What is NIST 800-172?

NIST SP 800-172 is a publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides a set of enhanced security requirements for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in highly sensitive environments. It is intended to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture in light of evolving threats, particularly against advanced persistent threats (APTs) and state-sponsored actors.

NIST 800-172 was developed to provide additional protections for organizations that need to safeguard CUI in environments that are highly sensitive and critical to national security or other high-risk areas. The publication aims to help mitigate risks posed by sophisticated cyber threats, such as those from nation-state actors, that go beyond the baseline security controls in NIST SP 800-171.

Why is NIST 800-172 important?

NIST 800-172 is crucial for ensuring that the U.S. government and contractors can effectively protect highly sensitive data, particularly in sectors such as defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. The guidelines are designed to address the evolving threat landscape and ensure that information is protected from sophisticated attacks.

By implementing the enhanced security controls in NIST 800-172, organizations can build a stronger defense against nation-state actors, APTs, and other highly capable adversaries, improving their resilience and ability to respond to attacks.

NIST 800-172 places a greater emphasis on securing the supply chain and ensuring that third-party vendors and contractors implement stringent security measures. This is essential in preventing attacks that originate from compromised suppliers or service providers.

Organizations working with the U.S. government or involved in critical national infrastructure may be required to follow the enhanced controls outlined in NIST 800-172 as part of contractual obligations. Compliance with these enhanced controls is essential to maintaining eligibility for high-risk, sensitive government contracts.