What is NIST 800-171?
Securing sensitive information is a critical imperative for organizations. In the realm of government contracting, a specific set of security standards governs the protection of sensitive, yet unclassified, data. This blog post explores NIST Special Publication 800-171, a vital framework for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
What is NIST 800-171?
NIST SP 800-171, officially titled "Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations," provides a set of guidelines for protecting government data that resides outside federal systems. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed these standards to ensure that non-federal entities, such as contractors and subcontractors, implement proper security controls. This framework mandates the protection of CUI to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.
What is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is a category of data that requires protection but has not been classified for national security purposes. CUI includes a wide range of information, such as intellectual property, research data, financial details, and personal identifiable information (PII). A federal government agency or an authorized third party designates CUI. The CUI Registry provides a comprehensive list of CUI categories and subcategories. This designation ensures consistent handling and protection across various government and non-government systems.
Who Needs to be NIST 800-171 Compliant?
Any non-federal organization that processes, stores, or transmits Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on behalf of a federal government agency must comply with NIST 800-171. This requirement applies to a wide range of entities, including prime contractors, subcontractors, and other vendors in the federal supply chain. Compliance is often a contractual obligation for these organizations. Failure to comply can result in contract loss and other severe penalties.
List of NIST 800-171 Controls
NIST SP 800-171 outlines 14 security families, each containing a set of security requirements. These controls cover a broad spectrum of cybersecurity measures. Organizations must implement these controls to protect CUI. The 14 families include:
Access Control: Limiting access to information systems and CUI.
Awareness and Training: Ensuring personnel are trained in security protocols.
Audit and Accountability: Creating and retaining system audit logs.
Configuration Management: Establishing baseline configurations for systems.
Identification and Authentication: Verifying the identity of users and devices.
Incident Response: Developing a plan for handling security incidents.
Maintenance: Performing timely and effective system maintenance.
Media Protection: Protecting both physical and digital media.
Physical Protection: Controlling physical access to systems and CUI.
Personnel Security: Screening personnel with access to CUI.
Risk Assessment: Periodically assessing risks to CUI.
Security Assessment: Evaluating the security controls of information systems.
System and Communications Protection: Monitoring, controlling, and protecting communications.
System and Information Integrity: Protecting systems from malicious software and unauthorized changes.
How Johanson Group Can Help Achieve NIST 800-171 Compliance
Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance can be a complex process. Johanson Group specializes in guiding organizations through this intricate framework. Our experts provide a full suite of services, including gap analysis and other security framework audits. We offer comprehensive support to ensure your organization meets all the required security controls. The Johanson Group empowers your business to not only achieve but maintain compliance, safeguarding your data and securing your government contracts.
