Understanding NIST 800-171 Compliance

What is NIST 800-171?

NIST Special Publication 800-171, also known as NIST 800-171, is a cybersecurity framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It provides guidelines for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. This standard is particularly crucial for government contractors and subcontractors handling sensitive federal data.

Why is NIST 800-171 Important?

The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and NASA require contractors to comply with NIST 800-171 to ensure that sensitive government data remains protected. Compliance helps organizations:

  • Secure sensitive information from cyber threats
  • Maintain eligibility for federal contracts
  • Build trust with government agencies
  • Avoid penalties and potential loss of contracts

Key Requirements of NIST 800-171

The framework consists of 14 control families with 110 security requirements, focusing on:

  • Access Control – Restricting system access to authorized users.
  • Awareness and Training – Educating employees on security policies.
  • Audit and Accountability – Monitoring and logging activities for security oversight.
  • Configuration Management – Ensuring security settings are properly implemented.
  • Identification and Authentication – Verifying the identities of users and devices.
  • Incident Response – Preparing for and responding to security breaches.
  • Maintenance – Performing regular system updates and security checks.
  • Media Protection – Securing physical and digital media containing sensitive data.
  • Personnel Security – Ensuring employees with access to CUI are trustworthy.
  • Physical Protection – Controlling physical access to systems and facilities.
  • Risk Assessment – Identifying and mitigating security risks.
  • Security Assessment – Regularly reviewing and improving security practices.
  • System and Communications Protection – Securing communications and data transmission.
  • System and Information Integrity – Detecting and responding to security threats.

How to Achieve Compliance

Organizations can follow these steps to become NIST 800-171 compliant:

  1. Assess Current Security Posture – Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas of non-compliance.
  2. Develop a System Security Plan (SSP) – Document how security measures are implemented.
  3. Create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) – Outline steps to remediate security weaknesses.
  4. Implement Security Controls – Apply necessary technical and policy-based security measures.
  5. Monitor and Maintain Compliance – Continuously assess security practices and update as needed.

The Road to CMMC

NIST 800-171 compliance is a stepping stone toward Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a framework introduced by the DoD to enforce cybersecurity across the defense industrial base. Many organizations are required to meet both NIST 800-171 and CMMC standards.

Get Started with NIST 800-171 Compliance

Achieving compliance can be complex, but our team of experts can help streamline the process. Contact 414-764-4465 us today to learn more about how we can assist your organization in meeting NIST 800-171 requirements and securing your federal contracts.

Stay Secure. Stay Compliant.