NIST AI RMF vs ISO 42001: How They Fit
TL;DR
NIST AI RMF is guidance for framing and managing AI risks; ISO 42001 is a certifiable management system for governing AI. Use RMF to define risk functions, measures, and profiles; use ISO 42001 to institutionalize policy, roles, controls, and assurance.
Key Facts
NIST AI RMF is voluntary guidance with functions and categories.
ISO 42001 defines requirements for an AIMS and can be audited/certified.
The frameworks are complementary: RMF informs risk practice; ISO 42001 anchors governance and assurance.
Evidence links risk decisions (RMF) to controls/reviews (ISO 42001).
Harmonized use reduces duplication.
Implementation Steps
Adopt RMF functions/categories → risk profile.
Map to AIMS processes → policy, roles.
Define controls & tests → test plan, logs.
Monitor & metrics → RMF measures dashboard.
Review & improve → management review, CAPA.
Glossary
- RMF
- Risk Management Framework - structured approach to identifying and managing risks
- Function
- High-level category of activities in the NIST AI RMF (Govern, Map, Measure, Manage)
- Profile
- Organization's selection and implementation of framework functions and categories
- AIMS
- AI Management System - systematic approach defined by ISO 42001
- Audit
- Systematic examination to determine conformance with requirements
- Certification
- Third-party attestation of conformance to standards
References
- [1] NIST AI Risk Management Framework https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework
- [2] ISO 42001 AI Management Systems Standard https://www.iso.org/standard/78380.html
Machine-readable Facts
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