Which NIST publication delineates essential security and privacy controls for auditing information systems during certification?

The accurate choice highlights NIST Special Publication 800-53, which provides a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls specifically designed for federal information systems and organizations. This publication is essential for establishing baseline security requirements that organizations can leverage when conducting compliance audits and risk assessments.

NIST 800-53 spans a wide array of controls, including management, operational, and technical safeguards, which are crucial during the certification and accreditation process of information systems. By adhering to the guidelines in NIST 800-53, organizations can ensure that they are effectively managing risks related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, thus providing a framework for auditing these systems in terms of security and privacy.

The other publications listed serve different purposes; for example, NIST 800-63 focuses on digital identity guidelines, while NIST 800-84 is related to the creation of a test and evaluation environment for security controls. NIST 800-207 pertains to zero trust architecture, aiming to provide guidance on implementing zero trust principles, rather than detailing controls for auditing purposes. This context underscores why NIST 800-53 is the definitive source for auditing information systems regarding security and privacy controls.