NIST 800-171

Organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for federal contracts must comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171. Developed to improve security, this framework establishes standards that defend government data from cyber threats and other unauthorized intrusions. Achieving compliance involves implementing strict security controls, maintaining structured policies, and continuously monitoring systems at all times to meet federal standards.

Benefits of NIST 800-171 Support

Expert guidance simplifies compliance efforts, strengthens security measures, and helps organizations meet federal requirements.

Protects Sensitive Data

NIST 800-171 outlines security controls that help protect CUI from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and data breaches across internal and external networks.

Aligns with Government Requirements

Contractors and subcontractors working with federal agencies must meet NIST 800-171 standards to remain eligible for government contracts and future procurement opportunities.

Improves Security Posture

Strengthening your organization’s access controls, encryption policies, and risk management strategies enhances cybersecurity resilience and reduces vulnerabilities.

Streamlines Compliance

A structured approach to compliance simplifies documentation, security control implementation, and ongoing monitoring, making it easier to maintain adherence to federal regulations.

Key Factors for NIST 800-171 Compliance

Organizations must follow structured steps to align with NIST 800-171 standards and maintain compliance over time.

Gap Analysis

An in-depth assessment identifies security gaps, missing controls, and vulnerabilities that must be addressed before achieving compliance.

Policy Development

Security policies and procedures establish clear guidelines for data protection, user access, and incident response, supporting a strong compliance foundation.

Access Control

Managing user privileges, multi-factor authentication, and secure login procedures prevents unauthorized access to sensitive government information.

System Security Plans (SSP)

An SSP documents security controls, risk assessments, and system details, providing a roadmap for meeting NIST 800-171 compliance requirements.

Continuous Monitoring

Ongoing security monitoring detects potential threats, identifies vulnerabilities, and allows organizations to maintain compliance by addressing risks as they arise.

Best Practices for NIST 800-171 Compliance

A forward-thinking approach allows businesses to fortify their security defenses while streamlining compliance efforts.

Understand compliance requirements and prioritize them to align security measures with NIST 800-171 controls and all applicable regulatory expectations.
Conduct regular assessments to address gaps by evaluating security policies, user access, and risk management frameworks.

Implement risk management and encryption protocols to protect sensitive data, prevent any unauthorized access, safeguard operations, and reduce exposure to cyber threats.
Enable ongoing monitoring to sustain compliance standards by continuously assessing security controls, updating policies, and responding to emerging threats.

NIST 800-171 Compliance Services

Our many compliance services help organizations align with federal cybersecurity standards and strengthen security measures.

Initial Compliance Assessment

Evaluates current security measures, identifies gaps, and provides a roadmap for achieving full compliance with NIST 800-171.

Security Control Implementation

Deploys required security controls, access restrictions, and encryption protocols to meet NIST 800-171 requirements.

Documentation and Policies Development

Assists with developing security policies, procedures, and documentation required for audits and compliance verification.

Risk Management Framework (RMF) Support

Guides organizations through the RMF process to establish a structured approach to risk management and compliance maintenance.

Third-Party Assessment Preparation

Prepares organizations for independent assessments by reviewing security documentation, testing security controls, and addressing compliance gaps.

Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting

Provides continuous monitoring, security updates, and compliance tracking to maintain NIST 800-171 alignment over time.

Industries Served

NIST 800-171 compliance is required across multiple industries handling government contracts and sensitive federal data.

Associations

Supporting professional and industry groups in meeting data security requirements for government contracts and federal partnerships.

Education

Helping universities, research institutions, and academic organizations secure sensitive research data and comply with government security regulations.

Financial

Assisting financial institutions in protecting transaction records, regulatory data, and confidential government-related financial information.

Healthcare

Strengthening security for healthcare providers, medical research facilities, and organizations handling protected health information (PHI) tied to federal contracts.

Legal

Helping law firms, legal departments, and compliance teams manage sensitive case data and legal records under federal cybersecurity requirements.

Municipalities

Supporting city, state, and local government agencies in implementing strong cybersecurity controls for federally funded programs and services.

Maintain Compliance with Expert NIST 800-171 Support

Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance requires adopting a structured approach to security, documentation, and continuous monitoring. Advantage.Tech provides compliance services that help organizations align with federal standards, improving their security and helping them maintain long-term compliance. Fill out the form today to connect with our team and take the next step toward securing sensitive data.