What is NIST 800-171?

NIST SP 800-171 is a publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides a set of cybersecurity requirements specifically designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. It is part of the broader set of NIST's cybersecurity guidance but focuses on the needs of private-sector contractors, subcontractors, and other non-federal entities that handle CUI in the course of doing business with federal agencies. The purpose of NIST 800-171 is to provide a standardized set of cybersecurity controls to safeguard CUI and ensure that non-federal entities meet the cybersecurity requirements mandated by the U.S. government. This is particularly important for companies and organizations that deal with federal contracts and are responsible for managing sensitive but unclassified information.

Why is NIST 800-171 important?

NIST 800-171 helps protect sensitive government information, such as military secrets, research data, and personal information, when it is handled by private-sector contractors or other non-federal organizations. For contractors doing business with the U.S. government, compliance with NIST 800-171 is required to maintain eligibility for contracts that involve handling CUI.

By implementing NIST 800-171 controls, organizations can better manage the risks associated with cybersecurity threats and protect CUI from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. Compliance with these controls helps organizations protect sensitive information and ensure they meet federal contracting requirements.

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