How do I become NIST 800-171 compliant?

How do I become NIST 800-171 compliant?How do I become NIST 800-171 compliant?
Rebecca KappelRebecca Kappel Staff asked 4 months ago

1 Answers
Rebecca KappelRebecca Kappel Staff answered 4 months ago
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) releases guidelines for information systems security, including Special Publication 800-171 (NIST SP 800-171). This publication provides security requirements for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations.

NIST SP 800-171 Implementation Guide:

Assessment and Implementation:

    • Assess and implement all 110 controls specified in NIST 800-171.
    • Create a System Security Plan (SSP) detailing how security requirements are met.
    • Develop Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for unimplemented controls, with an option for alternative security measures.

Latest Drafts and Changes:

      • Be aware of the upcoming changes in the final draft of NIST SP 800-171 revision 3, which currently contains 95 requirements.
      • Understand that despite the apparent decrease in requirements, the overall level of effort has increased.

SP 800-171A Revision 3:

    • Recognize that SP 800-171A revision 3 introduces significant changes, including 445 determination statements.
    • Be attentive to the 56 organizationally defined parameters (ODPs) within the verification steps, aligning with SP 800-53 and 53A.

Implementation Timeline:

    • Note that the final revisions of NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-171A are expected in Spring 2024.

Relationship with CMMC:

    • Understand that to be NIST compliant does not directly impact the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule.
    • Recognize that CMMC assessments are expected to begin in the first half of 2025, providing a timeline for NIST 800-171 compliance.

Organizationally Defined Parameters:

    • Acknowledge the presence of organizationally defined parameters (ODPs) and their flexibility.
    • Be aware that external requirements may override internal parameters, necessitating adherence to specific values.

Public Comments and Feedback:

    • Recognize the importance of public comments in shaping NIST guidelines.
    • Consider participating in the public comment process, focusing on categorization decisions outlined in the drafts.

Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance involves understanding the evolving requirements, preparing for upcoming changes, and considering tools like the Centraleyes platform as a NIST 800-171 compliance software for streamlined compliance management.

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