NIST SP 800-161 Rev. 1 (Level 1) — Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Systems and Organizations

Overview

NIST SP 800-161 Rev.1 Level 1 represents the foundational tier of C-SCRM practices, providing baseline supply chain security capabilities for organizations beginning to implement systematic supply chain cybersecurity risk management.

Based on NIST SP 800-161 Rev.1, Level 1 applies to organizations establishing initial C-SCRM capabilities. It covers foundational policy development, basic supplier identification, initial risk assessment processes, and establishing awareness of supply chain security within the organization.

Organizations at Level 1 implement foundational practices by developing C-SCRM policies, identifying key suppliers and technology dependencies, conducting initial risk assessments, and beginning integration of supply chain security considerations into acquisition processes.

Why it Matters

Level 1 C-SCRM provides organizations with an accessible entry point for managing supply chain cybersecurity risks, establishing the governance and awareness foundation needed for more mature practices.

Key benefits include:

• Establish C-SCRM governance foundation

Create initial policies and roles for managing supply chain cybersecurity risks across the organization.

• Identify key supply chain dependencies

Develop visibility into critical suppliers and technology components that could introduce cybersecurity risks.

• Begin regulatory compliance journey

Start building the supply chain risk management program required for federal compliance and CMMC requirements.

• Raise supply chain security awareness

Educate staff and leadership about supply chain cybersecurity risks and organizational responsibilities.

• Create improvement pathway

Establish a foundation supporting progression to more advanced C-SCRM practices at Levels 2 and 3.

How it Works

Level 1 C-SCRM focuses on foundational capabilities: establishing C-SCRM governance, identifying critical suppliers, developing initial policies, and beginning basic supplier assessments. Organizations build awareness and create the organizational structures needed for supply chain security.

Key Elements

• C-SCRM Policy Development

Establishes initial policies defining organizational approach to supply chain cybersecurity risk management.

• Supplier Identification

Creates visibility into critical suppliers and technology dependencies that introduce cybersecurity risks.

• Initial Risk Assessment

Begins systematic identification and assessment of cybersecurity risks from the supply chain.

• Governance Structure

Establishes roles, responsibilities, and oversight for C-SCRM activities.

Framework Scope

C-SCRM Level 1 applies to organizations beginning to implement supply chain cybersecurity risk management, establishing foundational capabilities across technology acquisition and supplier management.

Framework Objectives

NIST SP 800-161 Rev.1 Level 1 establishes foundational C-SCRM capabilities.

• Develop initial C-SCRM governance policies and organizational structures
• Create supplier visibility and basic risk assessment capabilities
• Begin integration of supply chain security into acquisition processes
• Build awareness of supply chain cybersecurity risks across the organization
• Establish foundation for progression to advanced C-SCRM practices

Common Framework Mappings

Mapped frameworks include:

CMMC 2.0

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

NIST SP 800-53

NIST SP 800-171

ISO/IEC 27001