In today’s cybersecurity landscape, it is essential to protect sensitive information, especially for businesses working with U.S. federal agencies. NIST SP 800-171 (National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-171) provides a set of security requirements that non-federal organizations must adhere to, to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If a business processes, stores, or transmits CUI as part of a government contract, particularly with the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or other federal agencies, it must comply with NIST 800-171.
What is NIST SP 800-171?
NIST SP 800-171 is a cybersecurity framework that outlines 110 security requirements that non-federal systems must follow to protect CUI. It applies to:
Organizations involved in research or data-sharing with government agencies.
Federal contractors and subcontractors handling sensitive but unclassified information.
Defense contractors subject to DFARS Clause 252.204-7012.
Manufacturers in government supply chains.
Why Was It Created?
NIST SP 800-171 was developed based on:
FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002) for the protection of moderate-level information.
NIST SP 800-53 (Moderate Security Baseline), which applies to federal systems but was attuned for private sector use.
Key Security Requirements of NIST SP 800-171
The framework is divided into 14 security families, including:
Access Control – Restricting access to CUI.
Awareness & Training – Educating employees on security risks.
Audit & Accountability – Tracking system activity for security breaches.
Configuration Management – Ensuring systems follow secure settings.
Identification & Authentication – Verifying users and devices.
Incident Response – Preparing for and responding to cyber incidents.
Maintenance – Securely maintaining and updating systems.
Media Protection – Protecting sensitive data on storage devices.
Personnel Security – Ensuring employees handling CUI are trustworthy.
Physical Security – Restricting physical access to CUI.
Risk Assessment – Identifying and addressing security risks.
Security Assessment – Regularly testing security controls.
System & Communications Protection – Securing network traffic.
System Integrity – Detecting and preventing cyber threats.
Understanding the Different Revisions of NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 Revision 1 (2017)
The first major revision made compliance mandatory for federal contractors handling CUI. It introduced 110 security controls to align with FIPS 200 and NIST SP 800-53.
NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 (2020)
This is the current official version followed by most organizations. It provided more clarification on security requirements and assessment procedures. It also included the additional requirement of contractors to document System Security Plans (SSP) and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 (2024)
Some government agencies have started requesting compliance with Revision 3. It introduces enhanced security measures and aligns more closely with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5. Revision 3 also supports organizations transitioning to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
How Does CMMC Relate to NIST 800-171?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) builds on NIST SP 800-171, introducing three levels of security maturity:
Level 1: Basic cyber hygiene.
Level 2: Intermediate security (closely aligned with NIST SP 800-171).
Level 3: Advanced protection (adds more security controls beyond NIST 800-171).
Organizations seeking DoD contracts must comply with CMMC Level 2 or higher, which requires them to pass a third-party assessment every 3 years.
Steps to Achieve NIST 800-171 Compliance
Identify Security Gaps – Use gap analysis to understand where your organization is lacking.
Create a System Security Plan (SSP) – Document how the organization meets the security requirements.
Develop a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) – Address any gaps in compliance.
Implement Security Controls – Strengthen access controls, encryption, and monitoring.
Conduct Regular Assessments – Test security and update plans accordingly.
For small manufacturers, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers offer resources to help meet compliance.
How myLaminin Can Help
For organizations managing sensitive research data or government contracts, myLaminin offers a secure, blockchain-enabled research data management platform that aligns with NIST 800-171. The key benefits include Risk Mitigation, Secure Data-Sharing and Audit-Ready Compliance. We have invested in updates to our policies, procedures, tools, and infrastructure DevOps protocols to ensure adherence to the NIST 800-171 framework.
Ensuring NIST SP 800-171 Compliance: A Strategic Imperative
Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is vital for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Beyond regulatory requirements, it functions as a crucial safety net for protecting sensitive data and maintaining eligibility for government contracts. Whether it is as part of a government contracting firm, a research institution, or a federal supply chain, adherence to these security standards is necessary to secure and sustain federal partnerships.
To effectively meet compliance requirements, organizations should:
Determine the applicable NIST 800-171 revision and align security measures accordingly.
Develop a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP) to document security controls and mitigation strategies.
Utilize secure data management platforms like myLaminin to ensure streamlined compliance efforts and enhance data protection.
Maintain awareness about evolving CMMC requirements to ensure continued eligibility for DoD contracts.
Implementing these measures helps organizations build stronger cybersecurity defenses, minimize risks, and demonstrate a commitment to protecting sensitive government and research data. And remember, compliance not only includes meeting regulations but also earning the trust of federal agencies and ensuring long-term success in government contracts and research partnerships. By staying proactive and updated with security requirements, organizations can create a safer digital environment while unlocking new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
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Pranati Rawat (article author) studies Economics at Western University and is a myLaminin intern in the University's WMA program.
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