Many companies (37%) that deal with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) still don’t meet all of the requirements set out in NIST 800-171. They are very likely to be attacked online because of this.
Sensitive data on non-federal systems is kept safe by NIST 800-171. These rules were originally made for government workers, but they now help protect data in a lot of different fields.
It’s not enough to just follow these standards to stay legal; they also improve your safety, give you an edge over your competitors, and lower your legal risks.
This article gives a simple six-step plan to help people who are just starting out evaluate and protect their systems so that they meet NIST 800-171 requirements.
Your Six-Step Plan to Follow NIST 800-171
Contents
1. Check Where You Are
Start your regulatory journey with a gap study. Compare your current security steps against NIST 800-171 standards to find weak spots.
First, list all your security controls—network setups, access management, encryption, and reaction plans—and note what’s working well.
Use screening tools to check system settings and find possible gaps. Many tools can instantly match your processes to NIST guidelines.
Consider hiring outside experts to conduct a fair study of your systems.
Document each gap, its risk level, and its security effect. Rank these problems by importance and how they affect CUI platforms.
This study builds your plan, centering your efforts on the highest-risk areas.
2. Create Your Security Blueprint
Your System Security Plan (SSP) is your plan for compliance. Keep this paper current and true about your real security controls.
Include a full list of all systems that handle CUI – hardware, software, and third-party systems.
For each system, describe detailed security steps that meet NIST 800-171 standards. Note security types, access methods like multi-factor login, and backup processes.
If you can’t fully adopt certain rules, explain your replacement measures. This honesty helps during exams.
Clearly give responsibilities to specific jobs and describe review processes.
Update your SSP regularly, especially after system changes or security events.
A good SSP both shows compliance and improves your security structure.
3. Put Security Measures in Place
After studying holes and making your plan, it’s time to adopt security controls. Focus on these key areas:
Access Control: Set up multi-factor security and control access based on job needs. Ensure staff can only view info needed for their work.
Incident Response: Create a plan for spotting and handling security breaches. Run practice drills to test your methods so you can act quickly if problems appear.
Configuration Management: Set normal settings for all computers and keep track of your gear and software. Apply security updates quickly and watch for illegal changes.
Audit logging, media safety, and staff security will also be addressed through background checks and regular training.
4. Write Down Your Rules and Steps
Document your security steps with clear rules. These serve as guides and monitoring tools.
Create a specific incident response strategy showing how to identify and handle security problems. Define roles and include step-by-step processes. Update it regularly as threats change.
Document access control rules that show how access to CUI is given, changed, and removed. Include role-based controls, multi-factor standards, and password rules.
Cover data safety in your policies – encryption standards, backup plans, and secure dumping methods. Test your backup methods regularly.
Store all papers in a central place where workers can easily find them. Review and change them yearly.
Make sure all staff understand these rules through training workshops and regular updates.
5. Test Your Security Regularly
Regular security testing ensures your CUI defenses stay effective against new threats.
Run automatic security checks on a regular plan to find gaps in your systems. Do this periodically and whenever new threats emerge.
Conduct vulnerability tests to simulate real threats. These show gaps that automatic scans might miss. Document all results and fixes.
Perform official security checks to verify your policies work as described. Review logs, settings, access rules, and event reaction ready.
Set up constant tracking using security information systems. This helps identify and fix problems in real-time.
Create a method for sharing results with management with clear suggestions and dates. Regular testing provides a feedback process that improves your security and compliance.
6. Make a Plan to Fix Weak Spots
A Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) helps you handle security gaps in an organized way.
Start by naming every security flaw found during your tests. Describe each gap and its possible effect on your CUI.
Rate each weakness based on risk level. Use this to handle your most important problems first.
Create clear action plans for each gap. Clearly state who’s responsible, what tools they need, and what success looks like.
Break down the fix into smaller tasks with firm dates. Each milestone should have clear success factors.
Set up a record method to measure progress. Regular reviews help you change plans if needed.
Update your POAM as you fix problems and find new ones. This shows inspectors you’re actively handling security risks.
Conclusion
Don’t let NIST 800-171 compliance overtake you. Our six-step method makes it manageable: study holes, build your SSP, apply controls, record policies, review regularly, and create a POAM.
These steps do more than check legal boxes—they improve your security and open new business doors.
Start your compliance journey now. Assess your readiness and take that first step toward better data safety.
