NIST 800-171 Assessment
NIST 800-171 Assessment Overview
Compliance with the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 framework represents a critical first step for defense industrial base (DIB) organizations aiming for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
NIST 800-171 provides a structured set of 110 security controls for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) resident in nonfederal systems and organizations. Implementation of the requirements in the framework prove compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) as well as an ability to implement robust cybersecurity practices in areas like access control, incident response and risk management.
Compliance with the framework presents a competitive advantage to companies in the defense sector. As other agencies signal their intentions to adopt CMMC requirements, NIST 800-171 compliance has become increasingly relevant across the government.
Who Needs a NIST 800-181 Assessment?
A wide range of organizations may require NIST 800-181 assessments to ensure the protection of CUI:
DIB Companies
Prime and sub contractors (and subs, of subs) who have a CMMC requirement must validate they are compliant with NIST 800-171 r2.
Federal Civilian Agencies
Also are frequently required to handle CUI and should undergo NIST 800-171 assessments. For example, the Department of Energy has encouraged contractors to comply with the framework.
Service Providers
Cloud service providers, managed service providers, and external service providers that manage or process CUI on behalf of these organizations play a vital role in ensuring that CUI remains secure throughout its lifecycle. These vendors should be assessed for compliance as well.
Universities & Research Institutions
Are involved in federally funded projects or partnerships that often handle sensitive information, necessitating compliance with NIST 800-171. Assessments may be necessary for these organizations to maintain trust and eligibility for grants or contracts from agencies like the National Institute of Health.
Take the first step toward compliance.
If your organization needs a NIST 800-171 Risk Assessment for a CMMC requirement or to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, contact us today for a scoping call. Our experts will help you navigate compliance with confidence.
The Benefits
NIST 800-171 compliance helps organizations confidently understand their Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score.
This gives the organization a clear path to implement required security controls that will directly influence their score. A better SPRS score demonstrates that a contractor has strong cybersecurity practices in place, boosting their eligibility for contracts and fostering long-term partnerships with federal agencies.
With a thorough NIST 800-171 assessment, organizations can more easily identify compliance gaps, enabling them to create a roadmap for meeting requirements.
By identifying these gaps, organizations can take targeted actions to address vulnerabilities, reducing risk and ensuring readiness for federal contract requirements.This serves as the critical starting point for the organization’s CMMC journey.
Compliance ensures that organizations are aligned with DFARS 7012 and other relevant frameworks.
Compliance is often a mandatory requirement for securing and maintaining Department of Defense contracts, making it a key factor in staying competitive within the defense industry. DFARS 7012, which mandates that defense contractors implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect CUI, requires compliance with the NIST 800-171 framework. By adhering to DFARS 7012, organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting national security and maintaining trust within the defense supply chain.
What does NIST 800-171 Compliance Require?
NIST 800-171 outlines 110 controls, but several are critical to proving active security management and preparing for CMMC Level 2 certification. Here’s what your organization needs to have in place:
Risk Assessment
Control 3.11.1 requires organizations to regularly assess the risk to CUI from both internal and external threats.
- Must be updated annually and documented.
- Identifies vulnerabilities, threat likelihood, and impact.
Incident Response Testing
Control 3.6.3 requires organizations to test their IR plan.
- Includes tabletop exercises or simulated incidents.
- Demonstrates your team’s ability to detect, respond, and recover from attacks.
- We can help you with continuity planning, disaster recovery too!
System Security Plan (SSP)
A detailed overview of how each NIST 800-171 control is implemented.
- Must be kept current and match actual technical and procedural implementation.
- Required for both self-assessment and CMMC Level 2 assessment.
These aren’t just paperwork requirements. These are the backbone of any successful CMMC Level 2 assessment. Redspin’s team can help you build or review each of these elements so you’re not just compliant, you’re confident.
But our support doesn’t stop there. We also offer Security Awareness Training, Penetration Testing, and other tailored cybersecurity services to strengthen your overall security posture and keep your organization prepared for evolving threats.
Why Redspin?
History
Our team includes former CISOs, security professionals, and defense contractors with over 20% military veterans. We understand compliance challenges firsthand and help organizations navigate them with confidence.
Expertise
Redspin is a trusted leader in DFARS/CMMC compliance. Since 2001, we’ve conducted numerous CMMC asssessments, helpig clients reduxe risk, achieve compliance, and stay competitive.
Approach
We conduct in-depth assessments to help organizations more effectively identify gaps in compliance. We help clients prepare, rehearse, and validate their programs to ensure a security approach that meets requirements and responds effectively every day.
Outcome
✓ Ensure your company meets critical federal requirements and pave the way for eligibility to win and retain valuable government contracts.
✓ Enhance your organization’s defense against potential cyber threats, protecting both sensitive data and your reputation to build trust with the federal agencies and partners you serve while reinforcing your position as a reliable and competitive player in the defense supply chain.
Redspin can help your organization achieve a clear understanding of your cybersecurity posture and address any compliance gaps to securely handle sensitive information and/or CUI.
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