As global cybersecurity requirements for supply chains become increasingly stringent, the Cybersecurity Technology Institute (CTI) of the Institute for Information Industry (III) successfully obtained ISO 17020 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) in December 2024. In addition, it was approved to conduct assessments in accordance with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171 and SP 800-172 standards, becoming a key player in promoting international supply chain cybersecurity compliance. The two recognitions exemplified III’s international capability in the cybersecurity assessment field. By offering compliance assessment and reporting services, III aims to enhance the cybersecurity resilience and global competitiveness of Taiwanese enterprises—particularly in high-risk sectors such as semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. This advancement is expected to significantly bolster security defenses and strengthen Taiwan’s competitive advantage in the global market.

NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-172 are critical cybersecurity regulations mandated by the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense for safeguarding supply chains. They also form the core foundational standards of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. With its recent ISO 17020 accreditation, the Institute for Information Industry (III) stands out as one of Taiwan’s most qualified verification bodies with multiple accreditations. III now is not only authorized to provide professional cybersecurity compliance assessments aligned with NIST SP 800-171/172, but is further equipped to guide enterprises in progressively meeting the requirements of CMMC 2.0, raising the cybersecurity maturity and trustworthiness of Taiwan’s supply chains. This is a crucial step for Taiwanese companies to cope with international cybersecurity challenges, empowering Taiwanese enterprises to gain more business opportunities in the global market.

As the United States enforces increasingly rigorous cybersecurity standards for its defense supply chain, many companies still lack sufficient expertise regarding NIST and CMMC specifications and requirements. In response, the Institute for Information Industry (III) will proactively support businesses through comprehensive compliance diagnostics, cybersecurity training programs, and technical consulting. By sharing successful implementation cases, III aims to help enterprises rapidly adopt these international cybersecurity standards and adapt to the stringent requirements of the global market. This initiative is expected to give participating companies a distinct competitive edge within the international supply chain.

Dr. Jung-San Lee, Vice President and Director General of the Cybersecurity Technology Institute at the Institute for Information Industry (III), stated, “Achieving ISO 17020 accreditation and NIST assessment qualifications marks a major breakthrough for us. It signifies international recognition of our capabilities in the global cybersecurity assessment field. In the past, we have successfully supported numerous leading enterprises in achieving compliance, and we will continue to leverage our cybersecurity expertise to help businesses across various sectors pass the threshold of cybersecurity compliance.”

By integrating resources from government, industry, and academia, the Institute for Information Industry (III) continues to elevate Taiwan’s industrial cybersecurity capabilities, positioning the nation as a benchmark for cybersecurity excellence in the global supply chain. Looking ahead, III is committed to holding itself to the highest standards, and will continue to support Taiwanese enterprises with professionalism and innovation in meeting global cybersecurity challenges, strengthening international competitiveness, and creating greater value for the nation.