR

35%

14 of 40 GDPR controls carry evidence from NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, leaving 26 to satisfy separately.

56 candidate mappings were examined and 0 were rejected on review, signed off 2026-08-20.

Read the full crosswalk, including every rejected mapping →

Coverage is directional. Mapping A into B is a different measurement from B into A, because the two standards do not carry the same depth on the same subjects.

Questions people ask about NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR

What is the difference between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR?

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 has 192 controls while GDPR has 27 controls. Both frameworks address compliance requirements but differ in scope, focus, and applicability. Use our platform to explore the exact control-to-control mappings.

Do I need both NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR?

Whether you need both depends on your industry, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Many organizations implement multiple frameworks simultaneously. Our compliance platform helps you map controls between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR so you can identify shared requirements and avoid duplicate effort.

How do NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR controls map to each other?

Our platform maps controls between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and GDPR at a granular level. Each mapping shows whether controls are fully aligned, partially aligned, or represent gaps. This helps you prioritize implementation when pursuing both frameworks.

Which framework should I implement first, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 or GDPR?

The best starting point depends on your specific regulatory requirements, industry, and customer demands. Consider which framework is most urgently required by your stakeholders or regulators. Use our free compliance platform to run a gap analysis and determine the optimal implementation sequence.