Digitizing NRC 5.71: A Step Towards Seamless Compliance for the Nuclear Industry

Digitizing the NRC 5.71 Cyber Security Program in RegScale

In an era where cyber threats are growing more sophisticated, organizations in regulated industries face increasing challenges in maintaining robust cybersecurity programs. For organizations under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), compliance with Regulatory Guide 5.71 (NRC 5.71) is a critical step in safeguarding digital systems.  

At RegScale, we’ve taken a transformative step by being the first-ever GRC platform to digitize NRC 5.71, making it available in NIST’s Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL). This step will streamline compliance processes and empower cybersecurity teams across the nuclear industry.

What is NRC 5.71?

NRC 5.71 is a much-needed revision to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s guidance on cybersecurity programs for nuclear power reactors. It was released last year after 13 years without an update and is based on the latest NIST and International Atomic Energy Agency cybersecurity guidance. 

NRC 5.71 provides NRC licensees (i.e. companies and institutions that operate a nuclear facility or work with nuclear materials) with guidance on meeting the cybersecurity requirements described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). It outlines the controls needed to protect critical digital assets (CDAs) from cyber threats, and it offers a strong foundation for cybersecurity governance with standards for risk assessment, system monitoring, and incident response. 

Key Components of NRC 5.71

NRC 5.71 requires nuclear facilities to create a cyber security plan that describes how they have achieved “high assurance” that their digital computer and communication systems and networks are adequately protected from cyberattacks. To support that goal, it provides a framework for identifying the CDAs that must be protected from cyberattacks. 

In addition to outlining the elements of the required cyber security plans, NRC 5.71 also explains the acceptable ways that nuclear facilities can implement and maintain a compliant security program. This includes analyzing their systems and networks, deploying defensive architecture, addressing potential cyber risks, and implementing specific security lifecycle activities. 

As a highly detailed guide, NRC 5.71 touches on everything from defining team roles and responsibilities to integrating defense in depth strategies. It spells out the requirements for security architectures, access controls, incident response plans, training programs, and more. It also mandates that facilities demonstrate strict adherence to the new guidelines through regular security assessments, comprehensive documentation, proactive threat mitigation strategies, and continuous cybersecurity improvements. 

How RegScale Simplifies NRC 5.71 Compliance

RegScale has digitized NRC 5.71 in our platform, converting it into a machine-readable OSCAL format. This innovative step allows organizations to: 

• Streamline implementation: The digitized regulation maps directly to compliance requirements, enabling quick adoption of security controls. 
• Automate compliance: With RegScale, users can integrate NRC 5.71 into their continuous compliance workflows, reducing manual effort and achieving an “always audit-ready” posture. 
• Achieve real-time monitoring: Teams can monitor adherence to NRC 5.71 in real time, ensuring consistent compliance and quick identification of gaps. 

Why OSCAL Matters

OSCAL enhances interoperability between tools, reduces duplication of effort, and ensures a unified approach to compliance management. It’s a cornerstone of Continuous Controls Monitoring, and it helps organizations shift left in their GRC programs. 

By making NRC 5.71 available in OSCAL, RegScale is providing organizations with a standardized, flexible way to integrate these cybersecurity requirements into their systems. In the future, OSCAL will be increasingly critical in automating compliance workflows, enabling real-time risk assessment, and creating more dynamic security frameworks that can quickly adapt to evolving regulations and emerging tech. 

Enhance Your Cybersecurity Program with RegScale

RegScale’s digitization of NRC 5.71 is a game-changer for nuclear facility operators and others bound by its guidelines. By combining the power of OSCAL with our platform’s continuous compliance capabilities, organizations can achieve faster, more efficient adherence to cybersecurity regulations. 

We’re also the first GRC platform to digitize this framework, making us the only tool in the industry that’s enabling nuclear facilities to streamline their NRC compliance processes with AI and automation. 

Want to take control of your cybersecurity program? Book a demo to learn more about NRC 5.71 in RegScale and revolutionize your compliance process today.